Nikita_Bajaj announces major enhancements to Azure Automation, including support for PowerShell 7.4, Python 3.10, and a new Runtime Environment. The update boosts security, script modernization, control, and operational flexibility for enterprise automation.

Overview

Azure Automation has rolled out significant updates to help enterprises meet evolving operational needs. The platform now generally supports PowerShell 7.4 and Python 3.10 runtime versions, a new Runtime Environment, streamlined upgrades, expanded Azure CLI integration, and improved organizational capabilities.

Key Announcements & Features

General Availability of PowerShell 7.4 & Python 3.10

Automation runbooks can now leverage the latest stable releases of both PowerShell and Python, ensuring updated security, performance, and compatibility across the Azure ecosystem.

Runtime Environment

This feature helps modernize previously written scripts without requiring full rewrites. It facilitates quick script testing, validation, and safe upgrades by providing a controlled environment for updates.

Azure CLI Support in PowerShell Runbooks

Users can now embed Azure CLI commands directly within PowerShell runbooks, broadening automation scenarios and reducing the reliance on separate tooling.

Benefits to Users

  • Stay Current: Continuously updated runtime environments enhance security and maintain compatibility with Azure’s newest features.
  • Faster Upgrades: Minimize downtime and de-risk upgrades with the Runtime Environment, by validating scripts prior to full deployment.
  • Rollback Capability: Easily revert runbooks to previous language versions if issues arise, ensuring business continuity.
  • Granular Control: Fine-tune script execution settings including language versions and module dependencies per runbook.
  • Efficient Module Management: Avoid the complexity of multiple Automation accounts for conflicting module requirements, simplifying governance.
  • Expanded Automation: Integrate Azure CLI and PowerShell seamlessly to automate complex resource management tasks across Azure and multi-cloud environments.
  • Cross-Platform Management: Orchestrate automation tasks on-premises, within Azure, and with other public clouds, reinforcing the adaptive, “cloud-first” vision.

Upgrade Recommendations

Legacy environments such as PowerShell 7.1/7.2 and Python 2.7/3.8 are retiring. Users are strongly urged to update runbooks to newer, supported versions using the Runtime Environment for continued support and security.

Resources

For additional information, feedback, or questions, readers are encouraged to contact askazureautomation@microsoft.com.

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