What is Windows Azure automatic scaling?

Last October, we released a number of updates for the Windows http://www.aliyun.com/zixun/aggregation/13357.html ">azure platform, One of the updates is to add a date based automatic scaling support (different rules are set on different dates).

In this blog post, we'll look at the concept of automatic scaling and learn how to configure your Web site with automatic scaling to save your operating costs.

Note: The auto scaling feature is in the preview state and can only be used for testing purposes. There is no SLA for all preview features and you can get support through the forums.

What is Windows Azure automatic scaling?

Let's say you're running a flower site, so you can imagine that your website traffic will increase dramatically during the holidays such as Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. Before Windows Azure Auto-scaling is available, you need to manually increase the number of instances of the Web site so that you can effectively handle the increased load. After the peak period, you must manually reduce the number of instances again.

Now that you have the auto scaling feature, you can automatically scale by defining a set of rules.

Introduction to Windows Azure Auto-scaling

Enable Windows Azure Auto Scaling

Before you start using the automatic scaling feature, make sure your Web site is running in standard mode.

1. Log in to your Windows Azure account.

2. Click Web SITES, and then click the NAME of the Web site on which you want to configure automatic scaling.

3. Click SCALE, and then click the set up schedule times.

4. Under the specific DATES of the Set Up Schedule Times dialog box, enter the appropriate details in each text box as prompted.

Note: This is the date and time that you want to increase the number of instances. When end time is reached, your number of instances is automatically reduced to the previous default value.

5. After adding the details, click the tag button at the bottom of the Set Up Schedule Times dialog box.

6. From the EDIT SCALE SETTINGS for SCHEDULE drop-down list, select the NAME (in this case, Diwali) that you entered in the previous step.

7. Drag the INSTANCE count slider to the right to increase the number of instances.

8. After you select the INSTANCE COUNT you want, click the SAVE button on the bottom command bar.

9. You will receive a notification below the command bar as shown below.

Your automatic scaling automation task has been saved, and your instance will automatically expand horizontally within the defined date and time.

Accessing the auto-Flex operations Log

You can access the auto-Flex operations log from the dashboard of the Windows Azure Web site.

1. Log in to your Windows Azure account.

2. Click Web SITES, and then click the NAME of the Web site for which you want to view the auto-Flex log.

3. Click DASHBOARD, and then click Autoscale Twist LOGS

4. Here you will see all the Auto Flex operations logs.

Note: You can adjust the date and time to query for logs that are related to a specific time range.

5. Click to select a specific log, and then click Details on the command bar to see more information about the selected action.

Hope this information is helpful to you!!

If you do not already have a Windows Azure account, you can register for a free trial and start using Windows Azure Web site and automatic scaling immediately.