Article

Category: Expert stories

Microsoft Dev Box: a modern workstation

Microsoft Dev Box is a virtualized solution that enables IT engineers to quickly launch self-service workstations pre-configured for their tasks while maintaining centralized management to maximize security and compliance with organizational standards. Join emagineer and software architect Mateusz Pruchniak as he explores this modern workstation.

Mateusz Pruchniak, Software Architect / Cloud Native Architect

Microsoft Dev Box was announced as a generally available service for production use during the Microsoft Build event in May 2023. It's primarily designed as virtual workstations for IT professionals. Modern IT engineer workstations come with many challenges. Engineers can spend days, and sometimes weeks, preparing their work environment before making their first changes or completing tasks after the required workstation configuration.

This is particularly challenging for consultants or engineers working on multiple projects, which can result in conflicting library dependencies and software versions. It significantly impacts work comfort and project flexibility.

 

Images as an integral part of the product

With Microsoft Dev Box, engineering teams create and maintain Dev Box images with all the tools and dependencies needed for building, running, and configuring environments, or platforms (e.g., Cloud). Microsoft Dev Box supports any developer IDE, SDK, or in-house tool running on the Windows operating system. And because Microsoft Dev Boxes are hosted in the Microsoft Azure cloud, they can be accessed from anywhere: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, or a web browser.

This approach makes Dev Box images an integral part of the product, with development and changes going hand in hand. For example, development teams can include the application source code and generate binary files every night, enabling developers to start working immediately upon launching the Dev Box.

 

Key features of a Microsoft Dev Box

1. Delivery of pre-configured, ready-to-use workstations with all required dependencies. This minimizes the effort required to set up a workstation, reducing the onboarding process for new employees, for example.

2. Self-service workstations for engineers with SKU units ranging from 8 to 32 vCPU cores, up to 128 GB of memory, and 2 TB of storage.

3. Project and role-specific Dev Box images that can be pre-built with all tools, configurations, source code, and binary files to accelerate project initiation and changes.

4. Compatibility with the Intune service, which provides device and image management to secure, monitor, and ensure compliance with company standards.

5. Integration with Azure virtual networks, allowing administrators to restrict access to sensitive resources, databases, or internal endpoints to approved team members on specific workstations. It also enables connectivity to on-premises environments if there is appropriate infrastructure between Azure and on-premises.

6. Full integration with Azure Active Directory (AAD). Comprehensive access control in AAD enables IT administrators to limit access by project or user type, facilitating control over permissions and policies based on the project's needs. For instance, for highly sensitive workloads, conditional access policies or risk-based login requirements, such as requiring users to connect via compliant devices or use multi-factor authentication (MFA), can be configured.

What about costs?

In terms of costs, to use the Microsoft Dev Box service, each user must have a license for either Windows 11 Enterprise or Windows 10 Enterprise, Microsoft Endpoint Manager service, and Azure Active Directory (P1) service.

In addition to being available separately, these licenses are included in the subscriptions of Microsoft 365 F3, Microsoft 365 E3, Microsoft 365 E5, Microsoft 365 A3, Microsoft 365 A5, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, and Microsoft 365 Education Benefits for Students.

supply-chain-security_body-image-2

An additional cost to consider is the cost of virtual machines. There are two payment models available: a fixed monthly fee for the Dev Box machine or a usage-based fee charged for each hour of Dev Box machine usage. In the usage-based payment model, charges accrue only up to the maximum monthly fee. It's important to carefully choose the payment model based on your needs and implement cost-saving mechanisms such as scheduling automatic shutdowns or machine hibernation.

Read also:
Learn more about the Dev Box

Ready to find out more?

Ask us how we can help you succeed.

