Azure Weekly Issue 339: 5th September 2021

Last week we highlighted the security vulnerability in Cosmos DB, this week Aaron Powell has a nice script to automatically Regenerate All CosmosDB Keys. There are some impactful changes coming to Azure AD; firstly Azure AD Graph is retiring on 30 June 2022 and secondly you must upgrade to the latest version of Azure AD Connect before 31 August 2022.

As I seem to be spending most of my time in a shell at the moment, Scott Hanselman's latest post covering his Ultimate PowerShell prompt with Oh My Posh and the Windows Terminal is a welcome one. Another tool that not enough people know about, and we made use of last week while helping new starters automate setting up their local and cloud development environments, is Chocolatey; Rob Reynolds about Automation with Chocolatey on Episode 156 of The Azure Podcast. Another service that doesn't get enough attention is Azure App Configuration which now offers increased hourly request limit.

Thomas Maurer kicks off an interesting new series of videos about Azure Arc enabled Data services. Another noteworthy annoucement is that Custom AKS policy support is now in public preview.

Finally two interesting posts covering similar areas are How to analyze data exported from Log Analytics data using Synapse and a Step-by-Step Guide for using Azure to Process IoT Data.

AI + Machine Learning

Covering: Anomaly detector, Azure Bot Service, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Open Datasets, Bing APIs, Cognitive Services, Computer Vision, Content moderator, Custom vision, Data Science Virtual Machines, Face, Form Recogniser, Immersive Reader, Ink Recogniser, Language Understanding (LUIS), Machine Learning Studio, Microsoft Genomics, ML.NET, Personaliser, Project Cortex, QnA Maker, Speaker Recognition, Speech-to-Text, Speech translation, Text Analytics, Text to Speech , Translator Speech, Translator Text

• The Azure Updates Team announces Azure Machine Learning now generally available in Japan West
• A new hour long lesson has about how to Create a Regression Model with Azure Machine Learning designer has been released on docs.microsoft.com
• Maoliang Huang describes How We Improved Engineers Productivity in ML Training Pipeline

Analytics

Covering: Apache Spark for HDInsight, Apache Storm for HDInsight, Azure Analysis Services, Azure Data Explorer, Azure Data Share, Azure Databricks, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Synapse Analytics, Data Catalog, Data Factory, Data Lake Analytics, Event Hubs, HDInsight, .NET for Apache Spark, R Server for HDInsight, Azure Purview

• Shemer Steinlauf explains How to analyze data exported from Log Analytics data using Synapse
• Linishya Vaz walks through Analyzing FHIR data with Azure Synapse Analytics
• On the Microsoft BI Tools blog, Joost van Rossum (@ssisjoost) explains how to Analyze Azure Data Factory logs - part 3: Power BI
• On the MSSQL Tips site, Ron L'Esteve walks through Managing Auto Loader Resources and explores Advanced Schema Evolution using Databricks Auto Loader

Compute

Covering: Azure CycleCloud, Azure Dedicated Host, Azure Functions, Azure VMware Solution by CloudSimple, Batch, Cloud Services, Linux Virtual Machines, SAP HANA on Azure Large Instances, Service Fabric, Virtual Machines, Virtual Machine Scale Sets

• The Azure Updates Team have announced a number of Functions related returements Azure Functions support for Node 10 is ending on 30 September 2022, Azure Functions support for Node 6 is ending on 28 February 2022, Azure Functions support for PowerShell 6 is ending on 30 September 2022.
• The Azure Updates Team writes that New Azure Batch capabilities are GA.
• Simon Waight (@simonwaight) explains How to Build and Debug an Alexa Skill with Python and Azure Functions
• Daniel Cazzulino discusses Running Mostly Minimal .NET 6 APIs in Azure Functions
• On Code Project, Jeremy Morgan (@JeremyCMorgan) covers Building a Micro Web API with Azure Functions and SQLite
• On Tech Community blog, SameerDoshi covers Run a GraphQL endpoint for pennies a month with Apollo Server and Azure Functions
• Episode 097 of Ctrl+Alt+Delete podcast covers Durable Functions with Marc Duiker.
• Dennis Zheng explains How to check Elastic Premium Plan Function App allocated instance counts history
• Thorsten Hans explains how to Integrate Virtual Machine Scale Sets with Azure Monitor and VMInsights using Terraform
• Charbel Nemnom (@charbelnemnom) describes How To Rename an Azure Virtual Machine
• Sharmistha Rai explains how to Simplified disaster recovery for VMware machines using Azure Site Recovery
• The Azure Updates Team announce Run Commands for Azure VMware Solution now in public preview
• Marisa Brasile discusses Azure SQL VM: Using PerfInsights to Evaluate Resource Health and Troubleshoot Ep. 5 Data Exposed

