azure Archives | XOAP https://dev.xoap.io/tag/azure/ Platform for IT infrastructure and workplace automation Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:57:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://dev.xoap.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32x32.png azure Archives | XOAP https://dev.xoap.io/tag/azure/ 32 32 How to remove unused images in Azure with Scripted Actions https://dev.xoap.io/how-to-remove-unused-images-in-azure-with-scripted-actions/ Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:20:43 +0000 https://dev.xoap.io/?p=18137 Learn how to clean up unused images in Azure by automating the process with Scripted Actions. Simplify your resource management and save costs with this step-by-step guide.

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In Azure environments, unused resources, such as orphaned virtual machine disk images, can build up over time. These unused images not only clutter your resource inventory but also result in unnecessary storage costs. Manually identifying and removing these images is a tedious and inefficient process, particularly in large-scale or dynamic setups. This article introduces a practical and automated solution for identifying and cleaning up unused images in Azure using XOAP’s Scripted Action module. By following the outlined steps, you can simplify resource management, lower costs, and keep your Azure environment clean and well-organized.

Automating image cleanup in Azure with one script

💡 The script identifies unused images in Azure using the following logic:

Retrieve VMs: It fetches a list of all virtual machines (VMs) in the Azure subscription using the Get-AzVM -Status command. This ensures it has the most up-to-date information about the VMs and their status.

Compare image IDs: The script iterates through each VM and checks its StorageProfile.ImageReference.Id property, which indicates the image used by the VM. For each image in the specified resource group (retrieved with Get-AzImage -ResourceGroupName), it compares the image’s ID against the ImageReference.Id of the VMs.

Determine usage: If a match is found, the function Is-ImageInUse returns $true, indicating the image is currently in use by a VM. Moreover, if no match is found, the function returns $false, marking the image as unused.

Output and actions: For each image, the script logs its name and whether it is in use. If the image is not in use, additional actions (such as deletion) can be implemented following this check.

This approach makes sure that only images with no active VM dependencies are identified as unused, preventing accidental deletion of critical resources. Removing unused images from your Azure subscription is a simple process with XOAP. It involves just three easy steps:

  1. Add an Azure connection to your XOAP Workspace
  2. Create a Scripted Action with defined parameters
  3. Run the Scripted Action to remove unused images

Step 1: Add a Connection for your Azure Subscription

To begin, make sure your Azure subscription is connected to XOAP. If you haven’t set up a connection yet, navigate to the Connections section in XOAP. Click the green plus (+) button to create a new connection. Follow the on-screen instructions to securely link your Azure subscription. Once the connection is successfully established, you can proceed to the next steps.

Establish connection

In the “Add New Connection” slide-out panel, enter all the required connection details and click Save to complete the setup.

Save the setup

If you need additional guidance on adding a connection in XOAP, feel free to visit our documentation page.

Step 2: Create your scripted action

Next, navigate to Platform Management and select Scripted Actions. In the upper-right corner, click the green plus (+) button to create a new Scripted Action.

Add your scripted action

Give your Scripted Action a name and select the “Remove-UnusedImages.ps1” script from the resources. Optionally, you can add tags and a description to organize and document it. You can get the script at the end of this blog.

Remove unwanted Azure images in XOAP, Step 1

In the second step, define your parameters. Some parameters are mandatory and must be provided, while others are optional. These optional parameters allow you to customize the script.

Remove unwanted Azure images in XOAP, Step 2

Explanation of Key Fields:

DryRun: It allows you to simulate the execution of a script or command without actually making any changes to the system.

ResourceGroup: Azure Resource Group that a particular command should target. If this field is left empty, the command will be applied to all resource groups.

Step 3: Complete the process

In the third step, select your connection and click Finish to complete the setup.

Finish your scripted action setup

The final step is to run the Scripted Action you created. Locate your Scripted Action in the table, open the action menu, and select Run.

