The sky's the limit for innovation with the cloud

More recently, the airline has taken this strategy to the at once level, starting to place its airport services into the "cloud" via a single, integrated IT infrastructure based on Microsoft’s Windows Azure operating platform.

EasyJet has used Azure to create its own cloud-based application environment, Halo. "Azure allows us to plug at the same time all of our airports over the internet, managing information centrally," Didcock explains.

This means easyJet’s services can be untethered from designated check-in, sales and boarding desks, and managed via self-service kiosks or hand-held devices across a WiFi or 3G network.

The elimination of queues

Although broader benefits include the elimination of queues, faster turnaround times, increased sales of ancillary services and an enhanced passenger experience, the business case was built purely around the potential to reduce operational costs at each of the airports.

The advantage of building such services on the Windows Azure platform is that easyJet has not had to invest in its own IT infrastructure.

"Azure has let us extend our system and functionality in accordance with the control of business rules and security. Microsoft has captured all of these requirements in a single, highly scalable platform. This is a real strategic possibility for us, and we’re excited at the possibilities."

The ability to scale up

Adopting cloud research has given Royal Mail the ability to scale up and down quickly to meet demand, without paying a premium.

Thanks to the scalability of Cloud Computing, Lewisham's novel approach to graffiti-reporting has quickly spread across London, says Sue Tabbitt.