Containers

Covering: Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Red Hat OpenShift, CNAB, CNCF, Container Instances, Container Registry, Porter, WSL, Web App for Containers

• The Azure Updates Team covers Custom AKS policy support - now public preview
• The Azure Updates Team announces General availability: Update in policy compliance for Azure Kubernetes Policies
• Vinicius Apolinario (@vrapolinario) blogs about Windows Server 2022 and beyond for containers

Databases

Covering: Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Database for MariaDB, Azure Database for MySQL, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Database Edge, Azure Cache for Redis, SQL Data Warehouse, SQL Server on virtual machines, SQL Server Stretch Database, Table storage

• The Azure Updates Team covers Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Hyperscale Citus now supports PostgreSQL 11.12 minor version, and Public preview: Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Flexible Server automated intelligent tuning and Azure Database for PostgreSQL–Hyperscale Citus: Germany West Centralregion generally available
• On the Redmond magazine site, John K. Waters talks about Microsoft to Azure Cosmos DB Users: Your Data May Have Been Exposed
• Aaron Powell (@slace) explains how to Regenerate All CosmosDB Keys
• Alexandra Ciortea discusses Release: SQL Server Migration Assistant SSMA v8.22
• Andreas Wolter (@AndreasWolter) blogs about Server roles for Azure SQL Database Server: Database Management without admin-access and describes Server roles for Azure SQL Database: Database Management without admin-access
• Denzil Ribeiro (@DenzilRibeiro) explains how to Improved columnstore data loading using Query Store hints
• Melania Nitu discusses Provisioning Azure Database for MySQL - Single Server from AKS
• On SQL Server Central, Eduardo Pivaral describes Schedule Azure SQL DB Processes using Azure Functions
• Vincent-Philippe Lauzon (@vplauzon) explains how to Automate deployments in Azure Data Explorer
• Sabrin Alsahsah explains how to Restore database across servers Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL managed instance- Azure Automation
• Uros Milanovic covers Azure SQL Managed Instance deletion now removes virtual cluster as part of the delete flow
• On Channel 9, Anna Hoffman and Taiob Ali talks about Managing SQL Server Agent Jobs with Notebook Jobs in Azure Data Studio Data Exposed

Developer Tools

Covering: App Configuration, Azure Lab Services, CLIs, Developer tool integrations, SDKs, Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio Online

• Scott Hanselman (@shanselman) writes about My Ultimate PowerShell prompt with Oh My Posh and the Windows Terminal
• On the Visual Studio blog, Leslie Richardson describes Boost your productivity with Productivity Power Tools Extensions in Visual Studio 2022
• On the Visual Studio blog, Mads Kristensen (@mkristensen) delves into Optimizing toolbars for your workflow
• On Visual Studio Magazine, David Ramel (@dramel) covers Developers Say 'No' to Tips & Tricks Help in Visual Studio 2022, writes about One-Click VS Code in Browser from GitHub Repo 'How Did I Not Know This' and explains how to What's in New Productivity Power Tools for Visual Studio 2022
• Antti K. Koskela (@koskila) writes about when Visual Studio Code fails when running git pull for a new project
• Jay Gordon (@jaydestro) covers AzureFunBytes Episode 55 - Programming for Accessibility with Rory Preddy
• On the Premier Developer blog, Developer Support covers Deconstructing Azure PowerShell APIs with Fiddler

DevOps

Covering: Azure Artifacts, Azure Boards, Azure DevOps, Azure Pipelines, Azure Repos, Azure Test Plans, Azure DevTest Labs, DevOps tool integrations

• Jeffrey Palermo (@jeffreypalermo) talks to Rob Reynolds about Automation with Chocolatey - Episode 156
• Jay Gordon (@jaydestro) discusses AzureFunBytes Episode 53 – Intro to PulumiCorp with Matty Stratton
• On the MSSQL Tips site, Hristo Hristov talks about Editing Power Apps Outside of Power Apps Studio
• On Channel 9, April Edwards and Chris Maneu talks about DevOps Lab Infra as Code in Action: Naming conventions Ep 1 of 4-episode series The DevOps Lab
• Buck Woody (@BuckWoodyMSFT) discusses DevOps for Data Science – Part 9 - Automated Testing and Scale
• Also on Tech Community blog, Charlie Johnstone talks about DevOps Primer Part 1
• Werner Rall talks about Azure & Desired State Configuration Part 3/4
• Thomas Thornton (@tamstar1234) discusses Referencing Variable Groups in Azure DevOps Pipeline Templates
• Pete Gallagher talks about Deploying an ASP.NET Blazor App to Azure using Octopus Deploy – Part 1 – Environments and Deployment Targets, describes Part 2 – Linking Azure, discusses Part 3 – Create Azure Web Apps + Staging and Production Deployment Targets, discusses Part 4 – Create and Package a Blazor WebAssembly App, discusses Part 5 – Octopus Deploy Projects, Variables and Processes, covers Part 6 – Create a Release and covers Part 7 – Send a Notification to Microsoft Teams