Remove unwanted Azure images in XOAP, Step 3

The Scripted Action will progress through the Queued and Running phases. Once completed, its status will change to Success and the unused images will be removed from Azure.

Safeguard critical resources

Using XOAP’s Scripted Actions module to delete unused Azure images is a great way to optimize costs and improve your resource management. Its flexibility to target specific resource groups or default to all secures a comprehensive cleanup. Key considerations include accurate detection of unused images, verifying dependencies, maintaining detailed logs, and adhering to RBAC policies.

Testing the script in a non-production environment and implementing a backup strategy further improve reliability. This approach boosts automation while safeguarding critical resources, making it a practical solution for Azure optimization.

Get the free script from our GitHub (don’t forget to follow us!) and test it out in XOAP for free. If you need help, fill out the form here and one of our experts will reach out. 

📚 Additional resources for Scripted Actions: 

→ Scripted Actions tutorial: Step by step
→ How to spin up multiple VMs for Azure with Scripted Actions
→ Top 4 use cases for Scripted Actions
→ Cross-platform cloud automation with Scripted Actions
→ Scripted Actions documentation

Get the free script on GitHub →

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]]> Customize & automate AVD machine image builds | Online training https://dev.xoap.io/customize-automate-avd-machine-image-builds-online-training/ Wed, 11 Dec 2024 13:11:41 +0000 https://dev.xoap.io/?p=17638 December 4th | 3:30 pm

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Customize & automate AVD machine image builds | Online training

XOAP Automation training: Customize & automate AVD image builds
December 4th | 3:30 pm

Learn how to automate the entire delivery chain. Join XOAP training events!

In this training session with XOAP’s engineers, we will cover customization and automation of Azure Virtual Desktop machine image builds. The training will include automation across tenants.

Tune in on December 4 at 3:30 PM.

This live event has ended. 

Watch the recording on YouTube

Upcoming & past events

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]]> Customize & automate AVD machine image builds | Online training https://dev.xoap.io/customize-amp-automate-avd-machine-image-builds-online-training/ Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:45:33 +0000 https://dev.xoap.io/?p=16940 December 4th | 3:30 pm

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Customize & automate AVD machine image builds | Online training

XOAP Training: Customize and automate AVD machine image builds
December 4th | 3:30 pm

Learn how to automate the entire delivery chain. Join XOAP training events!

In this training session with XOAP’s engineers, we will cover customization and automation of Azure Virtual Desktop machine image builds. The training will include automation across tenants.

Tune in on December 4 at 3:30 PM.

This live event has ended. 

Watch the recording on YouTube

Upcoming & past events

The post Customize & automate AVD machine image builds | Online training appeared first on XOAP.

]]> Automate Azure & AWS infrastructure with command line https://dev.xoap.io/automate-azure-amp-aws-infrastructure-with-command-line/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 12:20:17 +0000 https://dev.xoap.io/?p=13046 Get an overview of the key automated deployment possibilities for Azure and AWS. Know how to choose the best tools for your needs.

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Automating infrastructure deployments in cloud environments like Azure and AWS is essential for achieving efficiency, consistency and scalability. Both platforms offer a variety of tools and services that facilitate automated deployments, catering to different needs and preferences.

This blog post provides an overview of the key automated deployment possibilities for Azure and AWS, helping you understand the options available and choose the best tools for your requirements.

Automated deployments in Azure

Azure CLI

Azure CLI is a cross-platform command-line tool designed to manage Azure resources. It offers a straightforward syntax for interacting with Azure services and can be run on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The key features of this software include support for shell scripting for automation. It also offers simplicity and ease of use. The syntax is simple and intuitive, making it easy for users familiar with command-line interfaces. Additionally, it’s cross-platform and runs on multiple operating systems, enhancing its versatility.

➕ Pros

  • Great for quick, ad-hoc tasks and scripting.
  • Integrates well with CI/CD pipelines.
  • User-friendly and straightforward command structure.
  • Excellent documentation and community support.

