Azure Update - 20th June 2025

Key insights

• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) Enhancements: AKS now supports Kubernetes Long Term Support (LTS) versions 1.31 and 1.32, along with updated support for Ubuntu 24.04 and Azure Linux LTS. This improves stability, security, and compatibility for containerized workloads.
  
• Virtual Machines and Backup Improvements: Azure has enhanced continuous diagnostics for Linux Virtual Machines (VMs), retired the older DCsv2 VM series, and expanded backup support to larger disks. Azure Site Recovery (ASR) now includes support for Ultra disks, helping protect high-performance VMs.
  
• Azure SQL Database and Managed Instance Updates: Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI) offers faster management operations, improved Availability Zone (AZ) redundancy, flexible memory options, and public preview of data virtualization. Migration support for PostgreSQL 17 is also available.
  
• Networking Changes in Azure VNETs: The default outbound internet access from Virtual Networks (VNETs) is being retired. Customers are encouraged to use more secure outbound connectivity settings.
  
• Regional Expansion in Chile: A new Azure region has launched in Chile, increasing regional availability and supporting data residency needs for Latin American customers.
  
• Application Services Updates: Azure Functions now supports OpenTelemetry, improving observability of serverless apps. The end of support for .NET 9 on App Service was

  Introduction to the June 2025 Azure Update

  On June 20, 2025, Microsoft Azure rolled out a significant platform update, as covered in a recent you_tube_video by John Savill's [MVP]. This update introduces a host of new features, service improvements, and regional expansions that aim to strengthen Azure’s position as a leading cloud provider. Notably, the changes span a wide range of offerings, from container orchestration to database management and regional infrastructure.

  As Azure continues to evolve, these updates reflect Microsoft’s commitment to addressing both the technical needs and operational demands of its global user base. The editorial team highlights the most impactful enhancements and the challenges they address, along with considerations for organizations adopting these changes.

  Kubernetes and Container Service Enhancements

  One of the most prominent areas of improvement is in Azure’s container ecosystem. With the addition of Kubernetes Long Term Support (LTS) versions 1.31 and 1.32 in Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), organizations benefit from increased stability and security for their containerized workloads. This move aligns with industry trends that favor predictable, well-supported releases, allowing enterprises to plan upgrades with confidence.

  Moreover, AKS now supports Ubuntu 24.04 and Azure Linux LTS, offering users a modern, secure operating system baseline for their Kubernetes nodes. These enhancements provide a more consistent platform for running workloads, but they also require customers to consider compatibility and testing for existing deployments. Azure Red Hat OpenShift’s update to version 4.17 further strengthens managed OpenShift capabilities, giving teams more flexibility and advanced features for hybrid and multi-cloud strategies.

  Virtual Machines, Diagnostics, and Backup Improvements

  Azure’s virtual machine offerings have also received meaningful upgrades. Enhanced continuous diagnostics for Linux virtual machines improve monitoring and troubleshooting, empowering administrators to detect and resolve issues more efficiently. However, leveraging these new diagnostics may require updated tools and processes, especially for organizations with diverse VM fleets.

  The planned retirement of the DCsv2 VM series signals Azure’s focus on driving customers toward newer, more performant VM generations. While this transition promises better performance, it also means some users will need to migrate workloads, which can involve downtime and resource planning. Additionally, Azure Backup now supports larger disk capacities, and Azure Site Recovery has expanded support to include Ultra disks, enabling robust disaster recovery for high-performance workloads.

  Advances in Azure SQL and Database Services

  This month’s update brings several notable improvements to Azure SQL Managed Instance (MI) and related services. Faster management operations streamline administrative processes, while enhanced Availability Zone redundancy boosts resilience against outages. Flexible memory options allow organizations to tailor resources more precisely, balancing cost and performance based on workload requirements.

  Furthermore, the public preview of data virtualization in Azure SQL Database enables seamless querying of external data sources. This feature simplifies data integration but may introduce challenges around data consistency and performance. Azure also now supports migrations to PostgreSQL 17, making it easier for businesses to stay current with the latest database technologies.

  Networking Changes and Regional Expansion

  Azure’s update includes the retirement of default outbound internet access for Virtual Networks (VNETs). This change encourages customers to adopt explicit, secure outbound connectivity configurations, which enhances security but may require re-architecting existing network setups. Balancing security with ease of configuration remains a key tradeoff for many organizations.

  Additionally, the launch of a new Azure region in Chile underscores Microsoft’s commitment to expanding its global cloud infrastructure. This move provides improved regional availability and data residency options for Latin American customers, although it may also prompt organizations to revisit compliance and disaster recovery strategies in light of new geographic options.

  Application Services and Partner Updates

  Azure Functions has introduced support for OpenTelemetry, enhancing observability for serverless applications. This advancement helps developers track and diagnose issues more effectively, yet it also requires teams to update their monitoring pipelines. Meanwhile, App Service announced the end of support for .NET 9, prompting customers to plan migrations to supported frameworks to ensure continued security and compatibility.

  On the partner side, Microsoft has updated the Azure IP co-sell deal submission process. Partners must now include additional solution details in their submissions, which should improve deal processing but may necessitate changes to existing workflows and API integrations. The deadline for compliance is July 31, 2025, highlighting the need for timely adaptation by partners.

  Conclusion: Balancing Innovation and Operational Needs

  The June 2025 Azure update delivers a wide array of enhancements aimed at boosting performance, security, and scalability across the platform. While these advancements offer clear benefits, they also introduce new considerations and potential challenges for organizations managing complex cloud environments. Effective adoption will require careful planning, testing, and ongoing adaptation to balance the promise of innovation with operational realities.

  In summary, Microsoft’s latest Azure developments reinforce its role as a leader in cloud technology, continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of businesses worldwide.

  

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