Hybrid

Covering: Azure Arc, Azure Stack

• Thomas Maurer (@thomasmaurer) describes Azure Arc enabled Data services video series and covers Windows Server 2022 is generally available
• Bjrn Peters talks about Data Saturday 14 – Oslo 2021 – Introduction into Azure Arc Data Services
• On the Azure podcast, Srdan Bozovic talks about SQL Managed Instances on Episode 392
• Robert Smit (@Clustermvp) covers Step By Step Troubleshooting Azure Arc-enabled servers with agent connection issues
• Andrew Hansen describes Storage Innovations in Windows Server 2022
• Ben Armstrong writes about AKS on Azure Stack HCI - August 2021 update

Identity

Covering: Azure Active Directory (AD), Azure Active Directory B2C, Azure Active Directory Domain Services

• The Azure Updates Team announces that Azure AD Graph is retiring on 30 June 2022
• The Azure Updates Team says you should Upgrade to the latest version of Azure AD Connect before 31 August 2022
• Travis Roberts (@Ciraltos) explains how to Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication MFA on External Guest Azure AD Accounts and blogs about Hybrid Azure AD Join: The device object by the given ID is not found
• Sue Bohn writes about Secure access to Amazon Managed Grafana with Azure AD

Integration

Covering: Azure API for FHIR, Event Grid, Logic Apps, Service Bus

• John Kilmister (@johnkilmister) talks about Manual Intervention Steps in Azure Logic apps with MS Teams

Internet of Things

Covering: Azure Digital Twins, Azure IoT Central, Azure IoT Edge, Azure IoT Hub, Azure IoT solution accelerators, Azure Maps, Azure Sphere, Azure Time Series Insights, IoT DevKit, WildernessLabs, Windows 10 IoT Core Services

• Benedikt Häuser shares a Step-by-Step Guide for using Azure to Process IoT Data
• The Azure Updates Team announces that Windows Server IoT 2022 is now generally available
• Ajit Jaokar walks through Using scenario driven methods to teach about 5G, AI and the Edge
• Dave Jacobs talks about Azure Percept DK and Azure Percept Audio now available in more regions

Learning

Covering: Microsoft Certifications, Azure Certifications, Microsoft Learning Paths, Certification Pathway Information

• On Tech Community blog, Karina Ung explains how to Continue staying ahead with Microsoft Certifications
• Also on Tech Community blog, The Student Developer Team invites you to Meet a recent Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador graduate: Sagnik Chattopadhyaya

Management and Governance

Covering: Automation, Azure Advisor, Azure Backup, Azure Blueprints, Azure Lighthouse, Azure Managed Applications, Azure mobile app, Azure Monitor, Azure Policy, Azure Resource Manager, Azure Service Health, Azure Site Recovery, Cloud Shell, Cost Management, Microsoft Azure portal, Scheduler, Azure Purview

•  Cindy Na announces that 5 reasons to attend the Azure data governance digital event
• Charbel Nemnom (@charbelnemnom) explains how to Enable Azure SQL Auditing with Azure Policy and how to Enable Vulnerability Assessment on SQL Servers with Azure Policy
• The Azure Updates Team writes about Generally available: Azure Monitor support for Availability Zones
• The Azure Updates Team writes about General availability: Cross service queries between Azure Monitor and Azure Data Explorer
• Tobias Zimmergren (@zimmergren) walks through Deep-linking Azure Log Analytics and Application Insights queries
• Asir Selvasingh (@asirselvasingh) talks about Monitor Spring Boot applications end-to-end using Dynatrace

Media

Covering: Azure Media Player, Content Protection, Encoding, Live and On-Demand Streaming, Media Analytics, Media Services, Video Indexer

Migration

Covering: Azure Database Migration Service, Azure Migrate, Data Box

• On the Azure blog, Michael Flanakin (@flanakin) talks about Azure Cost Management and Billing updates – August 2021
• The Azure Updates Team writes about General availability: Azure Backup Offline backup with Azure Data Box and Azure SQL Migration extension in Azure Data Studio in public preview
• On the SQL Server Blog, Brittany Rowe discusses Move SQL Server licenses without Software Assurance to Azure
• Jelte Fennema covers Shard rebalancing in the Citus 10.1 extension to Postgres
• Sudheesh Narayanaswamy blogs about Options for migrating Azure Database for MySQL - Single Server to Flexible Server

