3.6. Reflection Checkpoint: Management and Governance

You have now explored the essential tools and practices for managing and governing an Azure environment effectively. This knowledge is critical for ensuring that your cloud solutions are secure, compliant, and cost-effective.

Scenario: You have been promoted to lead a new cloud governance team. Your first task is to create a framework that will be applied to all new projects in Azure to ensure they are well-managed from day one.

Reflection Question: What are the key pillars of your governance framework? How would you use Azure Policy, Resource Locks, Tags, and Azure Cost Management to enforce standards and control costs? How would you use Azure Monitor to ensure operational visibility?

Key Concepts Review:

• Cost Management: Can you explain the difference between the Pricing Calculator and the TCO Calculator? What is the primary purpose of Azure Cost Management?
• Governance: What is the difference between Azure Policy and a Resource Lock? Why are tags important?
• Deployment: When would you use the Azure Portal versus the CLI or an ARM template?
• Monitoring: What is the difference between Azure Monitor and Azure Service Health? What are the two main types of data Azure Monitor collects?

Mastering these concepts is key to operating a successful and efficient Azure environment. They are the tools that turn a collection of resources into a well-managed enterprise solution.

Storytelling Checksum: You’ve learned how to be a responsible steward of the cloud. You can now build, manage, and govern Azure resources with confidence, ensuring they are secure, compliant, and cost-effective.