Everybody else is doing it. Microsoft is going to give a shot at it too.

In an effort to keep programmers loyal and customers happy, Microsoft has recognized the need to match their competitors’ moves toward cloud computing with Azure. Gadgetell has a more in depth look on cloud computing here. Making operating systems and programs remotely accessible means real changes for us.

Keep reading to see what some of them are.

It is no secret that Microsoft makes its fortunes in packaged software on CDs. Pop in almost any store and you’ll see 1,323 varieties of Vista neatly packaged, waiting for you (OK, that number may not be accurate). Unveiling plans yesterday, Microsoft announced a strategy that will put them in the hunt for users of online applications in the second half of 2008.