As computing enters a new era and we see a big shift towards the cloud, Configuration Manager has also embraced this. We have the ability to deploy cloud-based distribution points that utilize the Windows Azure infrastructure.
Tip
You must have a Windows Azure subscription for this to work, which will incur additional costs. Make sure you know how much you are spending.
Cloud distribution points are easy to set up, easy to deploy and manage, as well as cost effective. You can easily price up the cost of a cloud distribution point using the price calculator on the Windows Azure website.
Tip
Large content is not suitable for Windows Azure, such as content used in the operating system deployment.
The best thing is that you can start and stop them at will making them a valuable tool for various uses:
A need to rapidly deploy software
Serve content on the Internet without exposing a server
Serve content for VPN users
Clients can fallback if a local or remote distribution...