Azure Batch Cheat Sheet

• A service that runs large-scale parallel and high-performance computing (HPC) batch jobs in Azure.
• Allows you to run jobs in a group of Linux or Windows virtual machines.

Key Updates (2024-2026)

• Confidential Computing: DCasv5/ECasv5-series VMs now supported.
• VM Model Update: Spot VMs fully replace Low-Priority VMs.
• Critical Retirements: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (April 2025), NCv3 VMs (September 2025), legacy custom images (March 2026).

Components

• A task represents a unit of computation and a job is a collection of tasks.
• Job priority values range from the lowest priority to the highest priority.
• To specify certain limits for your jobs, you can use job constraints:
  • Maximum wallclock time – tasks are terminated if the job runs longer than the specified time.
  • Maximum number of task retries – if the task fails, it will be requeued to run again.
• A job manager task contains the information needed to create the tasks required for the job.
• Scheduled jobs allow you to create recurring jobs.
• Simultaneously run on more than one compute node with a multi-instance task.
• With task dependencies, the task depends on the completion of other tasks before its execution.

Compute Node Operating Systems

• Batch supports Windows and Linux VM images via Azure Marketplace or Shared Image Gallery.
• Action Required: Migrate from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS before April 2025 retirement.
• Legacy custom images (VHD/managed images) retire March 2026 – transition to Shared Image Gallery.

Azure Batch Pricing

• No additional charge for using Azure Batch and you are only charged for the underlying resources consumed.
• Cost Optimization: Use Spot VMs (replacement for Low-Priority VMs) for fault-tolerant workloads.

Azure Batch Cheat Sheet Resources:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/batch/batch-technical-overview
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/batch/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/updates/?product=batch