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Summary of Azure's 6th Generation Intel-based VMs Azure has announced the general availability of its 6th generation Intel-based virtual machines, specifically the Dv6 and Ev6 series. These VMs are powered by the 5th Generation Intel Xeon Platinum processors, offering enhanced performance and scalability for various workloads. Key Features and Specifications Dv6 Series : Offers a balance of CPU to memory performance with scalability up to 128 vCPUs and 512 GiB of RAM. This series includes the Dlv6 and Dv6 models, both providing increased CPU cache size, higher memory bandwidth, and faster storage options[1][2]. Ev6 Series : Ideal for memory-intensive workloads, offering up to 192 vCPUs and over 1.8 TiB of RAM. These VMs are suitable for applications like relational databases, data warehousing, and in-memory analytics[2][4]. Processor Technology These VMs utilize the 5th Generation Intel Xeon Platinum processors, specifically the 8537C (Emerald Rapids) processor for the Dv6...

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Introduction to 6th Generation Intel-based VMs Azure has announced the general availability of the 6th generation Intel-based virtual machines, specifically the Dv6 and Ev6 series. These VMs are powered by the 5th Generation Intel Xeon Platinum processor, providing enhanced performance and scalability. Key Features and Specifications Processors : The new VMs are based on the Intel Xeon Platinum 8537C (Emerald Rapids) processor, which is associated with the 5th generation in the context of new VM series support[5]. CPU and Memory Scalability : The Dv6 series offers up to 128 vCPUs and 512 GiB of RAM, making it suitable for general-purpose workloads[3]. In contrast, the Ev6 series provides even higher scalability with up to 192 vCPUs and more than 1.8 TiB of RAM, ideal for memory-intensive applications[3]. Storage Options : Both series offer VMs with and without local disk storage. Users can attach remote persistent disks like Premium Disk v1, Premium Disk v2, or Ultra Disks to th...

Neon Serverless Postgres has officially reached General Availability (GA) as an Azure Native Integration as of May 7, 2025. This milestone signifies that developers using Azure can now access a powerful, serverless Postgres database solution fully embedded within the Azure ecosystem without friction[1][2]. Key Features and Benefits at GA Native Azure Integration: Neon Serverless Postgres appears directly in the Azure portal alongside Microsoft's own database offerings, allowing provisioning and management of Neon projects, branches, and connection strings via the Azure portal, CLI, and SDK[2]. Seamless Provisioning and Management: Developers can create Neon organizations, projects, and branches directly from Azure, streamlining workflows and enabling a faster path from development to production[1][2]. Single Sign-On (SSO): Authentication is integrated with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), allowing secure access with existing Microsoft credentials[2][3]...

Azure Storage Actions: Serverless Storage Data Management – Generally Available Azure Storage Actions has officially launched as a generally available (GA) serverless data management solution for Azure Blob Storage and Azure Data Lake Storage. This feature revolutionizes the way organizations manage large-scale data assets by automating complex data operations with minimal manual intervention or programming expertise[3][2][5]. Key Features No-Code Task Automation Users can compose, validate, and deploy data management tasks using an intuitive, no-code interface, allowing even non-developers to define complex conditional logic for processing objects[3][5]. Serverless Infrastructure No provisioning or management of infrastructure required. The platform automatically scales to handle billions of storage objects across multiple storage accounts[2][3]. Dynamic Targeting Tasks can target objects based on properties like blob tags and metadata, enabling precise, automated operation...

Launched: Generally Available Enhanced Cost Management Exports Microsoft announced the general availability of enhanced Cost Management exports in April 2025, introducing significant improvements to streamline FinOps practices[1][2]. Key Enhancements Expanded datasets : Export price sheets, reservation recommendations, reservation details, and reservation transactions alongside standard cost/usage data (actual and amortized)[1][5]. FOCUS compliance : Supports the FinOps Open Cost and Usage Specification to standardize cost data across cloud providers, combining actual/amortized costs and reducing storage needs[1][5]. Optimized file handling : Formats : CSV or Parquet with compression Partitioning : Splits large datasets into manageable chunks Overwrite : Replaces previous files in daily exports[1][5] Security : Export directly to storage accounts behind firewalls[1]. API & UX improvements : New API for programmatic export management[1] Simplified workflow...

Modernization Advisor for SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines The Modernization Advisor for SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines is a tool currently in public preview that aids in modernizing SQL Server workloads by transitioning them to a fully managed PaaS environment, specifically Azure SQL Managed Instance. This tool is designed to assist users in migrating from SQL Server on Azure VMs to Azure SQL Managed Instance, which can provide cost savings, performance optimization, and simplified management. Key Features of Modernization Advisor Cost Optimization : It helps assess whether Azure SQL Managed Instance is a more cost-effective option compared to SQL Server on Azure VMs[1][2]. Performance Optimization : The tool evaluates your current SQL Server configuration and provides insights on how to improve performance by migrating to Azure SQL Managed Instance[1][3]. Configuration Matching : It matches your SQL Server VM configuration with a suitable Azure SQL Managed Instance c...

Here's a concise summary of Azure's Generally Available: Fallback to Internet on Private DNS Zones based on available documentation and relevant sources: Overview The Fallback to Internet feature for Azure Private DNS Zones is now generally available, allowing DNS queries for non-private records to resolve via public DNS servers when no matching record exists in the configured private zones[1][3][5]. This ensures seamless hybrid environments and reduces DNS resolution failures. Key Functionality Automatic Public DNS Resolution : Queries for records not defined in private DNS zones automatically resolve using public internet DNS servers if enabled[5]. Hybrid Environment Support : Ideal for scenarios requiring access to both private endpoints and public resources without manual DNS configuration[3][4]. Enhanced Resilience : Minimizes application downtime caused by DNS resolution failures in isolated or on-premises environments[2][4]. Configuration Steps Enabl...

