How to port WCF/SQL app to (SQL) Azure cloud?

Question

I've got a local app, consisting of a windows service providing the middle/business tier for a SQL Server database (c#, .net 4, SQL Server 2008 R2)

Now I'd like to port this app to Windows Azure Cloud (both service and SQL database). Is somewhere a document stating the differences between a local WCF service and a windows Azure Service, same for local SQL Server and SQL Azure?

Any pointers how to start porting from WCF to Azure?

Answer 1

For SQL Server vs SQL Azure, look at this MSDN page. You'll see a whitepaper link documenting the fundamental differences between SQL Server and SQL Azure. Here are additional links:

• General Guidelines and Limitations
• T-SQL Support

For WCF in Azure, you'll need to learn about the ways to host WCF in either a WCF Service Web Role or a Worker Role. You'll also have to understand the new binding types available if accessing WCF over the Service Bus. Here are a few links to get you started:

• Azure WCF samples and discussions
• Patch to let WCF work properly in Azure, due to load balancer issues