Book Review: Azure Architecture Explained

The book “Azure for Decision Makers” serves as a valuable resource for Azure architects seeking to enhance their skills with the latest tools and insights from industry leaders. The key features include developing a robust business case for cloud adoption, addressing critical business challenges with proven Azure service combinations, and tackling real-world scenarios through practical knowledge of reference architectures. The book covers essential topics such as security management, modernizing applications for the cloud, building solutions with containers, networking, security principles, governance, and observability. With practical examples and step-by-step instructions, readers gain the confidence to navigate the complexities of cloud computing. This resource is indispensable for Azure architects responsible for IT operations, encompassing various aspects like budgeting, business continuity, governance, identity management, networking, security, and automation. It caters to professionals with prior experience in operating systems, virtualization, infrastructure, storage, or networking, providing a comprehensive guide to implementing best practices in the Azure cloud. The book’s table of contents outlines a structured journey covering identity foundations, access management, Azure data solutions, migration, observability, containers, networking, security, governance, and practical tips from the field. Overall, it equips readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and excel in the Azure cloud environment.

Part 1 — Effective and Efficient Security Management and Operations in Azure

In this chapter, the focus is on the adoption of the Zero Trust model and its significance in enhancing organizational security. The chapter emphasizes the importance of providing security analysts with the right tools, highlighting Microsoft Sentinel as a key solution. It explores methods to enable Microsoft Sentinel in the organizational environment and discusses practical approaches, including the utilization of the Microsoft 365 Defender connector and leveraging Fusion for mitigating lateral movement risks. The chapter sets the stage for the upcoming discussion on Azure data solutions offered by Microsoft. These solutions are positioned to empower organizations in managing and analyzing their data more effectively. Notably, the solutions are characterized by flexibility and scalability, accommodating various data types, sizes, and processing requirements, ranging from structured to unstructured, batch to real-time, and small to very large datasets. Overall, this chapter serves as a foundational exploration of security measures and introduces the pivotal role of Microsoft Sentinel in the broader context of organizational data management and analysis.

Part 2: — Architecting Compute and Network Solutions

In this chapter, the focus is on the critical consideration of securing access within application architecture. The chapter highlights the necessity of adopting a thoughtful approach to application security and explores tools that contribute to achieving this goal. A layered network approach is introduced as a strategic method to securely protect backend data. The chapter delves into the utilization of various tools, including Net integration, SQL firewalls, Azure Firewall, Azure Application Gateway, and Azure Front Door, to implement effective security measures. Additionally, the chapter addresses the importance of securing connection strings to databases and emphasizes different options available for achieving this, such as leveraging Azure Key Vault and managed identities. Overall, the chapter provides valuable insights into securing access within the context of application architecture, offering practical guidance on tool selection and implementation strategies.

Part 3: — Making the Most of Infrastructue-as-Code for Azure

The final chapter of the book encapsulates a comprehensive summary of top best practices for organizations navigating the intricacies of Azure. It commences by underscoring the pivotal role of Azure governance in fostering a secure, compliant, and efficient cloud environment. Emphasis is placed on establishing a clear organizational hierarchy, defining roles and responsibilities, and utilizing Azure initiatives and policies for effective resource management.

The chapter advocates for the adoption of Azure landing zones with the Bicep language and Azure Blueprints, coupled with continuous monitoring and auditing. Automation of resource deployment and compliance enforcement through tools like the Cloud Adoption Framework Governance Benchmark Tool and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with ARM templates or Bicep language is recommended.

A dedicated team for managing and maintaining Azure’s monitoring solution is highlighted, stressing the importance of clear communication channels to align monitoring goals with organizational stakeholders. Best practices for planning, designing, and setting up effective alerts in Azure Monitor are shared, including criteria definition, Dynamic Thresholds feature, and the use of suppression rules.

The importance of managing access to resources using Azure AD and Microsoft Sentinel is discussed, with a focus on implementing RBAC and MFA. Regularly reviewing and revoking access, integrating Azure AD with Microsoft Sentinel, and configuring networking services are underscored as crucial security measures.

In the realm of Azure containers, the chapter explores cost-effective deployment options and tools such as Azure Container Registry, Azure Kubernetes Service, and Azure Security Center. Considerations for the stateless nature of Azure Container Instances, leveraging liveness probes, and adhering to security baselines are detailed to ensure the security and protection of container-based workloads in Azure.

As readers conclude their journey through the book, the authors express appreciation for their dedication and encourage feedback and reflections on the learning experience, inviting readers to share their thoughts on the Amazon web page for the book.