Azure Update - 30th January 2026 - Hotel edition :-)

Key Concepts

• Passkeys: A phishing-resistant authentication method.
• Azure Compute SKUs (D, E, F, v7s): Different virtual machine configurations optimized for general purpose, memory, or compute-intensive workloads.
• Azure Command Launcher for Java (JAC): Optimizes Java VM parameters for cloud environments.
• ExpressRoute Scalable Gateway (ERGW Scale): A scalable gateway for ExpressRoute connections, offering bandwidth up to 40 Gbps.
• Azure NetApp Files (ANF): A high-performance file storage service now supported with OpenShift Virtualization.
• Agent Bricks Knowledge Assistants: AI agents within Azure Databricks for creating, deploying, and managing AI solutions.
• Row Alpha Model: A Microsoft Research model converting natural language into robotic control signals.
• Tenant Configuration Management APIs: APIs for snapshotting and monitoring M365 tenant configurations.

Azure Update - January 30th

This update covers recent developments across Azure compute, networking, storage, database, and AI services, alongside new tools for tenant management. The presenter delivered the update remotely from San Francisco after visiting the Silicon Valley Experience Center.

Compute Updates

The update began with several advancements in Azure compute offerings.

• Azure Command Launcher for Java (Preview): This new tool, invoked with jac instead of the standard Java command, automatically configures Java Virtual Machine (JVM) parameters for optimal cloud performance. This aims to reduce wasted resources (memory, CPU) by ensuring parameters are tailored for Azure environments and works across VM, AKS, and App Service.
• DNE v2 SKU (Preview): New virtual machine SKUs utilizing Intel Xeon 6 processors are now in preview. These offer approximately 15% better processor performance compared to the previous generation, scaling up to 372 virtual CPUs. The presenter clarified the distinction between ‘D’ series (general purpose) and ‘E’ series (memory optimized) SKUs, noting the ‘E’ series can reach up to 2.8 bytes of memory. Both series support Azure Boost, providing up to 400 Gbits per second networking and 800,000 IOPS with 20 GB/s storage throughput on the largest sizes. Network and storage performance scale with VM size.
• v7s of DAEA and FA Series (Preview): AMD-based counterparts to the Intel SKUs are also available in preview, utilizing fifth-generation AMD EPYC processors (Zen 5 core). These offer up to 35% CPU improvement over the V6 series, with performance varying based on workload. The D, E, and F series designations continue to represent general purpose, memory optimized, and compute-optimized configurations, respectively.

Networking Updates

A significant update on the networking front is the General Availability (GA) of the ExpressRoute Scalable Gateway (ERGW Scale).

• ERGW Scale: This new SKU offers variable scaling, supporting up to 40 scale units, translating to 40 Gbps of bandwidth (1 Gbps per scale unit). Users can define minimum and maximum scale unit numbers, allowing the gateway to automatically adjust bandwidth based on load. Pricing is based on the number of scale units used per hour, offering cost optimization during periods of low traffic. The gateway is zone redundant (with at least two instances) and supports migration from existing ER gateway SKUs with minimal downtime (approximately 2 hours).

Storage Updates

• OpenShift Virtualization with Azure NetApp Files (ANF) (Preview): This integration allows running virtual machines alongside containers within Azure Red Hat OpenShift. The update enables the use of ANF volumes as persistent volumes for these VMs, leveraging the various service levels offered by Azure NetApp Files.

Database Updates

• PostgreSQL Minor Version Updates: Automatic minor version updates are planned for PostgreSQL, including versions 18.1, 17.7, 16.11, 15.15, 14.20, and 13.23, as part of the regular monthly maintenance cycle.

AI & Data Services Updates

• Azure Databricks Agent Bricks Knowledge Assistants (GA): These tools facilitate the creation, deployment, and management of AI agents within the Azure Databricks platform, unifying data and AI capabilities. The system includes an integrated Microsoft Purview catalog for enhanced tooling and knowledge access. The process involves specifying a use case and data source, and the system automatically selects the best models for the agent. Supported use cases include information extraction, custom Large Language Models (LLMs), knowledge assistants, multi-agent supervisors, code generation, and AI-powered Business Intelligence (BI).
• Row Alpha Model (Microsoft Research): This model, built on the Microsoft Research PI vision-language family, translates natural language into control signals for physical robots, enabling actions and incorporating tactile sensing for reactive behavior. The model was developed in collaboration with the University of Washington and Nvidia. The presenter demonstrated this with a playful anecdote about playing air hockey against an AI at the Silicon Valley Experience Center.

Tenant Management Updates

• Tenant Configuration Management APIs (Preview): These APIs allow administrators to snapshot and monitor configurations across their entire Microsoft 365 tenant (including Entra ID, Exchange Online, Defender, Purview, Intune, and Teams). This enables detection of configuration drift and facilitates correction. Access requires the /beta version of the Microsoft Graph API. Snapshots are retained for 30 days after correction.

Logical Connections & Synthesis

The update demonstrates a consistent focus on enhancing performance, scalability, and automation across Azure services. The compute updates aim to optimize resource utilization and provide more powerful VM options. Networking improvements focus on dynamic scalability and cost efficiency. The integration of ANF with OpenShift Virtualization highlights Azure’s commitment to hybrid cloud solutions. The AI updates showcase advancements in agent-based AI and robotics. Finally, the tenant management APIs address the growing need for centralized configuration control and drift detection in complex M365 environments.

“They’re [passkeys] really nice from that perspective. They can’t be tricked to authenticate to some site that looks similar.” – This quote emphasizes the security benefits of passkeys as a preferred authentication method.

The overall takeaway is that Azure continues to evolve rapidly, offering a wider range of services and features designed to meet the diverse needs of modern cloud deployments. The emphasis on preview features indicates ongoing innovation and a commitment to incorporating user feedback.