Azure Blueprints

Introduction to Azure Blueprints

Azure Blueprints enables cloud architects and central information technology groups to define a repeatable set of Azure resources that implements and adheres to an organization's standards, patterns, and requirements. Azure Blueprints helps with compliance and governance of cloud resources by providing a way to deploy and update Azure resources in a consistent and controlled manner.

Why Use Azure Blueprints?

Azure Blueprints provide several benefits:

• Consistency: Ensures consistent deployment of resources and configurations.
• Compliance: Helps enforce organizational policies and standards.
• Automation: Streamlines the deployment process and reduces manual effort.
• Versioning: Allows version control of infrastructure definitions.

Creating and Assigning a Blueprint

Follow these steps to create and assign a blueprint:

Step 1: Create a Blueprint

1. Navigate to the Azure portal and search for "Blueprints".

2. Click on "Create blueprint".

{
  "properties": {
    "description": "Example blueprint for deploying a virtual network.",
    "targetScope": "subscription",
    "parameters": {},
    "resourceGroups": {
      "exampleRG": {
        "description": "Resource Group for example resources.",
        "location": "West US"
      }
    },
    "resources": []
  }
}
                

Step 2: Add Artifacts to the Blueprint

Artifacts are the components that make up the blueprint. These can include resource groups, policy assignments, role assignments, and ARM templates.

{
  "kind": "policyAssignment",
  "properties": {
    "displayName": "Audit VMs that do not use managed disks",
    "policyDefinitionId": "/providers/Microsoft.Authorization/policyDefinitions/auditVmsWithoutManagedDisks",
    "parameters": {}
  }
}
                

Step 3: Publish the Blueprint

Once you have added the necessary artifacts, you can publish the blueprint.

1. Click on "Publish blueprint".

2. Provide a version and change notes.

Step 4: Assign the Blueprint

After publishing, the blueprint can be assigned to a subscription.

1. Click on "Assign blueprint".

2. Select the subscription and provide the necessary parameters.

Managing and Updating Blueprints

Azure Blueprints allows you to manage and update blueprints as your requirements change.

Updating a Blueprint

To update a blueprint:

1. Navigate to the "Blueprints" section in the Azure portal.

2. Select the blueprint you want to update.

3. Make the necessary changes and click "Save".

4. Publish the updated blueprint with a new version.

Version Control

Azure Blueprints supports version control, allowing you to maintain different versions of a blueprint. This helps in tracking changes and rolling back to previous versions if needed.

Blueprint Samples

Microsoft provides several blueprint samples to help you get started. These samples cover various scenarios such as regulatory compliance, security, and infrastructure deployment.

{
  "properties": {
    "description": "ISO 27001:2013 blueprint sample",
    "targetScope": "subscription",
    "parameters": {},
    "resourceGroups": {
      "rg1": {
        "description": "Resource Group 1",
        "location": "East US"
      }
    },
    "resources": []
  }
}
                

Conclusion

Azure Blueprints provide a powerful way to manage and govern your Azure resources. By defining, deploying, and managing blueprints, you can ensure consistency, compliance, and control over your cloud infrastructure. Start creating your blueprints today to streamline your Azure deployments.