Windows Azure 2012, Part 4 of 8: Cloud Services

Course description

This is an intro to “Platform as a Service” and how it is different from Web Sites and why you would design for this. It dives deep into service definitions and cloud configuration, explores startup tasks and how to codify an instance. We show how worker roles fit into the model and communication patterns for working with them.

Each LearnNowOnline training course is made up of Modules (typically an hour in length). Within each module there are Topics (typically 15-30 minutes each) and Subtopics (typically 2-5 minutes each). There is a Post Exam for each Module that must be passed with a score of 70% or higher to successfully and fully complete the course.

Prerequisites

The viewer should be familiar with web interfaces, SQL, SQL Management Studio, and Visual Studio.

Meet the expert

Mike Benkovich

Mike Benkovich delivers technical presentations around the U.S. as a consultant, trainer, and former Developer Evangelist for Microsoft. He has worked in a variety of professional roles including architect, project manager, developer, and technical writer. Mike is also an author of two books, published by WROX Press and APress, that show developers how to get the most from their SQL databases. Since appearing in the 1994 Microsoft DevCast, Mike has presented technical information at seminars, conferences, and corporate boardrooms across America.

Video Runtime

61 Minutes

Time to complete

81 Minutes

Course Outline

Cloud Services

Overview (18:00)

• Introduction (00:32)
• Session Objectives (00:45)
• Windows Azure (00:37)
• Application Scenarios (00:42)
• Cloud Services (01:35)
• Some Terminology... (01:41)
• Service Model Whiteboard (00:44)
• Demo: Azure Compute (04:12)
• Demo: Creating a Service (03:29)
• Demo: Publishing (03:32)
• Summary (00:08)

Definition and Roles (22:04)

• Introduction (00:34)
• Service Definition (00:59)
• The Fabric Controller (00:59)
• Example Service Allocation (01:13)
• VM Size in Windows Azure (01:29)
• What is Windows Azure Compute? (00:35)
• Web Role (00:58)
• Worker Role (00:44)
• Service Architecture (00:33)
• What Can It Run? (00:39)
• Build/Migrate an App (00:42)
• Service Configuration (01:12)
• Service Definition File (01:43)
• Startup Tasks and Imports (00:31)
• Role Programming Model (00:56)
• Demo: Roles (04:51)
• Demo: Add Role Entry Point (03:06)
• Summary (00:11)

Configuration and Upgrade (13:51)

• Introduction (00:29)
• Role Lifecycle (00:35)
• Custom Role Entry Points (01:03)
• Networking in Windows Azure (00:51)
• Local Storage (03:16)
• Choosing Your VM Size (01:12)
• Scaling and Upgrading (01:58)
• Configuration Values (00:45)
• Handling Config Changes (00:51)
• Demo: Config Changes (02:30)
• Summary (00:16)

Cloud Service Upgrade (07:48)

• Introduction (00:19)
• Fault Domains (00:58)
• Roles and Instances (00:17)
• Upgrade Domains (00:38)
• Upgrading Your Application (00:56)
• VIP Swap (00:55)
• Demo: Upgrade an App (03:35)
• Summary (00:07)