windows azure port range forwarding

Question

I am running a virtual machine on Windows Azure. Unfortunately the service is virtually unusable (ha!) because it is separated from the Internet by a firewall. Port ranges cannot be opened in the firewall, only individual ports, and only a limited number of those. I would be happy to disable the virtual firewall altogether and rely on the Windows firewall, but that also does not appear to be an option.

Has anyone found a workaround for this port range forwarding issue?

Alternatively, any suggestions for where I can host this server? I am looking for a virtual machine host that will permit me to supply my own disk image. It looks like we can download the VHD file from Windows Azure, so I am looking for a host that will permit upload of a VHD or VMDK file.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Answer 1

You can upload your own VHD to Windows Azure Virtual Machines.

Could you please describe what ports you are attempting to open and on what OS?

Any additional information on the scenario you are attempting to enable would be helpful as well.