Microsoft's Azure RemoteApp app-delivery service to be generally available December 11

Microsoft's Azure RemoteApp service, which allows users to deploy Windows apps in the cloud and access them from a variety of devices, is generally available starting next week.

Microsoft unveiled the preview of Azure RemoteApp, codenamed "Mohoro," in May at TechEd North America. On December 4, officials said that Azure RemoteApp will be generally available as of December 11. Existing preview customers' subscriptions will automatically be moved to a 30-day free trial as of that date.

Starting December 11, Azure RemoteApp will be a pay-as-you-go service, with customers also having the option of buying Azure RemoteApp through a volume licensing/Azure plan starting on February 1, 2015.

Azure RemoteApp allows users to access globally corporate applications, including Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2013, on iOS, Mac OS X, Android and Windows devices. There's a preview of a Remote Desktop app for Windows Phone in the app store, as well.

"Customers have the option to customize their Windows Server 2012 R2 image with their own applications when using the 'Create with VPN' deployment option," according to the Frequently Asked Questions fine print, with customers bearing the responsibility for complying with use rights of the applications they bring onto the service.

Azure RemoteApp isn't like other desktop-as-a-service offerings (which typically stream apps); it's more of a remote-access service. It's complementary to Microsoft's existing on-premises remote desktop services offering, as customers use the same RDP clients to connect.