Azure to build linux VMs and export as .ova

Question

I am trying to find a solution where I don't have to sling huge images all over. I need to build and maintain 14 images for a client. This will require building them, patching etc and then exporting them for VSxi 6.5 (currently I do .ova) so that the client can download then and use them internally. Since Azure is already a part of their infrastructure doing it here if possible will make this a much more seamless procedure.

TIA, Jeff

Answer 1

Hi @Jmurch

Azure VM Image Builder is a fully managed Azure service that can help you build and maintain virtual machine images. You can use it to specify a source image, a customization to perform, and where the new image is to be distributed. You can also connect it to your existing virtual networks, so that you can communicate with existing configuration servers, such as DSC (desired state configuration pull server), Chef, and Puppet, file shares, or any other routable servers and services. Additionally, you can use Azure Compute Gallery to share your VM images.

You can find more information about Azure VM Image Builder and Azure Compute Gallery in the following links:

• Azure VM Image Builder overview: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/image-builder-overview?tabs=azure-powershell
• Share VM images in a compute gallery: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/share-gallery-direct?tabs=portaldirect

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