Azure Virtual Machines: Gen2 VMs and Custom Images - A Comprehensive Guide to Optimized Provisioning

Azure Virtual Machines: Gen2 VMs and Custom Images - A Comprehensive Guide to Optimized Provisioning

Meta Description: Discover the benefits of Azure Virtual Machines Gen2 and custom images for streamlined provisioning. Learn how to create, deploy, and manage custom images with this step-by-step guide for IT professionals.


Introduction

Throughout my 50+ years in IT, I've seen countless changes in infrastructure technology and practices. One constant, however, is the need for efficient and optimized system provisioning. In this post, we'll dive into the world of Azure Virtual Machines (VMs), focusing on the advantages of Gen2 VMs and custom images for streamlined provisioning. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of how to create, deploy, and manage custom images in your Azure environment.


Azure Virtual Machines: Gen2 vs. Gen1

Azure Virtual Machines come in two generations: Gen1 and Gen2. Gen1 VMs are based on a legacy architecture, while Gen2 VMs are built on a newer, more flexible foundation. Gen2 VMs offer several advantages, including support for newer operating systems, larger virtual machine sizes, and improved performance.

  • Feature: Support for newer operating systems, such as Windows Server 2019 and Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.

  • Benefit: Increased flexibility and compatibility with modern applications and workloads.

  • Permissions: Same privileges as Gen1 VMs, but ensure proper access management for new OS versions.

  • Backup: Leverage Azure Backup for Gen2 VMs to protect your data and maintain disaster recovery capabilities.


Creating Custom Images

Custom images are essential to provisioning consistent, pre-configured VMs. In Azure, you can create custom images from existing VMs, VHDs, or managed disks. We'll cover creating a custom image from a managed disk in this section.

  1. Create a managed disk from a generalized VM: Before creating a custom image, ensure that the source VM is generalized using the sysprep tool. Then, create a managed disk from the VHD using the Azure Portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI.

  2. Create a custom image from the managed disk: Use the Azure Portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI to create a custom image from the managed disk. This process creates a new managed image, which you can then use to deploy new VMs.


Deploying VMs from Custom Images

Once you've created a custom image, you can use it to deploy new VMs, ensuring consistency and reducing provisioning time. You can deploy VMs using the Azure Portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI, specifying the custom image as the source.


Managing Custom Images

Azure provides a built-in image management solution, allowing you to manage custom images with ease. You can view, update, and delete custom images using the Azure Portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI. Regularly review and update your custom images to maintain a secure and optimized environment.


Conclusion

Azure Virtual Machines Gen2 and custom images offer a robust, flexible solution for provisioning VMs in your Azure environment. By following the steps outlined in this post, you'll be well on your way to creating, deploying, and managing custom images that meet your organization's needs.


For more information on Azure Virtual Machines, Gen2 VMs, and custom images, please visit the official Microsoft documentation.

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