Automation–Orchestrating Windows Azure–Solving the Public Cloud Puzzle with System Center 2012 SP1

Hello Readers/Viewers!

Once again, I am excited to announce the release of even more Example Runbooks –

This time for…Windows Azure!

Now… Let’s be clear, there is no way I can compete with this AWESOME post – that basically went viral yesterday – but, I will try to provide something that is at least 3 parts value, 2 parts innovation and 1 part entertainment. :)

What is included?

• 21 Example Runbooks!
  • The Runbooks target Windows Azure via the Orchestrator Integration Pack for Windows Azure and PowerShell for Windows Azure
• 3 Specific Example Demo Scenarios
  • Deploy a Windows Azure VM using Orchestrator Runbooks
  • Deprovision a Windows Azure VM using Orchestrator Runbooks
  • Move a VM from OnPrem Windows Server 2012 to Windows Azure Public Cloud
• Dozens of other potential Demo Scenarios
  • The majority of the Runbooks included are “Sub-Routine” type Runbooks, which are generic atomic processes that cover a variety of Windows Azure Deployment and Virtual Machine tasks
• Documentation/Demonstration
  • Release Notes / Pre-Requisites (.docx)
  • Runbook Listing (.xlsx)
  • Deployment Demo Example Data File (.txt)
  • Deployment Demo Example Data Listing (.xlsx)
  • Video Demonstration! (see below)
  • Cascading Dependencies Quick Feature Overview
• External References
  • Windows Azure Portal and Information
  • Get Started with Windows Azure Cmdlets by Windows Azure Team on MSDN
  • Windows Azure PowerShell by Windows Azure Team on MSDN
  • Windows Azure PowerShell Download
  • How to Create a Certificate for a Role by Windows Azure Team on MSDN
  • Migrate a Virtual Machine to Windows Azure with PowerShell by Michael Washam

 

What is it? Show me the Demo!

Roll Tape!

Useful Video Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro Slides
00:00:58 - Demo of Windows Azure VM Deployment Creation via System Center 2012 SP1 Orchestrator
00:07:21 - Demo of Windows Azure VM Deployment Deprovision via System Center 2012 SP1 Orchestrator
00:11:48 - Demo of OnPrem VM Move to Windows Azure via System Center 2012 SP1 Orchestrator and PS
00:16:29 - Summary

NOTE: The PowerShell Script mentioned in the video exists within the Release Notes / Pre-Requisites documentation included in the download. Also, you will see evidence of a “1.0.0.99 Azure - Create VM Deployment | Verify or Update HOSTS file for Azure Targets” Runbook within the video, yet it is never mentioned (nor is it available in the examples provided) – this was a workaround Runbook required for our SCDEMO Environment given some of our internal network restrictions. Oh, and finally – you will hear reference to my “HVR Runbooks” or “HVR Presentation” – if interested, check it out here: Automation–Orchestrating Hyper-V Replica with System Center for Planned Failover

Where can you find all this stuff?

TechNet Gallery, of course!

Click here for the TechNet Gallery Contribution for these Example Runbooks!

NOTE: These Runbooks were created and exported based on the following version of the Microsoft System Center 2012 Orchestrator - Windows Azure Integration Pack: 7.1.3029.0. If this is not the version you see in the Deployment Manager, you will need to download the Integration Pack and redeploy for full Runbook activity functionality.

enJOY!