For those looking to dip their feet into SQL 2012 and cloud based database storage via SQL Azure, there are two components. The first is the Express Edition of SQL 2012 which can connect to SQL Azure. The second is the 90 day “free” trial of SQL Azure. I state “Free” because Microsoft will charge you at the end of the trial if you don’t cancel it.

Here is the “Free” contingent language for the trial:
“*A Windows Live ID and credit card are required for proof of identity. There is no obligation to purchase at the end of the free trial. The trial includes monthly allocations for use. If you exceed these allocations, a spending limit will apply and your service will be disabled until the beginning of the next billing month; you will be required to redeploy your application and your subscription will expire at the end of the trial. If you remove the spending limit, any usage in excess of the monthly allocation will be charged at standard rates. At the end of the trial, any further usage will be charged at the standard rates. Once the spending limit has been disabled, it cannot be enabled again.”

Source: http://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/pricing/free-trial/

Here are the links to SQL 2012 and SQL Azure:

SQL 2012 Express Edition:
http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/en/us/editions/2012-editions/express.aspx

SQL Azure Description:
http://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/home/features/sql-azure/

SQL Azure “Free” Trial (Part of the Windows Azure Trial):
http://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/pricing/free-trial/