[This article was contributed by the SQL Azure team.]

Today at PDC we are excited to  announce a number of exciting new features related to SQL Azure which are designed to further build out our platform and reduce complexity in building and managing applications. Today we are announcing.

• SQL Azure Reporting CTP:  SQL Azure Reporting enables developers to enhance their applications by embedding cloud based reports on information stored in a SQL Azure database, thereby allowing the users of these applications to gain greater insight on their line of business data without having to worry about setting up machines or instances.  Developers can author reports using familiar SQL Server Reporting Services tools and then use these reports in their applications which may be on-premises or in the cloud.
• SQL Azure Data Sync CTP 2:  At PDC we are also announcing an update to SQL Azure Data Sync to enable synchronization of entire databases or specific tables between on-premises SQL Server and SQL Azure,  giving customers greater flexibility in building solutions that span on-premises and the cloud. Customers can now synchronize SQL Azure databases across datacenters as well as with on-premises SQL Server.
• Database manager for SQL Azure: As part of the Windows Azure platform developer portal refresh, we are announcing a new lightweight, web-based database management and querying capability for SQL Azure databases. This capability was formerly referred to as “Project Houston”, and allows customers to have a streamlined experience within the web browser without having to download any tools.
• Customers can immediately register to get more information about the new capabilities here. Limited CTP programs of the new SQL Azure Reporting and Data Sync services will be available by the end of 2010. Invitations to participate and try out the services will be sent as we continue to build out capacity.

Stay tuned to this blog (we have an RSS feed) or our twitter account (@SQLAzure), for more updates. 

Links:

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sqlazure 
• Zane Adam’s Blog: