The Azure Stack Hub Marketplace is a platform where users can obtain and use various solutions. It mirrors the Azure Marketplace and allows users to provide pre-configured resources such as Virtual Machines, networking equipment, and more to clients in an easily scalable package. A connected Azure Stack Hub can pull items from Azure Marketplace and make them available locally.
Importing from Azure Marketplace to the Azure Stack Hub Marketplace
To import from the Azure Marketplace to the Azure Stack Hub Marketplace, you must have a user role of either Cloud Operator or Cloud Admin. The Azure Stack Hub has a ‘Connected’ deployment mode, which means it maintains a connection to the Azure Marketplace and can sync selected items from there to the Azure Stack Hub Marketplace.
To do this, follow the steps below:
- Sign in to the Azure Stack Hub user portal as a Cloud Operator or Cloud Admin.
- Select ‘All Services’ and then ‘Marketplace Management’.
- On the Marketplace management blade, click ‘+ Add from Azure’ and select the item you want to add.
- Click ‘Download’ to begin the download. The time it takes to download will depend on the size of the item and your connection speed to the Azure Marketplace.
Note that only syndicated items can be downloaded from Azure.
Examples of Items You Can Add to Azure Stack Hub Marketplace
- Virtual Machine Extensions: These are small applications that help you automate post-deployment VM configuration.
- Linux Distributions: Azure Stack Hub supports various Linux distributions such as CentOS, Debian, Red Hat, and Ubuntu.
- SQL Server on Windows Server: You can host your SQL Server infrastructure on Azure Stack Hub by importing SQL Server images.
- Web Apps for Containers: Azure Stack Hub supports the creation of web apps that use Docker containers.
Comparison between Azure Marketplace and Azure Stack Hub Marketplace
| Azure Marketplace | Azure Stack Hub Marketplace |
|---|---|
| It’s a global marketplace | It’s a regional marketplace |
| Direct online connection to publishers | Offline connection to publishers |
| Broader catalog of items | Limited catalog based on connected Azure resources |
| Pricing is determined by the Azure policy | Pricing for certain plans is controlled by the operator |
Remember, the key to successfully populating your Azure Stack Hub Marketplace largely relies on strategic imports from Azure Marketplace. Carefully select items that align with your workloads, user demands, and compliance prerequisites.
Also, note that while Azure Stack Hub is a powerful tool for delivering cloud-native capabilities in a localized environment, it should not operate in isolation. Keep it connected and updated where possible to ensure that your users are getting the most out of their cloud experience.
Populating your Azure Stack Hub Marketplace is a crucial aspect of Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub and aligns with the objectives of the AZ-600 exam. This knowledge will come handy in understanding how to enhance the utility and usability of Azure Stack Hub deployments.
Limitations
It’s important to note that not all resources available in the Azure Marketplace can be ported over to the Azure Stack Hub Marketplace. For example, Azure VM images that are based on third-party software and services might not be available to download and deploy in the Azure Stack Hub Marketplace due to license restrictions from the vendor.
In conclusion, as you prepare for the AZ-600 exam, it is important to grasp the ways to populate your Azure Stack Hub Marketplace in a connected environment, the items you can add, and the limitations you may encounter. This knowledge is significant for configuring and deploying workloads on Azure Stack Hub.
Practice Test
True or False: Azure Stack Hub Marketplace allows you to import products from the Azure Stack Marketplace.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub Marketplace is used to provide users of the Azure Stack Hub with a selection of services. You are allowed to import products from the Azure Marketplace.
True or False: Azure Stack Hub can only be populated from an offline environment.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub can be populated from both a connected environment and an offline environment.
Multiple Select: Which of the following products can be imported from the Azure Marketplace to Azure Stack Hub?
- a) Windows Server
- b) SQL Server
- c) App Service
- d) Kubernetes Service
Answer: a, b, c
Explanation: Windows Server, SQL Server, and App Service can be imported from Azure Marketplace to Azure Stack Hub. As of now, Kubernetes Service can’t be populated in the Azure Stack Hub Marketplace.
True or False: You need to use Azure Cloud Shell to populate Azure Stack Hub Marketplace.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You don’t need Azure Cloud Shell to populate Azure Stack Hub Marketplace. You can directly use the Azure Stack Hub administrator portal.
Single Select: Which of the following tool is used to populate Azure Stack Hub Marketplace in an offline environment?
- a) PowerShell
- b) Azure CLI
- c) Azure Cloud Shell
- d) Azure DevOps
Answer: a) PowerShell
Explanation: PowerShell is the tool used to populate Azure Stack Hub Marketplace in an offline environment.
