With all the changes in Azure, it is sometimes hard to keep track, that's why I thought I would give you a quick update on a couple of exciting things I learned this week. In this update, I want to share a couple of things around updates on Azure Arc enabled SQL Servers, private endpoints for Azure File Sync, Azure Private Link support for Azure Automation, Azure Digital Twins enhanced features, and much more!
Preview of Azure Arc enabled SQL Server is now available
The Azure Data Services team just announced the private preview of Azure Arc enabled SQL Server. The preview includes the following features:
- Use the Azure Portal to register and track the inventory of your SQL Server instances across on-premises, edge sites, and multi-cloud in a single view.
- Use Azure Security Center to produce a comprehensive report of vulnerabilities in SQL Servers and get advanced, real-time security alerts for threats to SQL Servers and the OS.
- Investigate threats in SQL Servers using Azure Sentinel.
Azure Arc enabled SQL Server is now available
You can register any Windows or Linux based SQL Server to track your inventory. Azure Security Center’s advanced data security works on Windows-based SQL Server version 2012 or higher, running on physical or virtual machines and hosted on any infrastructure outside of Azure.
If you are interested in participating in this preview, check out the full blog post here.
Azure Digital Twins enhanced features are now in preview
Continuing the #JulyOT theme from last week, Microsoft announces the preview release of Azure Digital Twins enhanced features. Create comprehensive digital models of entire environments to help gain insights that can drive better products, optimize operations, reduce costs, and create exceptional customer experiences with Azure Digital Twins Preview.
Private endpoints for Azure File Sync are now generally available
Starting with Azure File Sync agent 10.1, Azure File Sync supports private endpoints in all public and Azure US Government cloud regions where Azure File Sync is available. Private endpoints enable you to assign your Storage Sync Service private IP addresses from within the address space of your virtual network. Private endpoints for Azure File Sync allow you to:
- Securely connect to your Azure resources from on-premises networks using a VPN or ExpressRoute connection with private-peering.
- Secure your Azure resources by disabling the public endpoints for Azure Files and File Sync.
- Increase security for your Azure virtual networks by blocking exfiltration of data from your network boundaries.
You can learn more about configuring Azure File Sync network endpoints.
Azure Private Link support for Azure Automation is now available in preview
Another exciting news is the announcement of the preview of Azure Private Link Support for Azure Automation. You can now use Azure Private Link to securely connect virtual networks to Azure Automation using private endpoints (in preview).
Use Private link to:
- Establish a private connection to Automation without opening public network access.
- Ensure your Automation data is only accessed through authorized private networks.
- Protect data exfiltration with granular access to specific resources.
- Protect resources from public network access.
Use endpoints to:
- Use webhooks to start a runbook.
- Connect Hybrid Runbook Worker.
- Connect Azure DSC nodes.
You can learn how to use Private Link to securely connect networks to Automation here.
Fun IoT projects to do at home during #JulyOT
As they find themselves spending more time at home, people are finding creative ways to strike a new work-life balance using the Internet of Things. Here are the stories of three IoT hobbyists and their home projects that will inspire your creativity too. Stories include connecting a Raspberry Pi to a BBQ smoker to help grill a perfect set of ribs and monitoring moisture levels in plants.
MS Learn Module of the Week
Get started with artificial intelligence on Azure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) empowers amazing innovative solutions and experiences, and Microsoft Azure provides easy to use services to help you get started.
Conclusion
I wish you a good weekend, and I hope this short blog post provided you with some news from this week. I know there is much more than just the things I listed here. I recommend that you follow the Azure announcements blog. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.
Also, check out last week's Az Update here.
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