Microsoft's premade templates allows for the deployment of SQL databases without having to use complex PowerShell commands.

Wondering how to set up a Windows Azure subscription? This Windows Azure tutorial has all the information to help you create and manage the subscription.

When you need a SQL database fast, the cloud is the best way to go. Azure provides a SQL database as a PaaS that eliminates the need to get an entire SQL Server deployment up and running.

Until Microsoft adds a native command that easily connects virtual directories to Azure Web apps, we're going to have to do it ourselves.