Microsoft Research has recently announced its commitment to provide large amounts of cloud computing resources to help research projects contribute to the White House Climate Data initiative, a response to the Climate Action Plan sanctioned by President Obama. 
The programme involves Microsoft Research providing 40 successful bidders with 180,000 hours of cloud computing time, using Windows Azure, and facilitated with 20 Terabytes of cloud storage.
Microsoft will also provide researchers with training and classes to ensure that project teams are best equipped to exploit cloud data mechanics.
Microsoft further commits to the deployment of FetchClimate, a climate data resource for past and present observations and for climate-prediction information. FetchClimate will be available as a fast, free, intelligent environmental information-retrieval service and as a cloud-based system that can be adapted to the specific needs of new projects.
You can read more about FetchClimate, a Microsoft free on-line tool tool, here.
The process for research teams to apply is not complicated. Short, three pages, submissions must be sent in by June 15th, 2014.
The on-line application form is here.
The call for proposals FAQ is here.
If you do, the very best of luck. See you in the cloud.
