AZ-400 Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions Exam

Configure Integration by Using Webhooks

Configure and Secure Webhook Subscriptions

To effectively manage event-driven workflows in Azure, using HTTP webhooks is a key strategy. Instead of regularly checking for updates (polling), webhooks wait for events and execute actions based on those events. This method optimizes workflows and reduces unnecessary API calls.

Defining Webhook Subscriptions

Webhook subscriptions involve selecting event triggers, specifying endpoint URLs, and setting up filter criteria. The event trigger is what starts the workflow, such as when an email is received or an order is placed. For example, you might set an event trigger to wait for an event from Azure Event Hubs before starting a workflow.

Implementing Webhook Security

To ensure that webhook payloads are securely transmitted, HMAC signatures or shared secrets can be used for validation. This means that each message sent to your webhook endpoint includes a signature verifying its authenticity. Configuring security measures like Transport Layer Security (TLS) and verifying Microsoft Entra ID authentication ensures that the data is protected during transmission.

Configuring Retry Policies and Monitoring

Configuring webhook subscriptions also involves setting up retry policies and back-off strategies to handle delivery failures. This ensures that if the first attempt to deliver a payload fails, it retries after a specified delay. Furthermore, monitoring delivery logs helps detect and resolve issues, guaranteeing reliable integration.

Example Usage in Azure

In Azure Logic Apps, creating a webhook trigger involves registering a callback URL with the specified service endpoint. Whenever the specified event occurs, the service sends an HTTP POST request to this URL, triggering the workflow. Similarly, a webhook action can pause a workflow until it receives the expected callback.

Secured Event Delivery with Microsoft Entra ID

When delivering events to an endpoint secured with Microsoft Entra ID, the connection must be authenticated. This can involve delivering events within the same Microsoft Entra tenant or across different tenants, using designated user credentials or application roles for security verification.

By carefully configuring, securing, and monitoring webhook subscriptions, you can ensure robust and efficient event-driven integrations within Azure DevOps environments.

Conclusion

In the Configure integration by using webhooks section, we covered several key points necessary for understanding and implementing webhooks in Azure. These include defining webhook subscriptions by setting event triggers, specifying endpoint URLs, and establishing filter criteria. Implementing security through HMAC signatures or shared secrets and configuring retry policies ensure reliable integration. By utilizing these concepts and tools effectively, you enhance automation and efficiency within Azure DevOps environments.