Updating the App Service resource provider is a critical task when keeping up with changes in technology, security, and advancements associated with AZ-600 Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub. This duty revolves around maintaining the latest versions and functionalities of Azure App Service on Azure Stack Hub, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing the vulnerability of the system.
Updating the resource provider
The App Service resource provider is the component responsible for the management of App Services in the Azure Stack Hub. Periodically, Microsoft releases updates for the App Service resource provider that adds new features and addresses bugs and vulnerabilities.
To update the resource provider, we will simply download the latest installer and run the update. Here is a general overview of the process:
- Before upgrading, backup the existing app services databases for disaster recovery purposes.
- Download the latest App Service on Azure Stack Hub package from the Microsoft Download Center.
- Extract the files from the Azure Stack Hub package onto a local machine.
- Run .\Update-AzsAppService.ps1 script from a PowerShell session to start upgrading the Azure App Service resource provider.
- Wait for the script to finish running. It will take several minutes. This script will upgrade App Service, SQL resource provider, and the Admin API Web App.
- After the upgrade script completes, validate the upgrade by logging in to the Azure Stack portal, and verify the App Service version in the resource provider version column.
It’s important to note that when the update starts, the App Service in your Azure Stack will be briefly unavailable.
Example: Updating the App Service resource provider
A detailed example of how to update the App Service resource provider involves the use of PowerShell. Firstly, start by downloading the update to a local directory.
sh
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://download.microsoft.com/download/url" -OutFile "C:\temp\AzureStack_AppService_Update.zip"
Next, extract the downloaded package into a folder:
sh
Expand-Archive -Path "C:\temp\AzureStack_AppService_Update.zip" -DestinationPath "C:\temp\AppServiceUpdate"
Then, navigate to the directory and run the update script:
sh
cd "C:\temp\AppServiceUpdate"
.\Update-AzsAppService.ps1
You should see various messages as the script runs. Once completed, the App Service resource provider will be updated.
In conclusion, updating the App Service resource provider is a key practice in ensuring the Azure Stack Hub remains operational, secure, and laden with the latest features. As a rule of thumb, always check for updates periodically to keep the system at par with emerging trends and advancements.
Practice Test
True or False: The App Service resource provider should be updated only after all other resource providers have been updated.
- Answer: False
Explanation: The update order of resource providers does not matter. Whether you update the App Service resource provider before or after other resource providers does not have an impact on the functionality.
How can you update an App Service resource provider?
- a) Only manually.
- b) You cannot update it.
- c) Automatically, but only at a specific time.
- d) Both manually and automatically.
Answer: d) Both manually and automatically.
Explanation: The App Service resource provider can be updated both manually and automatically. Automatic updates are controlled by Azure Resource Manager.
True or False: You can cancel an App Service resource provider update once it has started.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Once an update has started, it cannot be stopped or cancelled. To avoid any interruptions, plan your updates carefully.
What happens if the App Service resource provider update fails?
- a) The provider will be automatically deleted.
- b) Azure Stack Hub stops functioning properly.
- c) The operator will be notified and the update will be rolled back.
- d) None of these
Answer: c) The operator will be notified and the update will be rolled back.
Explanation: If the App Service resource provider update fails, the operator will be notified and the update will be rolled back to ensure the system continues to function as expected.
True or False: Update of App Service resource provider impacts the application availability in Azure Stack Hub.
- Answer: False
Explanation: The deployment of the App Service Resource Provider does not impact application availability. The update is designed to be non-disruptive.
True or False: Updates to the App Service resource provider are controlled by Azure Stack Hub.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub controls the updates to the App Service resource provider, when configured to do so.
Single select: Azure Stack Hub operators can ____________.
- a) Delay updates
- b) Disable updates
- c) Schedule updates
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub operators have the ability to delay, disable, and schedule updates to best fit their organization’s needs.
True or False: You need to take a backup of the resource provider before updating the App Service.
- Answer: True
Explanation: It’s a recommended best practice to backup resource providers before updating the App service in order to protect the system from any potential data loss.
With respect to AZ-600 Exam, what does updating App Service resource provider benefit?
- a) Increased performance
- b) New functionalities
- c) Improved security
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Updating the App Service resource provider offers benefits like increased performance, new functionalities, and improved security.
