Azure Update - 22nd March 2024

Key insights

• Azure Update highlights several new features and changes, focusing on KubeCon updates.


• Key introductions include AKS K8S 1.29 support, AKS 5K node limit enhancement, and significant AKS Gen2 VM improvements.


• Improvements in AKS include public IP tags, HostPort auto assignment, NSG ASG support, VM IP-based LB, and CNI overlay dual stack.


• New Azure services and enhancements such as Azure CNI static block IP allocation, AKS Windows GPU support, and Azure K8s fleet manager workload placement.


• Expansion of Azure capabilities including AKS cost analysis add-on, open-source Retina, App Gateway TLS certification management, and Azure Files GRS large file shares.

Exploring the Latest Azure Updates and Their Impact

The recent Azure update brings a myriad of enhancements and new features, stressing the company's commitment to cloud innovation and support. Key to this update are the updates following the KubeCon event, marking significant improvements for developers and IT professionals using Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). With support for AKS K8S 1.29 and enhancements like the AKS 5K node limit, Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of scalability and performance.

Moreover, the update introduces AKS Gen2 VM improvements, addressing the needs for security and efficiency with trusted launch capabilities. Enhancements like AKS public IP tags and auto-assignment features highlight the focus on simplifying network management for users.

Furthermore, the introduction of new Azure functions, like the AKS cost analysis add-on and support for Windows GPU in AKS, showcases Microsoft's ongoing effort to provide a comprehensive and versatile cloud platform. This, coupled with improvements in areas like TLS certification management and large file shares in Azure Files, enhances the overall user experience and expands the possibilities for cloud-based solutions.

This suite of updates and expansions benefits a wide range of Azure users, from developers looking for better Kubernetes support to businesses aiming for greater scalability and security in the cloud. As Azure continues to evolve, these updates highlight Microsoft's commitment to providing a cutting-edge and comprehensive cloud platform.

The latest Azure Weekly Update comes with a diverse range of updates, significantly influenced by the KubeCon event and marking the final report from the current studio setup. The presenter expresses gratitude toward the small room that has facilitated the creation of numerous videos.

Due to the increased growth of the channel and the volume of viewer interaction, the presenter has announced an inability to respond to or manage the influx of questions. Viewers are encouraged to seek answers through other platforms such as Reddit and the Microsoft Community Hub.

This episode extensively covers updates regarding Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), including support for AKS K8S 1.29, an increased node limit to 5000, and the introduction of Gen2 VMs with trusted launch capabilities. These improvements offer enhanced scalability, security, and flexibility for managing containerized applications.

Further AKS-related updates include public IP tagging, automatic HostPort assignments, support for Network Security Group (NSG) and Application Security Group (ASG), IP-based load balancing for VMs, and advanced networking features such as CNI overlay dual stacks and custom Kubelet configurations.

A notable addition is the Azure CNI static block IP allocation, alongside Windows GPU support for AKS, which broadens the service's application in computationally intensive tasks. Enhanced workload placement through the Azure K8s fleet manager and new cost analysis tools provide further benefits for managing and optimizing AKS environments.

The update introduces open-source Retina for AI applications, improved TLS certification management for Application Gateway, IPv6 support, and several other enhancements aimed at improving infrastructure management and development efficiency.

Significant advancements for Azure SQL and Azure Files are also highlighted, including a database watcher for Azure SQL, a new generation of SQL Managed Instance (MI) General Purpose, and support for large file shares in Azure Files with geo-redundant storage (GRS).

Moreover, the update covers enhancements in Azure Monitoring, including managed Prometheus services in new regions, custom resource definitions (CRD) configurations, and the introduction of the Azure Modeling and Simulation Workbench. This provides users with comprehensive tools for monitoring and modeling their Azure resources effectively.

Lastly, the presenter suggests various learning resources for Azure, including certification content, master classes, and mentoring content, aiming to support viewers in their Azure education and certification journey.

In the latest Azure Weekly Update, John Savill's MVP channel delivered comprehensive insights into significant developments across the Azure platform, particularly focusing on AKS enhancements. This report underscored the continuous advancement of Azure services, aiming to empower developers and IT professionals with improved scalability, security, and efficiency in their cloud-based applications and infrastructure. As this marks the last update from the current studio, the channel anticipates future developments and the ongoing evolution of Azure technologies.

Exploring Azure Updates: Emphasizing AKS Improvements and Broader Service Enhancements

Azure's cloud computing services continue to evolve, bringing significant updates that enhance user experience and service capabilities. The recent Azure Weekly Update highlights several crucial AKS improvements, reflecting Azure's commitment to providing a robust, secure, and scalable container service platform. These improvements allow enterprises to manage complex containerized applications more efficiently, ensuring high availability, security, and flexible scaling according to demand.

Aside from AKS enhancements, the update has introduced a variety of improvements across different Azure services, such as Azure SQL and Azure Files, emphasizing Microsoft's focus on delivering comprehensive cloud solutions. This ensures that regardless of the workload or application, users have access to state-of-the-art features that meet their needs.

The continuous introduction of new features and updates illustrates Azure's ongoing effort to adapt to customer requirements and technological advancements. It highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest developments to fully leverage Azure's capabilities for improved performance, security, and cost-effectiveness in cloud computing ventures.

Moreover, Azure provides extensive learning resources and certification programs, designed to help users deepen their knowledge and expertise in utilizing Azure services. This educational support is crucial for both beginners and experienced professionals seeking to achieve proficiency in cloud computing and stay competitive in the tech industry.

As Azure keeps on expanding its services and features, users and organizations can anticipate more innovative solutions that will further transform the landscape of cloud computing. The ongoing updates and enhancements in Azure reflect Microsoft's dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction in the cloud computing domain.

People also ask

Is Azure discontinued?

In an official communication via the Azure platform, Microsoft has clarified that the Azure IoT Central service will be discontinued effective March 31, 2027. It has been indicated that from April 1, 2024, the creation of new application resources will no longer be possible, although existing IoT Central applications will remain operational and manageable.

What is Azure update?

Azure Update Manager is a service dedicated to assisting in the management of updates for various machines. This includes machines running on both Windows and Linux operating systems and extends to machines located within Azure, on-premises, and even those on different cloud platforms. A significant feature of this service is the ability to monitor update compliance through a unified dashboard.

What is the new name for Azure?

Microsoft unveiled a name change for Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID on July 11, 2023, with the change becoming official on July 15, 2023. This renaming endeavor is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to ensure greater consistency across its cloud product offerings.

Can China access Azure?

While it is important to note that Azure's global regions and the Azure regions located within China are physically separated, there is a pathway for connectivity between subscriptions in Azure China and Azure global regions. This connectivity can be achieved through a combination of VPN site-to-site configurations or through ExpressRoute.

Keywords

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