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Expanding Linux and OSS Support on Azure

Starting on July 15th we are pleased to announce the availability of limited support for major Linux distributions, third party and Open source technologies on Azure.

Azure is a first class platform for Linux and open source technology, with a growing list of OSS solutions in the marketplace, Linux extensions, and Azure services like HDInsight running on Linux. But what about customer support on Azure?

In the past Azure customer support for Linux and other open source technologies was, with some exceptions, focused on determining whether customer problems were with the Azure platform or not. If for example you were having trouble installing CoreOS on Azure VM, or experiencing a performance problem with your MySQL application on Azure; after verifying that the Azure platform was not the issue, you would be directed to work with your Linux or OSS providers to find a solution. This meant a potentially simple configuration problem or usage issue could take longer to resolve when a customer gets redirected.

Starting on July 15th we are pleased to announce the availability of limited support for major Linux distributions, third party and Open source technologies on Azure.

Linux Support

We now provide limited support for the following Linux distributions in Azure:

Supported Linux Distributions

  • Ubuntu
  • CentOS (OpenLogic)
  • Oracle Linux
  • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)*
  • OpenSUSE
  • CoreOS

*Enterprise level support from SUSE is already included with SUSE premium images. Microsoft will engage SUSE to assist the customers directly as needed.

Linux Support Scope
In addition to eliminating Azure platform and services as a root cause, Microsoft will provide the following limited support for the supported Linux Distributions:

Installation and Configuration: Help with installation and configuration of Supported Linux Distributions on the Azure platform and services. In certain cases, if Microsoft is unable to resolve an issue, you’ll need to contact the vendor of the Supported Linux Distribution directly. If help is needed to isolate the root cause, you or the vendor can initiate a troubleshooting session with Microsoft.

Performance and Networking: Recommendations applicable to the Azure platform and services. For advanced troubleshooting and performance tuning, you should contact the vendor of the Supported Linux Distribution directly. If help is needed to isolate the root cause, you or the vendor can initiate a troubleshooting session with Microsoft.

Exceptions:
– Scenarios related to security are not covered.
– Unless covered under the OSS Scope below, work with vendors directly for scenarios not supported by Microsoft. For example: Application development, troubleshooting custom applications and custom code.
– Support for assistance in design, architecture or deployment of applications or solutions on Azure is not included.

Third-Party Technology Support

Microsoft will also offer limited support for third-party technologies.

Supported Third-Party Technologies

  • Languages: PHP, Java, Python
  • Database: MySQL
  • Web and Application servers: Apache, Tomcat
  • Frameworks: WordPress

 

Third-Party Technology Support Scope

In addition to eliminating Azure platform and services as a root cause, we’ll provide limited support for the supported 3rd party technologies for the following scenarios:

  • Issues encountered during installation or configuration
  • Deployment errors encountered when trying to deploy applications to the Azure platform and services
  • Runtime errors when using the Azure platform and services
  • Performance issues with applications built using the Supported Third-Party Technologies when using Azure platform and services

Customers who request support in connection with these scenarios will be directed to forums and/or community support:

  • Design guidance
  • Development assistance

3rd party technology support will be in English language and offered during US business hours. Our list of supported Linux distros and 3rd party technologies are also subject to change over time, as we’ll periodically re-evaluate demand.

We welcome your feedback about this program, and you can reach out to us through LinuxOnAzureSupport@microsoft.com

Additional Resources