Single Select: Which of the following Azure service is necessary for populating Azure Stack Hub Marketplace from a connected environment?
- a) Azure Functions
- b) Azure Logic Apps
- c) Azure Active Directory
- d) Azure Stream Analytics
Answer: c) Azure Active Directory
Explanation: Azure Active Directory is necessary for populating Azure Stack Hub Marketplace from a connected environment as it is used for user authentication and authorization.
Multiple Select: Which of the following are requirements for an connected environment in Azure Stack Hub?
- a) Azure subscription
- b) Azure Active Directory
- c) Azure Log Analytics
- d) Internet connectivity
Answer: a, b, d
Explanation: An Azure subscription, Azure Active Directory, and internet connectivity are required for a connected environment in Azure Stack Hub.
True or False: You cannot add products manually to Azure Stack Hub Marketplace.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You can add products manually to Azure Stack Hub Marketplace.
Single Select: What should be the status of product in Azure Stack Hub Marketplace after it is successfully downloaded?
- a) Pending
- b) Downloaded
- c) Failed
- d) Not Available
Answer: b) Downloaded
Explanation: The status of a product in Azure Stack Hub Marketplace should be ‘Downloaded’ once it has been successfully downloaded.
True or False: Azure Stack requires a connected environment to receive updates?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: This is true as updates for Azure Stack are delivered over the internet and require a connected environment to be received.
Interview Questions
What is the Azure Stack Hub Marketplace?
Azure Stack Hub Marketplace allows users to create and provide their applications to others, using the same mechanisms used by Azure Marketplace.
What steps can one take to populate Azure Stack Hub Marketplace from a connected environment?
For populating Azure Stack Hub Marketplace from a connected environment, log into the Azure Stack Hub admin portal as a service admin or a tenant user, find and download a Marketplace item, log into the Azure portal, find and install a Marketplace item.
What crucial step must be taken prior to downloading a Marketplace item in Azure Stack Hub?
Before downloading a marketplace item, a registration with Azure should be carried out.
What is the difference between downloading a Marketplace item and adding an individual item to Azure Stack Hub Marketplace?
Downloading a Marketplace item refers to the process of getting an item from the Azure marketplace to local storage, while adding an individual item to Azure Stack Hub Marketplace involves making an item available for user deployment.
What role should a user have to download and manage items in Azure Stack Hub Marketplace?
To download and manage items in Azure Stack Hub Marketplace, a user must be a Cloud Operator or a Global Administrator.
What are the requirements for Azure Stack Hub to connect to Azure Marketplace?
The Azure Stack Hub should be registered with Azure, and it must have a sufficient network bandwidth to download marketplace items.
Can you populate Azure Stack Hub Marketplace from a disconnected environment?
No, Azure Stack Hub Marketplace requires a direct connection to Azure to download and manage Marketplace items.
How can you find and install a Marketplace item in Azure Stack Hub?
In Azure Stack Hub, go to the Admin portal, select Marketplace management from the menu, +Add from Azure, and then choose the desired Marketplace item to be installed.
Are there any charges for adding items from Azure Marketplace to Azure Stack Hub Marketplace?
No, there are no charges for adding items from Azure Marketplace to Azure Stack Hub Marketplace, but there may be costs associated with running these services in the Azure Stack Hub environment.
Can a user create a custom Marketplace item in Azure Stack Hub?
Yes, a user can create a custom Marketplace item by providing the necessary metadata and payload. The process involves creating a JSON file that includes the required attributes and elements.
Are the Marketplace items available in Azure always compatible with Azure Stack Hub?
Not all Marketplace items available in Azure are compatible with Azure Stack Hub. You should check the item description to confirm compatibility.
How often should the Azure Stack Hub Operator synchronize downloaded items with the Azure marketplace?
For optimal performance, Azure Stack Hub Operator should synchronize downloaded items with the Azure marketplace every month.
What does synchronizing with Azure Marketplace involve?
Synchronizing with Azure marketplace involves checking the current version of the items in Azure Stack Hub against the versions in Azure, and updating them if necessary.
Can a user choose which items to update during synchronization?
No, all items in the Azure Stack Hub get updated automatically during synchronization.
Can you delete Marketplace items from Azure Stack Hub?
Yes, you can delete Marketplace items from Azure Stack Hub using the delete action in the Marketplace management menu. However, an item that is in use cannot be deleted until it’s no longer used.
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