<p>Microsoft is making available a preview version of the promised virtual machine (VMs) images running Oracle software -- its database, WebLogic Server and Java Development Kit -- on Windows Azure starting today, September 24.</p><p>The pair have said they'll provide VMs not only for Windows Azure, but also on Windows Server via Hyper-V. (Today's VM preview is for Windows Azure only, as far as I can tell.) Users interested in trying out the new offering can either bring their own license, or make use of a license provided by Oracle for its database and WebLogic server.</p><p>There's no publicly announced general availability date for Oracle software running on Azure, according to a frequently asked questions section on Microsoft's site about the deal.</p><p>Today's preview is the first step toward making good on a partnership that rivals Microsoft and Oracle announced back in June of this year. At that time, Microsoft and Oracle committed to provide the following:Microsoft customers can run Oracle software on Windows Server Hyper-V and Windows Azure Oracle will allow license mobility on Azure Microsoft will add infrastructure instances with Oracle's Java, database and WebLogic ServerMicrosoft will support and offer fully licensed Java in Azure Oracle will offer Oracle Linux on preconfigured instances. (Windows Azure already offers other Linux flavors -- OpenSUSE, CentOS, Ubuntu and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server -- in VM form.)</p><p><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-delivers-preview-of-oracle-software-on-windows-azure-7000021104/">Keep reading...</a></p>