If you are a Ruby or Java programmer and you want to leverage Windows Azure (or parts of it anyway), make sure you check out your respective SDKs…

Java SDK for .NET Services

The Microsoft .NET Services offer interoperability by design through industry standards and web protocols such as REST, SOAP, WS-*, as well as through community based libraries that make it easier to use the services. The Java SDK for .NET Services includes a set of libraries, tools, prescriptive guidance & sample applications that will enhance productivity for Java developers willing to use the .NET Services to extend their Java applications by using the Microsoft cloud services platform to build, deploy and manage reliable, Internet-scale applications.

Ruby SDK for .NET Services

The Microsoft .NET Services offer interoperability by design through industry standards and web protocols such as REST, SOAP, WS-*, as well as through community based libraries that make it easier to use the services. The Ruby SDK for .NET Services includes a set of libraries, tools, prescriptive guidance & sample applications that will enhance productivity for Ruby developers willing to use the .NET Services to extend their Ruby applications by using the Microsoft cloud services platform to build, deploy and manage reliable, Internet-scale applications.

I’ve sat through several sessions on the various Azure service, like storage, and the openness of the service API really makes them viable choices for those using non-Microsoft tools. Check it out!