Mobile

Covering: App Service (Mobile), Mobile apps, Notification Hubs, Visual Studio App Centre, Xamarin

• Madhura Bharadwaj writes about Where to Azure App Service Advisor Emails get sent
• On the Xamarin blog, Brandon Minnick (@TheCodeTraveler) describes Introducing .NET MAUI Compatibility for the Xamarin Community Toolkit
• On Visual Studio Magazine - Blogs, David Ramel (@dramel) discusses Preview of .NET MAUI Community Toolkit Heralds Xamarin.Forms Sunsetting
• Liz Cox writes about Back to School 2021-22- Intune for Education

Networking

Covering: Application Gateway, Azure Bastion, Azure DNS, Azure ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall, Azure Firewall Manager, Azure Front Door, Azure Internet Analyzer, Azure Private Link, Content Delivery Network, Load Balancer, Network Watcher, Traffic Manager, Virtual Network, Virtual WAN, VPN Gateway, Web Application Firewall

• The Azure Updates Team writes about General availability: Azure ExpressRoute: New ExpressRoute Direct locations available, and General availability: Enabling Load Balancing for IBM WebSphere on Azure Virtual Machines and General availability: Azure Route Server
• On the Microsoft BI Tools blog, Joost van Rossum (@ssisjoost) writes about Virtual Network Data Gateway for Power BI
• Abbas Ali Mir explains how to SAP on Azure Network connectivity and Security
• Pierre Roman (@pierreroman) talks about AzUpdate S03E05: Windows 11 Release - Azure Private Link - Containers and WSL2
• Reza Rahman (@reza_rahman) blogs about Load Balancing Support for WebSphere on Azure Virtual Machines
• The Azure Updates Team writes about General availability: Azure ExpressRoute: New ExpressRoute peering locations available
• Richard M. Hicks (@richardhicks) writes about Always On VPN Authentication Failure with Azure Conditional Access

Security

Covering: Azure DDoS Protection, Azure Information Protection, Azure Sentinel, Key Vault, Security Center

• The Azure Updates Team discusses Azure Security Center: General availability updates for August 2021 and discusses Azure Security Center: Public preview updates for August 2021
• Alex Steele discusses Sunset of label management in the Azure portal and AIP classic client for GCC, GCC High customers
• Camila Martins explains how to Improve your Azure Network Infrastructure Security with Complementary Services
• Also on Tech Community blog, Sonia Cuff (@soniacuff) covers an Introduction to Secured-core computing
• On Azure Sentinel blog, Ron Marsiano writes about Alert enrichment how to reduce incident triage and investigation times using dynamic alert details
• On Azure Sentinel Blog, Zachary Nguyen explains how to Introducing: Azure Sentinel Data Exploration Toolset ASDET

Storage

Covering: Archive Storage, Avere vFXT for Azure, Azure Data Lake Store, Azure FXT Edge Filer, Azure HPC Cache, Azure NetApp Files, Blob Storage, Disk Storage, File Storage, Managed Disks, Queue Storage, Storage Accounts, Storage Explorer, StorSimple

• The Azure Updates Team writes about General availability: Automatic key rotation of customer-managed keys for encrypting Azure disks, and General availability: Azure Files supports storage capacity reservations for premium, hot, and cool tiers, and SMB Multichannel for Azure Files is generally available and General availability: Azure Files now supports SMB 3.1.1
• On Channel 9, Anna Hoffman and David Pless talks about Azure SQL VM: Using PerfInsights to Evaluate Resource Health and Troubleshoot on Ep. 5 Data Exposed
• Also on Channel 9, Scott Hanselman and Yuan Zheng talk about Eliminate data silos with NFS 3.0 support for Azure Blob Storage on Azure Friday
• The Azure Updates Team announces General availability: Change performance tiers for Azure Premium SSDs with no downtime

Web

Covering: API apps, API Management, App Service (Web), Azure Cognitive Search, Azure SignalR Service, Azure Spring Cloud, Web apps

• On the Azure blog, Julia Liuson announces Azure Spring Cloud Enterprise—fully managed VMware Tanzu components and advanced configurability for Spring Boot apps
• The Azure Updates Team covers Public preview: Monitor Spring Boot applications end-to-end using Dynatrace, and Private preview: Azure Spring Cloud Enterprise and and General availability: Azure API Management updates - August 2021
• Ornella Altunyan describes Beep Boop 4: Add AI to Your Web App and discusses Beep Boop 5: Recap and Preview of Season 2
• Nate Ceres describes Supercharge your Java Apps on Azure
• The Azure Updates Team announces Azure App Service support for Availability Zones reaches general availability
• The Azure Updates Team announces General availability: Azure App Configuration now offers increased hourly request limit

Azure Virtual Desktop

Covering: Azure Virtual Desktop