True or False: Once the App Service Resource Provider is updated, it may require a system reboot.
- Answer: False
Explanation: The App Service Resource Provider updates are non-disruptive and do not require a system reboot after completion.
If a new certificate is added, does the App Service resource provider needs to be updated?
- a) Yes
- b) No
Answer: a) Yes
Explanation: Whenever a new certificate is added, the App Service resource provider should be updated to include it.
True or False: The App Service resource provider gets updated automatically every time Azure Stack Hub receives an update.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Although updates to the App Service resource provider can happen automatically, it is not mandatory every time Azure Stack Hub receives an update. The update depends on the configuration settings made by the operator.
The availability of applications in Azure is affected during the App Service resource provider update.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Azure has designed these updates to be non-disruptive, thus the availability of applications is not affected during the App Service resource provider update.
True or False: The App Service resource provider updates in Azure Stack Hub can be scheduled during non-peak hours.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub operators have the flexibility to schedule updates during non-peak hours in order to minimize potential impact on operations.
Before updating the App Service resource provider, what is the prerequisite step?
- a) Backup the App Service resource provider
- b) Get approval from stakeholders
- c) Alert all users
- d) None of the above
Answer: a) Backup the App Service resource provider
Explanation: Before updating, it is a best practice to backup the App Service resource provider. This can help prevent data loss if an update fails.
Interview Questions
What is the purpose of updating the App Service resource provider in Azure Stack Hub?
Updating the App Service resource provider allows you to add new features, improve performance, fix bugs, and improve the security of your app services.
Which services are updated when you update the App Service resource provider?
When you update the App Service resource provider, Azure functions, Web Apps, and API Apps get updated.
How often is it recommended to update the App Service resource provider in Azure Stack Hub?
Microsoft releases updates to the App Service on Azure Stack Hub resource provider on a regular basis, typically once every few months. It is recommended to apply these updates as they become available.
Can I roll back an update to the App Service resource provider if it causes issues?
No, rollback is not supported for updates to the App Service resource Provider. Before applying updates, it is recommended to perform a full backup of the App Service resource provider and your apps.
How can I verify the current version of my App Service resource provider?
The current version of your App Service resource provider can be checked by reviewing the App Service administration blade in the Azure Stack Hub administrator portal.
What are the common methods to update the App Service resource provider?
The common methods to update the App Service resource provider include downloading and importing the updated package using the Azure Stack Hub administrator portal, or using PowerShell commands.
What prerequisites should I check before updating the App Service resource provider?
Before updating, ensure that your Azure Stack Hub operated system is updated to the same version or later than the version required by the App Service resource provider. Also, validate that the App Service deployment is functioning properly.
What is Azure Resource Manager and how does it relate to the update of App Service Resource Provider?
Azure Resource Manager is the deployment and management service for Azure. It provides a consistent management layer that enables you to create, update, and delete resources in your Azure Stack. For the update of the App Service Resource Provider, Azure Resource Manager ensures the update is done smoothly and consistently.
How long does it typically take to update the App Service resource provider?
The exact duration of the update may vary depending on the size and complexity of your application, but it typically takes a few hours.
What strategies can reduce downtime during an update of the App Service resource provider?
One effective strategy to minimize downtime during an update is to perform the update during a maintenance window or off-peak hours when demand for your app is lowest. In addition, you can use deployment slots to direct traffic away from the updating resources.
Can I update individual components of the App Service resource provider separately?
No, the App Service resource provider is updated as a whole to ensure that all components are compatible and functioning together as expected.
What could happen if I don’t keep the App Service resource provider updated?
Failing to regularly update the App Service resource provider can lead to performance issues, increased security risks, and may limit access to new features and improvements. It could potentially lead to decreased service availability or even service failure.
Can I schedule automatic updates for the App Service resource provider?
No, currently Azure Stack Hub does not support automatic updates for App Service resource provider. Updates must be manually applied by an administrator.
How can I troubleshoot issues that occur while updating the App Service resource provider?
Microsoft provides a comprehensive set of troubleshooting resources including logs, events, and traces that can help identify and resolve issues. If problems persist, Microsoft Support can assist further.
Do I need to update my applications after updating the App Service resource provider?
Typically, applications do not need to be updated as they run independently of the resource provider. However, if the update includes changes that affect your apps, you may need to update your apps to incorporate those changes.