Azure Weekly

Issue #542 - 30th November 2025

It's a surprisingly big issue for the traditional post-Ignite lull. Let's start off with AI: Function Calling with Small Language Models — A hands-on tutorial for implementing function calling with Qwen 2.5 using Microsoft Foundry Local, transforming small language models from passive text generators into active tool-using agents. From Concept to Code: Building Production-Ready Multi-Agent Systems with Microsoft Foundry — A three-phase guide covering design, development, and deployment of production-ready multi-agent systems using Foundry Workflows, VSCode Extensions, and the Microsoft Agent Framework. And Watch replays of Microsoft Entra sessions at Microsoft Ignite 2025 — A curated collection of replay links for identity and network access sessions from Ignite 2025, covering Zero Trust, AI agent security, and Microsoft Entra innovations.

In Analytics: Govern in OneLake Catalog for Fabric admins (Preview) — Introduces the new governance experience in OneLake catalog, providing Fabric administrators with centralised insights and tools to manage data estates from a single dashboard. And Snowflake, Fabric and Power BI Integration Options — An overview of seven connectivity options between Snowflake and Microsoft Fabric/Power BI, including mirroring capabilities for optimising costs, performance, and governance.

Other items of note: Gaining Confidence with Az CLI and Az PowerShell: Introducing What if & Export Bicep — Announces new preview features that let you preview command effects with --what-if and automatically generate Bicep templates from CLI commands before execution. Azure Governance Ignite 2025 — Recaps Azure governance announcements including Service Groups public preview, identity-based policy exemptions, and customisable machine configuration baselines aligned with CIS. And Azure Skilling at Microsoft Ignite 2025 — Highlights learning opportunities from Ignite 2025 including the Azure Skills Challenge, curated Plans on Learn, and the Microsoft Reactor Azure Skilling Series running December 3-11.

Finally, some real-world learnings: Adventures in Least Privilege: When an owner isn't an owner — Explores a subtle Entra ID gotcha where App Registration ownership doesn't automatically extend to Service Principals, and how explicit creation solves least-privilege automation challenges.