AZ-800 Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Exam

Manage Windows Server container images

Managing Windows Server container images is a key part of deploying container-based apps in Azure. Container images are read-only templates that include application code, runtimes, and dependencies. They form the foundation for creating containers that run consistently across environments. By understanding how to handle these images, administrators can ensure reliable and repeatable deployments.

Base images provide the underlying operating system and language support for containerized applications. Custom images build on these by adding layers for application and configuration files. Each layer impacts the size and performance, making it crucial to optimize image layers during development. Efficient layers reduce build times and improve container startup performance.

Securing container images requires selecting up-to-date base images and regularly scanning for vulnerabilities. Azure Container Registry (ACR) supports advanced management practices like image tagging and replication policies. Administrators can integrate ACR with CI/CD pipelines to automate image builds and deployments. These strategies help maintain secure and scalable image workflows in hybrid environments.

Implement and Secure Windows Server Container Images

Choosing the right base image is the first step in securing your containers. Avoid using tags that specify minor runtime versions, since they often lack long-term updates. Instead, select fully supported base images that receive regular patches and feature updates. This approach ensures secure and reliable environments for your applications.

Recommended base images include specific tags for different language stacks to leverage current updates. Regularly pull the latest base images to apply security fixes and patches. Use the following tags for common stacks:

• .NET (isolated worker model): mcr.microsoft.com/azure-functions/dotnet-isolated:4-dotnet-isolated8.0
• Java: mcr.microsoft.com/azure-functions/java:4-java21
• Python: mcr.microsoft.com/azure-functions/python:4-python3.12
  For images ending in -appservice, enable SSH and remote debugging capabilities to simplify troubleshooting and support remote maintenance.

To reduce the attack surface, keep custom images lean by merging layers where possible and removing unnecessary packages. Implement vulnerability scanning tools to detect issues early in the build process. Leverage content trust to ensure that only verified images are deployed in your environments. Rebuild images frequently to incorporate new security patches and maintain up-to-date dependencies.

Azure Container Registry (ACR) helps manage container images with centralized storage and security controls. Use image tagging to label versions clearly and enable easy rollbacks when needed. Configure replication policies to distribute images across regions, improving availability and reducing latency. Integrate ACR with your CI/CD pipelines, such as GitHub Actions or Azure DevOps, to automate builds and simplify deployments.

Conclusion

In summary, effective management of Windows Server container images starts with choosing supported base images and maintaining secure update practices. Optimizing layers and rebuilding custom images helps keep the container footprint small and performant. Regular vulnerability scans and content trust policies add crucial security checks before deployment.

Using Azure Container Registry for tagging, replication, and integration with CI/CD pipelines streamlines the delivery of container images. Clear image tagging allows rapid identification of versions, while replication ensures consistent performance across geographic regions. Automating image builds and scans ensures that new code and patches flow through development and production smoothly.

By following these practices, administrators can maintain secure, efficient, and scalable container image workflows in hybrid Azure environments. Building on these principles will help deliver robust container-based applications with confidence. Effective image management ultimately leads to more reliable and secure deployments.