Contact us

Blog

Explore our blog

Read more

left-arrow
right-arrow

Henrik Timm
Projects & Implementation
Succeed as a consultant

The project manager in the era of AI

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked discussions across various industries about its potential impact on traditional roles and responsibilities. The field of project management is not exempt from these considerations, and as a project manager, it is only natural to ask yourself: How will AI affect my work? 
Project manager at a meeting with his team.
Projects & Implementation
Succeed as a consultant

Key considerations for aspiring project managers

This article serves as a guide to all aspiring project managers, discussing important considerations and essential skills needed to excel in this dynamic career.
Projects & Implementation
Succeed as a consultant

From risks to requirements: Project initiation from A to Z

As the first step in the project lifecycle, project initiation is critical in determining the ultimate success of a project. Learn the best practices and key considerations for successful project initiation.
Succeed as a consultant

How to build a unique LinkedIn profile

In this article, our hiring manager and recruiter shares his tips on setting up a compelling LinkedIn profile to help you stand out on the job market.
Code
Expert stories
Succeed as a consultant

Seven mistakes every tester should avoid in QA

Written by a Test Team Leader and emagineer, this article dives into seven key pitfalls within software testing. Discover how to steer clear of these traps, strengthen your strategies, and lead your team toward testing excellence.
Case: Tech & development
Expert stories
Succeed as a consultant

Nx for Angular: A reliable tool simplifying the work with IT projects

Front-end developer explores how Nx can benefit Angular projects and its compatibility with other technologies like React & Node.
Expert stories
Succeed as a consultant

Tips from a consultant: How to optimize your workflow as an IT specialist

Front-end specialist shares his advice on how to become more efficient in your work as an IT consultant, incorporating habits that will sharpen your expertise and act as a gateway to securing better projects
IT specialist working from home.
Expert stories
Succeed as a consultant

Non-functional requirements in the Application Development Process

Within the development process, non-functional requirements emerge as a pivotal factor. The challenge lies in effectively gathering and processing these requirements, ensuring clarity and direction for every member of the IT team. The ultimate goal: crafting a distinctive and dependable end product that offers a seamless experience to the end user.
Expert stories
Succeed as a consultant

Snapshot testing in front-end applications

In today’s fast-paced software development landscape, maintaining application consistency is of utmost importance. One approach that has gained popularity is snapshot testing, and emagineer Kamil Naja is here to take us through the ins and outs.
Code
Expert stories
Succeed as a consultant
Tech & Development

Effective ways to work with Backend

In the realm of front-end solutions, the vital role of back-end applications cannot be overstated. In this article, emagineer Kamil Naja delves into the world of backend development, uncovering effective methods to optimize the process.
Data & Analytics
Expert stories
Succeed as a consultant

AI support in the development of front-end solutions

Gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of front-end development as we explore the transformative applications of AI technologies. This article delves into three prominent AI tools: ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and GitHub Copilot Chat, and how they can be leveraged by front-end developers.
A consultant meeting two managers at a job interview.
Succeed as a consultant

Consultant interview from A to Z: Cheat sheet for landing your next job

A practical guide to land your next job. The consultant interview is a good opportunity to make a lasting impression. Here you can learn how to navigate your next job interview and land the job.
Succeed as a consultant

LinkedIn optimizations: Make your profile stand out

Six easy gains – you can use them today! In this article, you will learn six straightforward tips on upgrading your LinkedIn profile quickly and efficiently – these changes might make all the difference.
Senior consultant with beard looking self assured
Staff augmentation
Succeed as a consultant

Five characteristics of successful consultants

What makes a good consultant? While there is no step-by-step guide or a fixed formula to lead you to the top of the game, some characteristics are prevalent in all of expert consultants. Let us take you through five of the most prominent components contributing to success.
An experienced consultant smiling in a meeting with two others
Succeed as a consultant

Freelance 101: How to start as an independent IT consultant

Are you an IT expert with several years of experience, and do you dream of working independently and being your boss? It’s not that complicated to start, and we’ve made it easier for you. As a new freelancer, you have many opportunities, but you also face challenges. Check what is required and how to get started.