Microsoft Ignite 2025 is almost here, and we’re heading back to San Francisco from November 17-21 with a full digital experience for those joining online. Every year, Ignite brings together IT pros, developers, security teams, and technology leaders from around the world to explore the future of cloud, AI, and infrastructure. This year, Linux takes center stage in a big way.
From new security innovations in Azure Linux to deeper AKS modernization capabilities and hands-on learning opportunities, Ignite 2025 is packed with content for anyone building, running, or securing Linux-based workloads in Azure. Below is your quick guide to the biggest Linux announcements and the must-see sessions.
Major Linux Announcements at Ignite 2025
Public Preview: Built-in CIS Benchmarks for Azure Endorsed Linux Distributions
CIS Benchmarks are now integrated directly into Azure Machine Configuration, giving you automated and customizable compliance monitoring across Azure, hybrid, and on-prem environments. This makes it easier to continuously govern your Linux estate at scale with no external tooling required.
Public Preview: Azure Linux OS Guard
Azure Linux OS Guard introduces a hardened, immutable Linux container host for AKS with FIPS mode enforced by default, a reduced attack surface, and tight AKS integration. It is ideal for highly regulated or sensitive workloads and brings stronger default security with less operational complexity.
General Availability: Pod Sandboxing for AKS (Kata Containers)
Pod Sandboxing with fully managed Kata Containers is now GA, delivering VM-level isolation for AKS workloads. This provides stronger separation of CPU, memory, and networking and is well-suited for multi-tenant applications or organizations with strict compliance boundaries.
Linux Sessions at Ignite
Whether you are optimizing performance, modernizing with containers, or exploring new security scenarios, there is something for every Linux practitioner.
Breakout Sessions
|
Session Code |
Session Name |
Date and Time (PST) |
|
BRK143 |
Optimizing performance, deployments, and security for Linux on Azure |
Thu Nov 20, 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM |
|
BRK144 |
Wed Nov 19, 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM | |
|
BRK104 |
From VMs and containers to AI apps with Azure Red Hat OpenShift |
Thu Nov 20, 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM |
|
BRK137 |
Nasdaq Boardvantage: AI-driven governance on PostgreSQL and AI Foundry |
Wed Nov 19, 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM |
Theatre Sessions
|
Session Code |
Session Name |
Date and Time (PST) |
|
THR712 |
Tue Nov 18, 3:15 PM to 3:45 PM | |
|
THR701 |
From Container to Node: Building Minimal-CVE Solutions with Azure Linux |
Wed Nov 19, 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM |
Hands-on Lab
Lab 505: Fast track your Linux and PostgreSQL migration with Azure Migrate
Tue Nov 18, 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM
Wed Nov 19, 3:45 PM to 5:00 PM
Thu Nov 20, 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM
This interactive lab helps you assess, plan, and execute Linux and PostgreSQL migrations at scale using Azure Migrate’s end-to-end tooling.
Meet the Linux on Azure Team at Ignite
If you are attending in person, come say hello. Visit the Linux on Azure Expert Meetup stations inside the Microsoft Hub. You can ask questions directly to Microsoft’s Linux engineering and product experts, explore demos across Azure Linux, compliance, and migration, and get recommendations tailored to your workloads. We always love meeting customers and partners.
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