Azure VMSS Creation

Question

We presently have  a classic Azure service CMG set up for our SCCM infrastructure. We are looking to migrate to a VM scale set as the classic service will no longer be supported by Microsoft . 

The inbuilt CMG creation wizard within SCCM does not allow us to specify the vnet to be used. This is a challenge as the network team here would like to be able to have more control over that.

1. Is there a way to manually create a VM scale set in Azure for the CMG and connect it to our SCCM infrastructure.
2. If that isn’t possible, and the network team wishes to modify the vnet after creation of the CMG, would it be able to provide us with the outbound connectivity requirements of the VMSS.

Answer 1

Hello R Peaks,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A and thank you for posting your questions here.

Problem

Sequel to your questions, I understand that your organization currently utilizes a classic Azure service CMG for its SCCM infrastructure. However, with the impending end of support from Microsoft, there is a need to migrate to a VM scale set. The inbuilt CMG creation wizard lacks the option to specify the VNet, posing a challenge for the network team seeking greater control over network configurations.

Scenarios

Based on my understanding your scenario depicts that your organization relies on System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for managing its devices and deployments. Currently, they have a classic Azure service CMG integrated with SCCM. However, with Microsoft's announcement of the end of support for classic CMG, the organization decides to migrate to a VM scale set. The network team expresses concerns about the inability to specify the VNet during CMG creation using the inbuilt wizard, as they prefer more control over network configurations. They also seek clarity on how to modify the VNet post-CMG creation and require information on the outbound connectivity requirements of the VMSS associated with the CMG.

Solution

This prescribed solution was based on the scenario given and your questions, while focusing on the problem statement.

Your questions say:

Is there a way to manually create a VM scale set in Azure for the CMG and connect it to our SCCM infrastructure.

Answer:

Yes, you can manually create a VM scale set in Azure for your CMG (Cloud Management Gateway) and then connect it to your SCCM infrastructure.

Migrating from the traditional Azure service CMG to a VM scale set for your SCCM setup is smart, especially with Microsoft's upcoming lack of support. Making sure you can choose the right virtual network (VNet) is key for managing your network effectively.

To deal with the limitation in SCCM's CMG creation wizard, you might need to try a different approach. Instead of sticking only to the wizard, think about manually setting up the VM scale set in Azure. This way, you'll have better control over picking the VNet that suits your needs.

To do this, you will need to Prepare Azure Resources, then:

• Go to the Azure portal and navigate to "Virtual Machine Scale Sets".
• Click on "Add" to create a new VM scale set.
• Follow the wizard to configure the basics such as subscription, resource group, and instance details.
• Choose the appropriate VM size, operating system image, and authentication settings.
• In the networking configuration, specify the VNet and subnet where you want the VMs to be deployed.

Once the VM scale set is deployed, you need to integrate it with SCCM right in SCCM console, you will Configure SCCM Integration by navigating to the Cloud Services section and select "Cloud Management Gateway".

Your second questions say:

If that isn’t possible, and the network team wishes to modify the vnet after creation of the CMG, would it be able to provide us with the outbound connectivity requirements of the VMSS.

Answer:

Your question number 1 is answer which means it is possible.

With the answer under question one, the network team will be able to modify the VNET after creation of the CMG and be able to provide the outbound connectivity based on your organization business requirements of the VMSS.

Finally

While specific configurations and requirements may vary depending on your organization's setup and preferences, the outlined steps provide a general guideline for manually creating a VM scale set for CMG and connecting it to your SCCM infrastructure based on your scenario and questions asked.

Also, the network team can modify the VNet configuration for the CMG as needed and provide the outbound connectivity requirements for the associated VMSS to ensure smooth operation within the network environment.

References

For more information and reading kindly utilize the additional resource provide by the right side of this page.

Accept Answer

I hope this is helpful! Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions.

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Best Regards,

Sina Salam