Today we announced the Microsoft Accelerator for Windows Azure program in Seattle.  Ten startups have been selected to participate in the three-month intense hands-on mentor program powered by our partners at TechStars and Microsoft BizSpark program, where they will develop new products and businesses using Windows Azure. We welcome the finalists:

• Advertory (@ADVERTORY)
• Appetas (@Appetas)
• BagsUp (@bagsup)
• Embarke (@embarke)
• Fanzo (@FanzoFans)
• MetricsHub (@MetricsHub)
• Mobilligy (@mobilligy)
• Realty Mogul (@Realty_Mogul)
• Socedo  (@SocedoApp)
• Staq   (@GetStaq)

We’re inspired by their ideas; we know you’ll be too. Check out Scott Guthrie’s blog post: Finalists for the Microsoft Accelerator for Windows Azure to hear his excitement as executive sponsor of the program.

We will share more information about the Microsoft Accelerator for Windows Azure teams and their applications on this blog in coming months. Windows Azure is passionate about startups, if you are a startup – check  out the resources available from Microsoft BizSpark to help you succeed.