➖ Cons

  • Limited to Azure services.
  • Not as powerful for complex deployments compared to ARM, Bicep or other automation solutions like Terraform/OpenTofu.
  • For complex automation, it might require combining with other tools.

Azure PowerShell

Azure PowerShell is a set of cmdlets for managing Azure resources directly from the PowerShell command line. It leverages the familiar PowerShell scripting environment and seamlessly integrates with the broader PowerShell ecosystem.

It also has advanced scripting capabilities, meaning it supports complex scripting and automation tasks. Additionally, it is module-based and can be extended with additional modules for specific Azure services.

➕ Pros

  • Powerful and flexible scripting capabilities.
  • Familiar environment for Windows administrators.
  • Supports advanced automation scenarios.

➖ Cons

  • Primarily designed for Windows, though it works on macOS and Linux with PowerShell Core.
  • Steeper learning curve for non-PowerShell users.

Automated deployments in AWS

AWS CLI

Next on our list is AWS CLI, a unified tool to manage AWS services. It provides a consistent interface for interacting with AWS resources and is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

AWS CLI has a simplified command structure, cross-platform compatibility and is automation-friendly – ideal for scripting and integrating into CI/CD pipelines.

➕ Pros

  • Easy to use and learn.
  • Great for quick, ad-hoc tasks and scripting.
  • Integrates well with CI/CD pipelines.
  • Consistent and predictable command syntax.

➖ Cons

  • Not as powerful for complex deployments compared to CloudFormation or other automation solutions like Terraform/OpenTofu.
  • May require jq or other tools for complex JSON manipulations.

AWS PowerShell

Another option is AWS PowerShell. It provides cmdlets for managing AWS services from the PowerShell command line and brings AWS management to the PowerShell environment.

AWS PowerShell has a PowerShell integration and leverages the PowerShell environment for AWS resource management. Furthermore, it has advanced scripting and supports difficult automation tasks with PowerShell’s scripting capabilities. On top of that, the comprehensive AWS service coverage provides thorough support for AWS services.

➕ Pros

  • Powerful and flexible scripting capabilities.
  • Familiar environment for Windows administrators.
  • Powerful scripting environment for advanced automation.

➖ Cons

  • Primarily designed for Windows, though compatible with PowerShell Core on macOS and Linux.
  • Steeper learning curve for non-PowerShell users.

Popular CI/CD tools

To automate Azure CLI and AWS CLI scripts effectively, you have several options depending on your specific needs, environment and existing tools. Below are some of the best options.

Using continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines is a robust way to automate CLI scripts. Popular CI/CD tools include:

GitHub Actions: It can be used to create workflows that automate running Azure and AWS CLI scripts. You can define jobs in a YAML file that specify when and how the scripts should run.

Azure DevOps Pipelines: It can automate the deployment of applications to Azure and AWS. You can create pipeline YAML files to define the steps.

AWS Lambda: Functions can include AWS CLI commands and trigger them based on events or schedules.

AWS CodeDeploy: A deployment service that automates application deployments to various compute services like Amazon EC2, AWS Lambda, and on-premises servers.

By choosing the right tool you can efficiently automate Azure CLI and AWS CLI scripts to streamline your cloud operations.

Be aware of the fact that running pipelines, storing the code in repositories for versioning and collaboration reasons and defining coding guidelines and standards is a whole different topic that needs a lot of experience and work.

⚡ For a quick start look at our Scripted Actions repository on GitHub.

How to choose the right tool?

Choosing the right tool for your infrastructure deployment depends on your specific needs and existing skill set.

🎯 Here’s a quick guide:

→ For simplicity and cross-platform needs in Azure use Azure CLI.

→ For advanced scripting and integration in Azure opt for the Azure PowerShell.

→ For comprehensive AWS service management and cross-platform use choose AWS CLI.

→ For advanced automation and familiarity with PowerShell in AWS go with AWS PowerShell.

