Microsoft has decided to shut down its Azure-based blockchain-as-a-service platform and is asking users to migrate their data to an alternative of their choosing.
According to a blog post on Monday, the software giant has been quietly informing customers on the best way to jump ship by Sept. 10. Support for new deployments or member creations has also been discontinued.
No reason has been given for the decision and Microsoft did not answer CoinDeskâs attempt to contact it by phone.
The Quorum Blockchain Service from Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Ethereum-focused blockchain company ConsenSys (which it acquired from the developer, JPMorgan) has been recommended for use instead.
Beginning in 2015, Azure Blockchain was once styled as a type of âsandboxâ enabling partners to interact with different blockchain technologies and services, from smart contracts to tax reporting.
See also: Microsoft, EY Expand Blockchain Platform for Gaming Rights to Include Payments
The sandbox provided a toolkit for Azureâs enterprise customers and sought to establish itself as a âcertified blockchain marketplaceâ featuring solutions from industry participants.