Azure Virtual Desktop offers a variety of deployment methods depending on several criteria, including the level of isolation needed, data security, desired performance, and others. Let’s look into three primary approaches for deploying an app to AVD; MSIX app attach, Remote App Streaming, and Azure Resource Manager Templates (ARM Templates).
MSIX App Attach
MSIX App Attach is a powerful app layering technology that separates the application from the Operating System. It allows you to manage and update your applications independently from the base image. This technology provides many benefits, including:
- Simplified application management.
- Improved performance.
- Reduce image management overhead.
The steps to execute app deployment using MSIX App Attach are:
- Preparation of the MSIX packages.
- Creation of the host pool in Azure.
- Deployment of the application package to the file share.
- Attachment of the package to the session host in the Azure portal.
Remote App Streaming
Remote App Streaming allows you to host Windows apps on Microsoft Azure. It provides a versatile way to deliver apps to any device. Some benefits of this method include:
- Cost-efficiency as you only pay for what you use.
- High-security as no data is transmitted to user devices.
- Easy scaling during peak needs.
- Set up an Azure subscription.
- Create the RemoteApp collection in Azure.
- Publish the applications.
- Enable users to access the published apps.
- Deploy, manage, and monitor all the resources for your app together.
- Redeploy your app consistently with reliable results.
- Create or find an ARM template that describes the resources needed.
- Customize the template parameters.
- Deploy the template through Azure portal, PowerShell, Azure CLI, or REST API.
To deploy an app using Remote App Streaming, you need to:
Azure Resource Manager Templates (ARM Templates)
ARM Templates are a unique method for deploying apps on AVD. They are JSON files that define the resources needed to run your application. They allow you to:
The steps to deploy an application using ARM Templates are:
Conclusion
Selecting the right deployment strategy for an application to AVD involves taking into consideration several factors. Each of the methods discussed above offers unique advantages. The AZ-140 exam will evaluate your understanding of these methods along with app management practices on Azure Virtual Desktop. Therefore, understanding these concepts is paramount in passing the exam successfully.
Remember, the ideal method largely depends on your app’s requirements, the resources you have at your disposal, and the specific circumstances of your use case. Thus, one should consider these methods not as one-size-fits-all solutions but as flexible strategies that can be mixed and matched as per the demands of the task at hand.
Practice Test
True/False: An app can be deployed to Azure Virtual Desktop using Azure PowerShell.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure PowerShell is one of the methods to deploy an app to Azure Virtual Desktop.
Which of the following are available methods for deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) PowerShell
- b) Azure portal
- c) Azure CLI
- d) Azure Machine Learning
Answer: a, b, c
Explanation: PowerShell, Azure portal, and Azure CLI are available methods for deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop. Azure Machine Learning is not a method for app deployment.
True/False: The Azure portal enables you to deploy an app to a specific location in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Azure portal does allow for specific location deployment within Azure Virtual Desktop.
Azure CLI can be used for deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop only on Windows operating system.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b. False
Explanation: Azure CLI is a cross-platform command line tool, hence it can be used on multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Which of the following methods is recommended for automating the deployment of an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) Azure portal
- b) Azure PowerShell
- c) Azure hotkeys
Answer: b. Azure PowerShell
Explanation: Azure PowerShell provides scripting functionality which can be used to automate deployment processes.
True/False: Azure DevOps cannot be integrated with Azure Virtual Desktop for app deployment.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure DevOps can indeed be used in combination with Azure Virtual Desktop for app deployment.
Azure Virtual Desktop Apps can not be deployed using Azure API.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b. False
Explanation: Azure API provides an interface that can be used to orchestrate and automate app deployment in Azure Virtual Desktop.
In order to deploy an app to Azure Virtual Desktop, an Azure subscription is not necessary.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b. False
Explanation: An active Azure subscription is needed to deploy apps to Azure Virtual Desktop.
Which of the following are prerequisite for deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) Azure Subscription
- b) Azure Database
- c) Azure Studio
Answer: a. Azure Subscription
Explanation: Having an active Azure subscription is a prerequisite for deploying apps to Azure Virtual Desktop.
True/False: You can use the Azure portal to assign apps to users in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Azure portal allows for app assignments to specific users or user groups in Azure Virtual Desktop.
What coding languages can be used when deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop with Azure CLI?
- a) C#
- b) Python
- c) PowerShell
Answer: c. PowerShell
Explanation: Azure CLI uses PowerShell scripting for automating and executing tasks.
Azure Virtual Desktop doesn’t support batch app deployments.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b. False
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop does support batch deployments which makes it easy and efficient to manage app deployment on large scales.
True/False: You have to use the same deployment method for all of your apps in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You can choose between different deployment methods like Azure Portal, PowerShell, Azure CLI for each of your app based on your specific needs and usability.
14- Which factor should not be considered when choosing a method for deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) Available resources
- b) Desired location of deployment
- c) Number of apps being deployed
- d) The colour of the app’s logo
Answer: d. The colour of the app’s logo
Explanation: The colour of the app’s logo has no bearing on app deployment. Other factors such as resources, deployment location and number of apps can impact choice of deployment method.
Interview Questions
Which method allows you to host both the VNet and session host in Azure when deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Resource Manager template deployment method enables hosting both VNet and session host in Azure.
What is the significance of Azure marketplace images in deploying apps to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure marketplace images offer pre-configured environments to rapidly deploy apps to Azure Virtual Desktop, saving manual configuration time.
Can you use Microsoft Endpoint Manager to deploy applications to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, Microsoft Endpoint Manager can be used to deploy applications to Azure Virtual Desktop.
Can you deploy a Windows Server app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, you can deploy a Windows Server app, but it requires either a deployment using Azure Resource Manager templates or a manual deployment.
What is the Azure Image Builder service, and how does it help in app deployment to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Image Builder service is a managed service that enables you to create, customize, and automate images for deployment, including applications, in Azure Virtual Desktop environments.
What role does Azure Active Directory play in deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Active Directory provides identity services that applications use for authentication and user access control.
How does Azure Resource Manager help in deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Resource Manager enables deployment, management, and monitoring of Azure resources in a resource group, including app deployment to Azure Virtual Desktop.
What is the purpose of Azure service principal in the context of deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
An Azure service principal is an identity created for use with applications, hosted services, and automated tools for accessing specific Azure resources.
What are the steps for manually deploying applications on Azure Virtual Desktop?
Steps include preparing the VM or image, installing the application, and optionally optimizing the VM for multi-session use.
How does Azure Marketplace aid in deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Marketplace offers pre-built templates and solutions that can be quickly deployed to Azure Virtual Desktop, aiding in the deployment process.
Can you use Azure DevOps for deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, Azure DevOps can automate build and deployment processes, making it possible to deploy apps to Azure Virtual Desktop.
What is the role of Azure Blob Storage while deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Blob Storage can be used to store application packages and scripts that run during the app deployment to Azure Virtual Desktop.
How can PowerShell scripting be used in deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
PowerShell scripts can automate the deployment and configuration of apps on Azure Virtual Desktop.
How does Azure Monitor help in deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Monitor provides telemetry to ensure deployed apps on Azure Virtual Desktop are performing as expected and identifies issues affecting their performance.
Can you use Microsoft Power Automate to automate the app deployment process to Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, Microsoft Power Automate can be used to automate repetitive tasks involved in the app deployment process to Azure Virtual Desktop.
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