Each tool has its strengths and understanding these will help you leverage the best of what Azure and AWS have to offer. Whether you are managing resources, automating deployments or integrating into CI/CD pipelines, there’s a tool that fits your workflow and maximizes productivity.

Enjoyed this article? Pass it on to a friend who loves IT automation!

Start automating with XOAP

Image by Freepik

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]]> Automate and manage M365 configurations https://dev.xoap.io/automate-and-manage-m365-configurations/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:54:46 +0000 https://dev.xoap.io/?p=12695 Eliminate configuration deviations in your M365 tenants using our Configuration Management module in XOAP.

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We’re well aware that managing configuration drifts across client, server, and virtual desktop environments is a daunting task. These drifts, or deviations from the desired configuration state, lead to inconsistencies, security vulnerabilities and operational inefficiencies. However, with the right tools and strategies, these issues can be effectively managed and eliminated! 🦾

How? With config.XO, a powerful module of XOAP that can auotmate and standardize the configuraiton of your entire M365 environment across Azure Tenants!

Automated management of M365 tenant configurations

One of the primary challenges in managing M365 tenants is ensuring that configurations remain consistent and aligned with organizational policies. config.XO addresses this by enabling automated management of M365 Tenant configurations.

You can use your XOAP Workspace account to build and manage configurations, grouping them with other settings to ensure a holistic approach. This automation not only reduces the risk of configuration drifts but also enhances operational efficiency.

The resources within the module can configure the following areas of your M365 tenants:

  • Entra ID
  • Exchange
  • Intune
  • Office365
  • OneDrive
  • Planner
  • Power Platform
  • Security & Compliance
  • SharePoint
  • Teams

Follow the steps below to learn how to do this with XOAP Configuration Wizard. 🧙

Prerequisites

The Microsoft365DSC module must be present on the node that the DSC configuration is assigned to. This can either be done manually by running the following command: Install-Module Microsoft365DSC -Force. 

Another option to install the module is to use the **PowerShellModule** DSC module inside the configuration itself. This removes manual effort completely.

How to do this in XOAP ⬇

Step 1 - Use the DSC module via the Wizard

Go to the Configuration Management and select “Configurations”. Then click + to create a new configuration.

Configuration in XOAP

Step 2 - Select the M365 component to be configured

In the DSC Configuration Wizard, select “Add Resources”, select “Microsoft365 Module and Version”. Depending on what you want to configure (for example Intune, Exchange Online or maybe Teams), select desired resources.

Create new Resources, Part 1

Step 3 - Customize the configuration via the wizard

When you select resources, simply define configuration by using GUI, and click “Save” when you’re ready. Then if needed, add additional resources, or save and apply the configuration.

If you want extra help with applying configuration, you can check our YouTube video or read our documentation.

Create new Resources, Part 2

Governance and automation solutions

Effective governance is essential for maintaining configuration consistency and compliance across M365 Tenants. config.XO offers a robust governance solution that supports both management and automation.

The intuitive wizard allows you to create any M365 configuration effortlessly. Furthermore, you can write their own Desired State Configuration (DSC) modules, upload them and combine them with existing configurations. This capability ensures that the solution can be customized to meet specific organizational needs, promoting a high level of governance and control.

Key benefits of using XOAP

config.XO provides several key benefits that make it an ideal choice for eliminating configuration deviations in M365 tenants:

Versioning and documentation

Every change is meticulously versioned and documented, ensuring transparency and accountability. This makes it easy to track changes and revert to previous configurations if necessary.

DSC Configuration Wizard

Reproducibility

Configurations can be easily replicated across multiple customers or platforms, ensuring consistency and reducing the likelihood of errors.

Add Group
Current status of XOAP

Security

config.XO adheres to stringent security standards, protecting configurations and sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches.

View code in XOAP

Speed

Automation significantly reduces the time required to deploy and manage configurations, allowing IT teams to focus on more strategic tasks.

