Automate deployment of Azure virtual machines by using infrastructure as code

In this article, we will explore how you can automate the deployment of Azure VMs using infrastructure as code, focusing specifically on the options available within the context of planning and administering Azure for SAP Workloads.

What is Infrastructure as Code?

Infrastructure as code refers to the practice of managing and provisioning infrastructure resources programmatically, typically using declarative code. With infrastructure as code, you define your desired infrastructure state in a file or set of files, which are then interpreted and executed by an automation tool.

In the context of Azure, there are multiple tools available for implementing infrastructure as code, including Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, Azure CLI, and Azure PowerShell.

Automating VM Deployment with Infrastructure as Code

When it comes to deploying Azure VMs using infrastructure as code, you have several options. Let’s explore some of the commonly used tools and approaches:

1. Azure Resource Manager (ARM) Templates

ARM templates are JSON files that define the resources and properties necessary to deploy an Azure VM. You can specify the VM size, operating system, networking configuration, storage requirements, and more within the ARM template. To deploy an Azure VM using an ARM template, you can utilize the Azure Portal, Azure CLI, or Azure PowerShell.

Here’s an example of an ARM template that deploys an Azure VM:

json
{
“$schema”: “https://schema.management.azure.com/schemas/2019-04-01/deploymentTemplate.json#”,
“contentVersion”: “1.0.0.0”,
“parameters”: {
“vmName”: {
“type”: “string”,
“metadata”: {
“description”: “Name of the virtual machine.”
}
},
“vmSize”: {
“type”: “string”,
“metadata”: {
“description”: “Size of the virtual machine.”
}
},
// Additional parameters for networking, storage, and other configurations
},
“variables”: {},
“resources”: [
{
“type”: “Microsoft.Compute/virtualMachines”,
“apiVersion”: “2021-03-01”,
“name”: “[parameters(‘vmName’)]”,
“location”: “[resourceGroup().location]”,
“properties”: {
“hardwareProfile”: {
“vmSize”: “[parameters(‘vmSize’)]”
},
// Additional properties for OS profile, network profile, storage profile, etc.
}
}
],
“outputs”: {}
}

2. Azure CLI

Azure CLI provides a command-line interface for managing Azure resources. You can use the az vm create command to create an Azure VM and specify the desired configuration through command-line options or a JSON file. Azure CLI is particularly useful when you want to incorporate VM deployment into your shell scripts or automation pipelines.

Here’s an example of an Azure CLI command to deploy an Azure VM:

shell
az vm create \
–resource-group myResourceGroup \
–name myVM \
–image UbuntuLTS \
–admin-username azureuser \
–admin-password myPassword \
–size Standard_DS2_v2 \
–location eastus \
–nsg myNetworkSecurityGroup \
–vnet myVirtualNetwork \
–subnet mySubnet \
–public-ip-address myPublicIPAddress \
–ssh-key-value @~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

3. Azure PowerShell

Azure PowerShell provides a powerful scripting environment for managing Azure resources. You can use the New-AzVM cmdlet to create an Azure VM and specify the desired configuration through parameters or a JSON file. Azure PowerShell is a great option when you prefer working with PowerShell scripts or desire advanced automation capabilities.

Here’s an example of Azure PowerShell code to deploy an Azure VM:

powershell
New-AzVM `
-ResourceGroupName “myResourceGroup” `
-Name “myVM” `
-Image “UbuntuLTS” `
-AdminUsername “azureuser” `
-AdminPassword “myPassword” `
-Size “Standard_DS2_v2” `
-Location “eastus” `
-NetworkSecurityGroup “myNetworkSecurityGroup” `
-VirtualNetwork “myVirtualNetwork” `
-Subnet “mySubnet” `
-PublicIpAddress “myPublicIPAddress” `
-SshKeyValue “~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub”

Conclusion

Automating the deployment of Azure VMs using infrastructure as code can greatly streamline the process of provisioning and managing resources. With options like ARM templates, Azure CLI, and Azure PowerShell, you have the flexibility to choose the tool that best fits your workflow and requirements.

Whether you are deploying Azure VMs for SAP workloads or other applications, incorporating infrastructure as code can enhance reproducibility, scalability, and maintainability. By defining your infrastructure in code, you can easily version control, test, and repeatedly deploy your VMs with confidence.

Start automating your Azure VM deployments today and experience the benefits of infrastructure as code!