Azure Inventory in an Advanced IT Documentation Environment

The most important thing in brief:

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IT costs money, resources, time and effort — that is the common impression of many decision makers. But it doesn't have to stay that way. After all, there are modern cloud solutions such as Microsoft Azure — and thus also new opportunities to increase efficiency. But while Azure shines in terms of scalability and flexibility, the Azure inventory IT administrators and documentation managers face new challenges.

What is an Azure inventory?

Azure inventory describes the process by which all resources, services, and configurations in an Azure environment are automatically collected and documented. These include virtual machines, databases, networks, storage accounts, and many other components of the cloud infrastructure. The aim is to obtain a complete and up-to-date overview of all Azure resources — whether to comply with compliance requirements, to trace changes, or to optimize operational processes.

Why is Azure inventory so challenging?

In a hybrid infrastructure environment, in which on-premises and cloud components should work together seamlessly, IT documentation is subject to constant change. Azure resources can be created and deleted dynamically — often automatically and without visible intervention by administrators. This dynamic makes it difficult to keep track of things with conventional means such as Excel lists or manually maintained tools.

“So if you are in the luxurious situation of having functioning IT documentation, that doesn't have to be the case tomorrow when a new category of devices suddenly comes to your company. ”

How is an Azure inventory performed?

There are basically two ways:

1. Manually via the Azure portal

Individual resources can be viewed and exported directly via the portal. However, this is laborious, time-consuming and can only be automated to a limited extent. With complex infrastructures, you quickly lose track of things.

2nd Script-based via PowerShell

With PowerShell, Azure resources can be queried automatically. However, this method requires in-depth knowledge of the Azure API, PowerShell scripts, and a concept for storing inventory data. In addition, there is regular maintenance and adaptation of scripts to new services.

“On the one hand, script-based Azure inventory also requires an idea of where you want to store your data and results. Boink. ”

The solution: Automated Azure inventory with Docusnap

To avoid all this hassle, Docusnap offers a automated solution for your Azure inventory. With just a few clicks, you can integrate your Azure subscriptions into Docusnap, store the necessary credentials and benefit from a fully automated, regular recording of your cloud resources.

Benefits of Azure inventory with Docusnap:

• Agentless capture your Azure services
• Time-separated snapshotsto document changes comprehensibly
• Adaptable to your documentation structure
• No PowerShell knowledge required
• Reduced manual effort, full transparency

“Simply store your necessary credentials in Docusnap, follow the HowTo and enjoy an Azure inventory, which takes care of all the steps above for you. ”

The results of the Azure inventory can be integrated into your existing IT documentation — structured, comprehensible and audit-proof. This creates the basis for well-founded decisions in IT operations and also has a fact-based basis for arguments available to management at any time.

Conclusion: Azure inventory as an integral part of your IT strategy

Azure inventory doesn't have to be a complicated project with high maintenance costs. Thanks to Docusnap, the process is not only simplified, but also sustainably integrated into your IT documentation. Take advantage of the flexibility of the cloud while staying in control of your infrastructure — automated, documented and efficient.

Learn more about Azure inventory with Docusnap:
https://www.docusnap.com/en/inventory-modules/microsoft-azure-inventory

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