Cost-effectiveness

Compared to other solutions, config.XO offers a more affordable option without compromising on features or performance.

Platform independence

The solution is platform-agnostic, providing flexibility and ease of integration with various systems and tools.

No vendor lock-in

Users are not restricted to a single vendor, allowing for greater flexibility and choice in the tools and services they use.

A leading choice for IT professionals

Eliminating configuration deviations in M365 Tenants is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, security, and compliance. config.XO, a module of XOAP, offers a powerful, automated and flexible solution that addresses these needs effectively.

With its comprehensive features and significant advantages, config.XO stands out as a leading choice for IT professionals, Managed Service Providers and others looking to streamline configuration management processes and eliminate drifts.

By leveraging config.XO, organizations can ensure that their M365 tenant configurations are consistent, secure and aligned with their operational policies, ultimately leading to a more stable and efficient IT environment.

Ready to get started? Start the M365 automation for free! ⬇

Start the M365 automation for free

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]]> Access 1000s of AWS & Azure Marketplace images from one place https://dev.xoap.io/access-1000s-of-aws-amp-azure-marketplace-images-from-one-place/ Fri, 10 May 2024 08:04:49 +0000 https://dev.xoap.io/?p=11334 Select more than 50,000 OS images per cloud provider. Speed up your VM deployment and cover all your unique use cases.

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Our Image Management module (image.XO) is one of the most popular XOAP modules. And that’s not surprising! Why, you may ask? Because it allows quick creation of operating system image templates using different functions combined in groups and roles.

One of the greatest benefits of image.XO is that we can use the same function sets to configure and deploy images on the two biggest cloud providers – Azure and AWS. More information about Image Management can be found on our Docs page.

In pursuit of continuous improvement, we decided to:

Dynamically show all possible AWS and Azure regions and the available operating systems and instance sizes.

Now you can select thousands of different operating systems per cloud provider. To make it easier for you, we also implemented some new filter options to help you tackle the amount of operating systems.

Whether you are trying to create image templates for Azure Virtual Desktops, Windows Server environments or Linux-based workloads, we’ve got you covered. 😎

See it in action 👇

If you haven’t done it already, create your free XOAP account. Once your Workspace is ready, navigate to Image Management → Operating Systems.

OS list in image.XO

In the upper right corner click the green + button to add a new operating system entry to your list of operating systems.

Ad OS in image.XO

Select your preferred cloud provider, Azure or AWS. Depending on the selected provider, Region, Platform Details, Virtualization Type and Architecture you will have different amount of options available.

The following Azure example shows 3532 entries:

Azure example

And the AWS example shows 7954 entries:

AWS example

As this is still a huge amount of data, we implemented a simple search and an advanced filter option. The simple search is looking for a text in any column of the shown data table, and with the advanced filter, you can narrow your results down to the desired operating system.

Search bar in Add OS

The advanced filter lets you define different filter types per column. This enables a lot of options when searching for the exact entry. When you’re done configuring your filter, click Apply filters to show the filtered list. 

Filtering in Add OS

The last thing to do is to select the desired operating system entry, scroll down and click Save.

List of all OS

Once saved, your OS will be visible in the operating systems table. This way you can configure your library of operating systems that you can customize to your own needs.

Added OS visible in image.XO

This tutorial is also available as a YouTube video.

Check out our YouTube channel for more videos like this!

A powerful tool at your fingertips

With the availability of the Azure and AWS marketplace images, you have new possibilities in image provision. 

Now, you can select one of the many available operating systems. This will help you cover all of your unique use cases. In combination with the dynamic regions, instance sizes and the latest updates to the builders and provisions, you have a powerful tool at your fingertips. 🚀

And the best thing about it – there’s no need to code anything to automate your image build. XOAP handles it all! If you want to learn more or need additional help with Marketplace images book a demo. 

Start your custom image build creation

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