How to Prepare for App Service Environment Version Retirement

I recently received an important reminder from Microsoft that App Service Environment (ASE) version 1 and version 2 will be retired on August 31, 2024.

As someone who relies on ASE for my applications, I knew I had to take action to ensure a smooth transition.

In this article, I'll walk you through the steps I took to prepare for retirement and migrate to a newer version.

What is an App Service Environment?

App Service Environment (ASE) is a special space in Azure where you can run web applications. It's like a private room for my apps, where users control the settings and resources. ASE helps you:

• Keep your apps secure

• Make your apps run faster

• Scale your apps to meet the demand

Think of ASE as a dedicated server for my applications but with more flexibility and control.

Understanding the Impact

If you're like me and have applications running on ASE version 1 or version 2, you need to take action before the retirement date. If you don't migrate to a newer version, your applications may experience issues or even become unavailable. Microsoft recommends migrating to ASE version 3 or version 4 to take advantage of the latest features and security updates.

Requirements for Migration

Before you start the migration process, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• You have an Azure subscription

• You have an App Service Environment (ASE) resource in your Azure portal

• You have the necessary permissions to update your ASE resource

• You have a backup of your applications and data

• You have reviewed the Microsoft documentation for ASE version retirement

Migration Steps

Step 1: Assess Your Current Environment

1. Log in to your Azure portal

2. Navigate to the App Service Environment resource

3. Check the version number (look for "Version" or "ASE Version")

4. Take note of the current version and any dependencies (e.g., applications, databases)

Step 2: Choose a Migration Path

You have two options:

A) Migrate to ASE version 3

• Recommended for most users

• Offers improved performance and security features

• Follow the in-place upgrade process (more on this below)

B) Migrate to ASE version 4

• Recommended for users who need the latest features and improvements

• Requires a new ASE deployment and reconfiguration of applications

• Follow the redeployment process (more on this below)

Step 3: Perform the Migration

Option A: In-place Upgrade to ASE version 3

1. Go to the App Service Environment resource in the Azure portal

2. Click on the "Configuration" section in the left panel.

3. Look for the "Upgrade Preference" and select “Manual.”

3. Select "ASE version 3" and follow the prompts

4. Monitor the upgrade process and verify the success

Option B: Redeployment to ASE version 4

1. Create a new ASE version 4 resource in the Azure portal. To do so, Navigate ASE resources, and select “+Add.”

2. Configure the new ASE with your desired settings, and select “Review + Create.”

3. Redeploy your applications to the new ASE

4. Update DNS settings and verify application functionality

Post-Migration Tasks

1. Verify the successful migration by checking the ASE version and application functionality

2. Update configurations and settings as needed

Benefits of Migrating to a Newer ASE Version

By migrating to a newer ASE version, I experienced several benefits, including:

• Improved security features and updates

• Enhanced performance and scalability

• Access to the latest Azure features and innovations

• Better support and compatibility with newer technologies

Personal Insights

I learned that migrating to a newer version of the App Service Environment is crucial to ensure my applications remain secure and efficient. By following these steps, I was able to migrate successfully and avoid potential issues. Remember to take action early and choose the right migration path for your needs. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

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