Here's the summary of available information: [In Preview] Public Preview: Azure SQL Updates (Late-April 2025) MSSQL Extension for VS Code : Added Schema Compare functionality to analyze and synchronize database schemas directly within the editor[4]. Target Platform Support : Microsoft.Build.Sql 2.0.0 Preview now includes support for SQL Server 2025 in database projects[4]. Earlier versions (1.0.0) already supported SQL database in Fabric [4]. Tooling Updates : The 170.0 release of SqlPackage/DacFx (mid-April 2025) provides compatibility with SQL Server 2025 and Fabric integration[3][5]. Additional Context The query references https://azure.microsoft.com/updates?id=489702 , but no specific details about this update are available in the provided search results. For accuracy, always verify the URL directly for unreferenced updates. Key Sources : [4] for VS Code Schema Compare, [3][5] for tooling releases. Background : SQL Server 2025 offers AI/analytics enhancemen...

Summary of Azure Firewall Integration in Security Copilot Overview The integration of Azure Firewall with Microsoft Security Copilot enhances the security capabilities by leveraging AI to investigate malicious traffic intercepted by Azure Firewall's intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS). This integration simplifies complex tasks for security analysts, allowing them to query data using natural language instead of writing complex queries[1][2][5]. Key Features and Benefits Automated Investigation : The Azure Firewall integration in Security Copilot enables detailed investigations of malicious traffic using AI, reducing manual effort and time spent on threat analysis[2][5]. Natural Language Queries : Analysts can ask questions in natural language, making it easier to investigate threats without needing to write complex KQL queries[2][5]. Integration and Accessibility : The integration is available both through the Security Copilot portal and the Copilot in Azure exp...

Introduction to Azure Compute Fleet Azure Compute Fleet is a feature designed to simplify and optimize large-scale virtual machine (VM) deployments. It provides accelerated access to Azure's capacity in a given region, allowing users to deploy and manage thousands of VMs efficiently[1][2]. Key Features and Capabilities Scalability and Deployment : Azure Compute Fleet can deploy up to 10,000 VMs in a single API call, combining Spot and Standard VMs. This scalability is beneficial for dynamic applications or large-scale workloads[3][5]. Cost Optimization : Compute Fleet offers superior price-performance ratios by utilizing a mix of pricing models, including Reserved Instances, Savings Plans, Spot Instances, and pay-as-you-go options[1][5]. Flexibility in VM Sizes : Users can mix up to 15 different VM sizes and families within a single fleet, tailoring deployments to specific workload needs[3]. Simplified Management : The "Fire & Forget-it" model automates the de...

Overview of Next Generation Azure Data Box Devices Microsoft has announced the general availability of the next generation Azure Data Box devices, specifically the Azure Data Box 120 and Azure Data Box 525 . These devices are designed to enhance the process of transferring large amounts of data into Azure Storage by offering faster, more reliable, and secure offline data ingestion solutions[2][3][4]. Key Features and Improvements The new Azure Data Box devices incorporate several key features and improvements: Fast Data Transfer : They utilize NVMe devices to achieve faster data transfer rates, with speeds reaching up to 7 GBps for medium to large files, offering a significant improvement over previous models[1][3]. Resilience and Security : The devices are ruggedized to withstand rough transportation conditions and offer secure data transfer protocols to ensure data integrity and confidentiality[2][3]. Ease of Use : The devices are designed for ease of handling, with larger c...

Enhanced Support for Generation 2 VMs in Azure DevTest Labs Azure DevTest Labs has introduced enhanced support for Generation 2 Virtual Machines (VMs) in public preview, offering key advantages over Generation 1 VMs. This development aligns with Microsoft's commitment to providing users with more advanced and secure virtualization options. Key Features of Generation 2 VMs Increased Memory : Generation 2 VMs support greater memory compared to their Generation 1 counterparts[1][2]. Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) : Provides additional security features by enabling secure enclaves[1][2]. Virtualized Persistent Memory (vPMEM) : Enhances performance and capacity with persistent memory support[1][2]. Improved Boot and Installation Times : Offers faster boot and installation experiences, enhancing overall productivity[1][2]. Enhanced Support in Azure DevTest Labs Image Choice : Users can now easily choose between Generation 1 and Generation 2 versions of the same ...

Beginning on September 30, 2025, Azure AI Speaker Recognition will be retired, and your applications will no longer be able to access its APIs.To continue providing speaker verification and/or speaker identification capabilities in your applications, we r

Azure Backup now supports migration to the enhanced policy for Azure VM backups using standard policy. The migration of VM backups to enhanced policy enables you to schedule multiple backups per day (up to every 4 hours), retain snapshots for longer durat

Announcing preview support to enable Trusted launch on existing Virtual machine Flex scale set by upgrading the scale set resource to Gen2-Trusted launch. This will help improve the foundational security of existing Azure Virtual machine Flex scale set re

Announcing general availability of support to enable Trusted launch on existing Virtual machine Uniform scale sets by upgrading the scale set resource to Gen2-Trusted launch. This will help improve the foundational security of existing Azure Virtual machi

Azure Firewall enables users to set a maintenance window with a minimum duration of 5 hours, recurring daily, to best accommodate their requirements and minimize unexpected downtime. Firewalls with an associated maintenance configuration will not undergo

Azure Storage Mover—a free, fully managed service— now supports data transfers from Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3 to Azure Blob Storage, ideal for multi-cloud architectures or full migrations to Azure. The new Cloud-to-Cloud migration capability enables si

We are excited to announce that Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB (vCore) clusters now support secondary users, enabling more flexible and granular access control for your database. Previously, each cluster could have only one user with full privileges, limitin