Az Update is coming to you a little earlier this week. This week's news includes: New Azure Arc features, Azure Migrate updates, new memory-optimized Azure Virtual Machines, Update Baseline for Windows 10 and more. Be sure to tune in to our live stream today. Details for all news items can be found below.
The Az Update Show (Livestream)
Season 1 Episode 9:
Microsoft announces Azure Arc Server Extension Management
Azure Arc, designed to extend Azure Management to any infrastructure, will receives server extension management functionality as announced by Microsoft today. The new Azure Arc enabled server extension management features allows to deploy extensions like the Custom Script Extension, or the Microsoft Monitoring Agent and can enable features like Azure Update Management, Inventory, Change Tracking, and more for servers running in a hybrid environment.
New ways to assess imported servers via Azure Migrate
Azure Migrate now supports the assessment of servers imported using a CSV file no longer requiring the need to deploy an appliance. This comes in handy if you are looking for a quick assessment using configuration-management database (CMDB) inventory or are waiting for approvals to deploy the Azure Migrate appliance. Performance-based assessments can be run as well by specifying utilization values in the CSV. Further details surrounding the new Azure Migrate assessment capability can be found here.
New general purpose and memory-optimized Azure Virtual Machines with Intel now available
Microsoft announces the availability of new general purpose and memory-optimized Azure Virtual Machines based on the 2nd generation Intel Xeon Platinum 8272CL (Cascade Lake). This custom processor runs at a base speed of 2.5GHz and can achieve all-core turbo frequency of 3.4GHz. It features Intel® Deep Learning Boost Technology, Intel® Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (Intel® AVX-512), Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, and Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology.
Update Baseline for Windows 10 now available
Similar to Windows security baselines, the Update Baseline for Windows 10 offers recommended configuration settings plus guidance on customizing those settings to meet an organization’s unique needs. And, like the Windows security baselines, you can get to an optimized approach that’s right for you with just a few clicks. The Update Baseline for Windows 10 includes recommended policy settings across a number of areas, including: Configuring deadlines, Restart behavior, Accounting for low activity devices, Delivery optimization, Power policies and others. Download the Update Baseline for Windows 10 to start evaluating the proposed baselines.
MS Learn Module of the Week
Architect network infrastructure in Azure
This week's module shares details on how to architect a secure, flexible, network infrastructure in Azure and connect on-premises networks to Azure resources.
Be sure to visit the Azure announcements blog for daily updates on all new announcements.