Ever tried to learn SQL, the query language that lets you poke at the innards of databases? Most tutorials start by having you create your own database, fill it with nonsense, and then run queries ...

Microsoft began taking sign ups for its SQL Azure Reporting Services public test build on the same day that rival Salesforce unveiled its plans for a cloud database of its own.

Microsoft is making available for download a test build of Service Pack 1 for its SQL Server 2012 database, as well as new SQL Azure cloud-database additions.