Lessons learned from using Azure VMs

Now that Windows Azure IaaS is now generally available, Nuno from partner Aditi, has provided a list of lessons learned from using Azure VMs.

  1. Place each data disk in a single storage account to improve IOPS;
  2. Always use Data Disks for Read/Write intensive operations, never the OS Disk;
  3. Use striped disks to achieve better performance;
  4. Configure Data Disks HostCache for ReadWrite;
  5. Always create VMs inside a Affinity Group or VNET to decrease latency;
  6. Always leverage Availability Sets to get SLA;
  7. Always sysprep your machines;
  8. Never place intensive read/write information on the Windows System Drive for improved performance;
  9. Never place persistent information on the Temporary Drive (D:).

Visit Nuno’s blog for more detail: http://blog.aditi.com/cloud/windows-azure-virtual-machines-lessons-learned/

Register for a Cloud Business Model Transformation Workshop 30 June

Adding a cloud practice to your business requires much more planning than adding a product or service. It is a journey that will impact many areas of your traditional operations, as well as the priorities of the leaders responsible for them. It will encompass new thinking by your leadership team beginning with the company value proposition to your customers. It will also impact how you deliver that value proposition in your services delivery, sales, and marketing operations.

The Business Model Transformation Workshop is a one-day workshop designed specifically for senior management teams of Microsoft partners who want to understand how to design a cloud practice to deliver expected profit, and how to chart a path to guide your company through the transition.

Major topics covered in this workshop are:

  • The impact Cloud based offerings will have on existing partner business models.
  • Aligning your business value proposition with the new Cloud paradigm.
  • Creating a financial pro forma plan that quantifies the potential cloud opportunities based on your competencies.
  • Incorporating new customer expectations and buying behaviours into your marketing and sales strategy and execution model.
  • Creating an action plan for change that aligns your organization around the value proposition of Cloud Services.

If you are interested in understanding the economic and business model implications of operating a cloud based practice, the Business Model Transformation is the ideal starting point.

  • Who should attend: Two senior people, such as CEO; Sales Leader or Services Delivery Leader
  • When: 30 May 2013
  • Where: Microsoft, 1 Epping Road, North Ryde
  • Timing: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Workshop Purpose: Development of your specific business plan that will allow you to enhance or integrate your Cloud solutions into your current business model.
  • Cost: Complimentary

Attendees should bring their laptop.

Register now>

Windows Azure Partner Training Webinars

Please join us for this series of Partner webinars delivered by our Global Partner Services Team. You will learn about the many new features available in Windows Azure as well as the opportunities for Microsoft Partners.

You may either register for the series or for an individual session.

Session Title Objective Date & Time Registration / Download Link
WINDOWS AZURE OVERVIEW You will receive a high level understanding about all of the services that are part of the Windows Azure platform. 16 May, 2pm-4pm Webinar and slides
INTRODUCTION TO INFRASTRUCTURE AS A SERVICE You will learn about The Cloud Landscape • Types of Cloud offerings • Introduction to Windows Azure VMs • Understanding regions and Affinity groups • Creating Virtual Machines • The Virtual Machine Costing structure • Demo: Host a load balanced ASP.NET application 23 May, 2pm-4pm Webinar and slides
AZURE STORAGE You will learn about Windows Azure Storage Concepts • Using Tables • Using Blobs • Using Queues • Monitoring storage from Management 30 May, 2pm-4pm Webinar and slides
MIGRATING WORKLOADS TO AZURE VIRTUAL MACHINES How to deploy apps to VMs to Windows Azure 6 June, 2pm-4pm Webinar, slides and HOL
BUILDING HYBRID APPS You will learn the various scenarios our customers face and what tools and techniques are available. 13 June, 2pm-4pm Webinar and slides
SITE TO SITE VIRTUAL NETWORKS

You will learn about how to setup and configure a Vnet,build hybrid solutions using VPNs to connect to data on premises. A way to reduce your storage and archive costs with a cloud solution that can save you 60 – 80% compared to your current costs?

· A more effective, cost efficient way to manage BIG file archives and repositories (SharePoint)?

· A more effective, cost efficient way to manage the massive amount of content in BIG file shares?

· A way to replace tape as a means of offsite data protection – backup and restore?

20 June, 2pm-4pm Register now >