Is it possible to automate deployment of tableau server on azure VM?

Question

I am currently using terraform to provision azure infrastructure including landing zone and windows server 2019 machine that I want to host tableau server

There exists AWS and Oracle CI documentation on how to automate this but nothing for azure

The tableau website has a python script called silent installer to automate installation but not sure how I would deploy that with the VM. I am ok with using Ansible or another configuration manager if needed

Has anyone attempted this or have advice on automating anything similar?

Answer 1

Hi there,

You can run your tableau server deployment script as a custom script extension, following after the VM creation

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/extensions/custom-script-linux

Answer 2

Hi @Famous Amos

Yes, you can automate your typical VM deployment with any automation system (Azure Automate, Ansible...), but to deploy a custom application on this VM you have to include a custom script extension (as maserg already stated) or use any other option to automate a scripted installation after finishing deployment.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/extensions/custom-script-linux

For example, you could use DSC (Desired State Configuration), or for example, if you are using Ansible... task 1 deploys a VM and waits until deployment is finished, and task 2, after deployment runs a PowerShell/Shell script that installs all necessary application on that server.

PowerShell DSC is also available for Linux
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/dsc/reference/resources/linux/lnxpackageresource?view=dsc-1.1