Cloud Platform Release Announcements for March 6, 2019

Azure Monitor Log Analytics is now available in Azure China

Azure Monitor Log Analytics is now available in Azure China. Azure Monitor is a fully managed monitoring service that collects and analyzes telemetry from your Azure and on-premises resources and applications and allowing you to maximize their performance.

Please see the products by region page to see the capabilities coming to Azure China.

Visit the Azure Monitor documentation page.

Logic Apps | New connector for 3270 screens is now in preview

Azure Logic Apps with the new 3270 connector allows enterprise developers to build modern applications that automate end user task flows based on legacy IBM mainframe 3270 programs, and to deliver robotic process automation (RPA) and other integration capabilities.

Using Logic Apps with the new 3270 connector, enterprise developers can more easily build new composite applications and APIs that incorporate existing line-of-business 3270-based mainframe programs with modern cloud services, to significantly drive business innovation, reach new customers, and improve operating efficiencies.

The 3270 connector includes a Windows-based design tool to record end user task flows using a Microsoft TN3270 client, or optionally to import IBM CICS Basic Mapping Support (BMS) screen program layouts, define a navigation plan over the existing mainframe 3270 program, and then define inputs and outputs for the plan for use within a Logic App action. The new connector will automate data entry tasks, help eliminate typos from manual entry, and use the features in Azure to create new business applications.

Learn more about Logic Apps.

Azure API Management | Continuous integration and deployment to Azure API Management

The ability to separate Azure API Management service instances for various environments—for example, production, staging, or QA—is now available in preview. These environments are usually shared by multiple development teams, each responsible for a subset of APIs.

Vote and share your feedback about this capability.

SQL Server | Extended Security Updates for SQL Server 2008/R2 are now available for purchase

On July 9, 2019, support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 will end. That means the end of regular security updates. Don't let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected.

We can help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance, and innovation, but if you need more time for your modernization project, you may want to purchase the new Extended Security Updates offer for your on-premises deployments of SQL Server 2008/R2.

Learn how to prepare for SQL Server 2008 end of support.

Azure Lab Services | GA

Azure Lab Services is now generally available. Azure Lab Services enables you to easily set up and provide on-demand access to labs of preconfigured virtual machines. Provide a simple and interactive hands-on learning experience on the virtual machines to teach a class, train professionals, and run hackathons, among other activities. General availability pricing will go into effect May 1, 2019.

To learn more, read the full blog post and visit Azure Lab Services.