Developers often have a full plate. Then, being introduced to new dependencies and complex systems for a new project becomes more overwhelming. Therefore, many developers lose their way and doubt their skills.
To ease their daily tasks, Microsoft offers Microsoft Dev, which ensures self-service access to ready-to-code cloud workstations called dev boxes.
You might be wondering what Microsoft Dev Box is. Well, to simply do it. Developers can use many dev boxes in their daily processes. You can access your development machines using a Remote Desktop client, such as the Windows App, or a web browser, just like any other virtual desktop.
Microsoft has introduced various new products to streamline developers’ workflows and organisational needs, including tools like Dynamics 365 Dual-Write and Microsoft Lists. These additions further enrich the Microsoft ecosystem, offering more comprehensive solutions for different development and operational scenarios.
The Microsoft Dev Box service was created with three organisational roles in mind: platform engineers, development team leaders, and developers.
Now, what are the key features that make it convenient for you? Let’s talk about them in detail in this article.
Why Do You Need Microsoft Dev Box?
If you look around, you will see that the major problem for employers right now is onboarding developers, especially those working on AI projects.
Companies are desperately hiring from overcrowded employment pools that lack diversity and contain individuals of questionable character.
These increasingly subpar employees arrive at a workplace where everyone is overburdened, and no one has time for basic onboarding, let alone the level of comprehensive assistance required by a new employee.
Eventually, generative AI can be utilised to address this challenge. However, procuring correctly configured hardware in a timely manner is currently problematic, particularly if a specific configuration is required for a project.
Being able to provide a resource so that new or transferred staff have the necessary tools would be extremely beneficial when ramping up a new project and bringing on board the relevant developers.
- Dev Box helps developers who are working on many projects.
- Developers can set up and use distinct dev boxes for each workload, project, or activity.
- Developers can construct additional dev boxes from a specified pool as needed and then delete them when they're finished.
- Organisations can even create development boxes for different roles on a team.
- You could configure conventional dev machines with admin access to offer full-time devs more authority, while contractors would have more restricted permissions.
Sounds like a win? But what makes it possible? Well, its features are designed as a way to solve your problems as a developer.
Key Features of Microsoft Dev Box
Dev Box is quick to start up; scalability is simple, and strong Developer productivity tools are readily available without the need for local configuration. This reduces the overall setup time and allows the developer more time to code.
Here are more Microsoft Dev Box features:
Maintain Images
Engineering teams use Microsoft Dev Box to develop and maintain Dev Box images that include all of the tools and dependencies required for building, executing, and customising environments or platforms (for example, Cloud). Microsoft Dev Box is compatible with any developer IDE, SDK, or in-house tool that runs on the Windows operating system.
Microsoft Dev Boxes, which are hosted in the Microsoft Azure cloud, may be accessed from any platform, including Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and web browsers.
Ready to Code
Dev Boxes make it simple for developers to start a new project by giving them self-service access to workstations specifically designed for their current projects and duties. This eliminates the need to collaborate with an infrastructure team and wait for real gear to be delivered.
Developers can also deploy numerous Dev Boxes at the same time, making context switching between different projects much easier because each Dev Box just targets one project and does not need to support multiple sets of dependencies.
Full Integration with Azure Active Directory (AAD)
AAD’s comprehensive access control allows IT managers to restrict access by project or user type, allowing for greater control over rights and policies based on project requirements.
For example, conditional access controls or risk-based login requirements, such as forcing users to connect via compliant devices or use multi-factor authentication (MFA), can be set up for highly sensitive workloads.
Security and Compliance
As workstations are under the control of Microsoft, it ensures that developers have access to enterprise-level security mechanisms, too. Great? Right?
It offers data encryption, access controls, and compliance with numerous industry standards. This ensures that the code and sensitive data are protected independent of the developer’s location. Dev Box also keeps critical intellectual property off of portable devices like laptops.
Unified Management
Dev Boxes are completely integrated with Windows 365 and Microsoft Intune, allowing IT managers to manage virtual machines using familiar tools. They can seamlessly regulate access, enforce security policies, track resource utilisation, and troubleshoot issues within the Microsoft ecosystem.
How to Use Microsoft Dev Box?
There is no need to purchase hardware, approve capital expenditures, or wait for shipping or setup time.
The Dev Box can be installed from the Dev Portal, customised according to project requirements, and is immediately compatible with data management and security protocols.
Once the dev box is up and running, users can access it remotely via a Remote Desktop client such as the Windows App or straight from their browser.
Dev box users have complete control over the dev boxes they build and may manage them using the developer portal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Dev Box is a powerful solution that simplifies the developer experience by offering ready-to-code, cloud-hosted workstations tailored to specific projects and roles. Its scalability, ease of access, and seamless integration with Azure Active Directory and other Microsoft services ensure a secure and productive environment. Dev Box is a game changer for businesses and developers looking to enhance productivity while reducing overhead.
At DHRP, we understand the importance of optimising work processes in this modern and advanced tech world. With our expertise in cloud solutions and enterprise services, we help organisations adopt cutting-edge technologies like Microsoft Dev Box for improved efficiency and scalability. Let us guide you through implementing these solutions to enhance your team’s capabilities.
