Build, deploy, and run Linux workloads on Azure | OD827
Poorvi Narang and Flora Taagen present an Azure-focused session on running Linux workloads using Azure Linux across VMs and AKS, highlighting the Azure Linux 4.0 preview, Azure Container Linux, and what “secure by default” looks like in practice from development through production.
Overview
This Microsoft Build 2026 session covers how Azure supports Linux and open-source workloads with Azure Linux, including consistent execution across Azure Virtual Machines and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and a focus on security defaults, performance, and operational consistency.
Azure Linux and Microsoft’s Linux journey
- The speakers outline Microsoft’s Linux journey, including upstream kernel contributions and how that experience feeds into Azure’s Linux offerings.
- The session positions Azure Linux as a distribution designed to support cloud-native workloads with consistency across environments.
Azure Linux 4.0 preview and Azure Container Linux announcements
- Azure Linux 4.0 is announced as a preview.
- Azure Container Linux is discussed as a Linux option aligned to container and AKS scenarios.
Why Azure Linux exists: security, performance, quality, compliance
The session highlights the motivations for building Azure Linux, including:
- Security defaults (“secure by default” posture)
- Performance
- Quality and reliability
- Compliance considerations
Architecture and security model
The speakers describe Azure Linux at a high level, including:
- Kernel and core package composition
- The distribution’s security model and how defaults are intended to reduce operational overhead
Where Azure Linux runs in Azure
Azure Linux availability and usage scenarios covered include:
- Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
- Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)
- Container-based workloads
Demos: security defaults and consistent workload execution
- A live demo showcases Azure Linux 4.0 features with emphasis on security and performance.
- The session also demonstrates Azure Container Linux for AKS, including design points, features, and a demo.
Adoption and use cases
- The speakers share adoption stories and customer use cases to illustrate where Azure Linux is being used and why.
Getting started and next steps
- Resource link shared in the session: https://aka.ms/build26-next-steps
- The speakers close with guidance on getting started and how to engage with the community.