Microsoft is teaming up with computer makers to try to make its Windows Azure cloud computing system attractive to government and big corporate customers.
In recent years, companies have started to use technology called virtualisation, which can let one physical server computer act as several. That cuts costs for hardware, energy use and the labour needed to oversee large data centres.
Cloud computing systems build on that trend. Instead of having to own and operate all those servers, companies can choose to outsource data centre management.
The companies can store data and give employees access to software over the internet. And these systems can automatically ramp up or scale down the computing resources they devote to any one program, depending on demand.
Microsoft said that PC makers Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Fujitsu have set up what Microsoft is calling Azure appliances, or networks of servers in their own data centres running Azure.
Now the PC makers, which also do technology consulting, can add cloud computing to their menu of services.
EBay said it would be one of the first customers to use the Azure platform, in two of its data centres. It has already tried out the system, specifically for its page of iPad auction listings.
Some companies, government agencies and others have shied away from putting programs and data "in the cloud" because of security concerns. Having a company such as Dell or HP operate the cloud could help ease their worries.
Microsoft and the PC makers are also working on a version of the Azure appliance that the PC makers can install in end customers' own data centres.
The announcement was made during Microsoft's annual partner conference, held this year in Washington, D.C.
