Windows Azure team developed a new Azure based feature, known as TownHall.

This is a software which will aloow to create applications where people seek opinions, message-boards, vote etc. TownHall applications will be based on REST API in the Azure which will enable the delivery of clients on a number of platforms, in order to store the collected data, database used for this will be on SQL Azure.

There is no License fee for TownHall, you only pay for the WindowsAzure. Some common scenarios where TownHall can be used:

• Event hosting as offered by evite etc
• Engagement with communities
• Message boards
• Vote
• Fan clubs , followers etc

You can see a TownHall sample at http://www.microsofttownhall.com/ . You can try this site by clicking on “Log in” link on the top-left of this web site. Using the login name – demouser and password – demopassword
Note- I am not sure how long this site is available for demo purpose.

You can download the design templates, themes for TownHall development from http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/TownHall/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=4209