Discover Azure Linux 3.0: Features & Preview Guide for AKS 1.31

In a move that’s sure to excite Azure enthusiasts and developers alike, Microsoft has announced Azure Linux 3.0 for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), which is now available for preview as part of AKS version 1.31. This marks a significant milestone, arriving three years after the launch of Azure Linux 2.0, known as Mariner. If you’re a Windows user navigating the cloud landscape, understanding this update can enhance your operational capabilities significantly.

Key Features of Azure Linux 3.0​

Azure Linux 3.0 is not just a minor upgrade; it brings several substantial enhancements to the table, including:

• Linux Kernel Update: The kernel has been upgraded from 5.15 to 6.6. This not only ensures better performance but also incorporates the latest features and security patches.
• Containerd Upgrade: The container runtime has been bumping up a notch from 1.6.26 to 1.7.13. This change optimizes container management and deployment within Kubernetes.
• SystemD Improvement: An upgrade from SystemD 250 to 255 enhances service management and booting processes.
• OpenSSL Leap: OpenSSL has also received attention with an update from 1.1.1k to 3.3.0, reinforcing security protocols essential for cloud infrastructure.

These improvements are indicative of Microsoft’s commitment to providing a robust and secure foundation for users deploying applications in the cloud.

Getting Started with the Preview​

To dive into this preview, Azure users need to register for the feature flag. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Register the Feature Flag:
   Open your Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) and input the following command:
   

   bash az feature register --namespace Microsoft.ContainerService --name AzureLinuxV3Preview

2. Verify Registration Status:
   You can check if the flag is registered by running:
   

   bash az feature show --namespace Microsoft.ContainerService --name AzureLinuxV3Preview

   It may take a few minutes for the registration to process.
3. Deploy New Clusters:
   When creating new clusters or node pools, specify the option --os-sku=AzureLinux to utilize Azure Linux 3.0 by default.
4. Deployment Methods: You can create clusters or node pools using various methods including CLI, PowerShell, Terraform, or ARM templates.

Important Considerations​

While Azure Linux 3.0 promise exciting features, Microsoft emphasizes a few caveats during the preview period:

• Azure Linux 3.0 is only compatible with AKS version 1.31. If you attempt to deploy on an earlier version (1.30 or lower), the default will revert to Azure Linux 2.0.
• Existing clusters running Linux 2.0 cannot be upgraded to 3.0 during the preview. New node pools or clusters will need to be established specifically for Azure Linux 3.0.
• This preview is part of the latest v20241025 release, and regional support is continually updated through the AKS Release Tracker.

As feedback from this trial period is implemented, Azure Linux 3.0 will aim for general availability alongside AKS version 1.32.

Conclusion​

Microsoft's introduction of Azure Linux 3.0 not only showcases its ongoing innovation in cloud technology but also highlights its responsiveness to developer needs. With its robust enhancements, Azure Linux aims to streamline Kubernetes operations and bolster security—the essentials for any modern cloud strategy.
As the technology landscape evolves, staying updated with such releases will empower users and enterprises to leverage cloud capabilities effectively. So, if you're ready to experiment with Azure Linux 3.0 and prepare for its future roll-out, now’s the time to jump in on the action!
For additional insights and details, you can check the full release notes on GitHub, and make sure to stay connected with community updates in forums, as experiences from users can greatly inform best practices moving forward.

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Source: Neowin Microsoft announces Azure Linux 3.0 for AKS preview