#Azure Powershell

[erossiniuk]

Cloning all repositories from Azure DevOps

I will provide a script for cloning all repositories from Azure DevOps in an organisation with multiple projects and repositories using PowerShell. Scenario Often, I end up with a big mess in the repositories from a project at work. I want to download all the repositories again from a particular organisation. For example, I used to split my code into NuGet packages to manage the projects…

[cpateman]

Validating Azure APIM in CI: A Practical Approach to Safe API Deployments

When deploying any code you want to validate it as much as you can before deploying. However with APIs in the APIM you can’t validate the XML Policy or the API logic until it is deployed into the API Management Service (APIM). This means you are limited to the options to validate the code, before checking into the main branch and deploying. In this post I go through some of the options with focus…

[fluk3sake]

Exporting Azure AD Security Groups and Members to CSV

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) plays a critical role in managing identities and access in modern IT environments. As an administrator, you may often need to export a list of security groups and their members for reporting or auditing purposes. This explains how to use a PowerShell script to accomplish this efficiently. What Does the Script Do? This PowerShell script performs the following…

[freebiesms]

Find #Azure Functions still using the in-process model in #Azure

If you got the following email from Microsoft Azure: Migrate your .NET apps in Azure Functions to the isolated worker model by 10 November 2026You’re receiving this email because you use the in-process model with .NET applications in Azure Functions. Beginning 10 November 2026, the in-process model for .NET apps in Azure Functions will no longer be supported. To ensure that your apps that use…

[techdirectarchive]

How to Restore Deleted Azure App Service Using PowerShell

In this post, I will briefly take you through how to restore deleted Azure App Service using PowerShell. Before I proceed, let’s talk about Azure App service in detail. Azure App Service is a managed platform created by Microsoft for hosting web applications, mobile backends, and RESTful APIs. You can easily deploy WordPress on Azure App Service. You also use Azure CLI to create App Service and…

[rajaniesh]

Unlocking the full Power of Hybrid Runbooks for Azure Automation

In today's rapidly evolving cloud computing landscape, mastering the art of automation is crucial. 'Unlocking the Power of Hybrid Runbooks for Azure Automation' dives deep into how Azure Automation can revolutionize the way you manage and automate cloud.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cloud computing, efficiency, and automation are not just buzzwords but essential strategies for managing complex cloud environments. Azure Automation emerges as a pivotal tool in this realm, offering a robust, cloud-based automation service that helps you focus on work that adds business value. By automating frequent, time-consuming, and error-prone cloud…

[uplevelsystems]

Active Directory in the Cloud Era: Should You Still Host It On-Prem?

As businesses accelerate toward cloud adoption, the question of whether to keep Active Directory (AD) on-premises or transition to a cloud-native identity model is more relevant than ever. While cloud platforms like Azure Active Directory offer convenience and scalability, the traditional Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) still power critical workloads for many small and medium-sized businesses.

So, where should your organization land in this hybrid identity landscape? Let’s explore the pros, cons, and practical considerations of hosting Active Directory on-prem vs. in the cloud.

Why On-Prem Active Directory Still Matters

Despite the rapid shift to cloud infrastructure, on-premises Active Directory Services continue to provide foundational features that many modern organizations depend on:

Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for managing user and computer configurations

Kerberos authentication for secure identity validation

Support for legacy applications that aren’t cloud-aware

Granular access control and organizational unit (OU) management

For many industries, especially those bound by strict compliance requirements, on-prem Active Directory is not just relevant but necessary.

The Rise of Cloud Identity and Azure AD

Cloud-first identity providers like Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) offer strong value propositions:

Scalability without infrastructure overhead

Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and SaaS applications

Conditional Access, MFA, and identity governance built-in

No physical hardware required for domain controllers

However, Azure AD is not a 1:1 replacement for on-prem Active Directory Domain Services. Features like Group Policy, NTLM/Kerberos support, and traditional LDAP authentication are either limited or unavailable in pure Azure AD environments.

Hybrid Identity: The Best of Both Worlds?

Many businesses are choosing a hybrid approach, where Active Directory Services continue to run on-premise and synchronize with Azure AD using tools like Azure AD Connect. This allows businesses to:

Maintain legacy support while gaining cloud flexibility

Synchronize credentials across environments

Use Active Directory Management Gateway Service (ADMG) to extend AD administration through PowerShell and remote management APIs

This hybrid model provides a smoother path for organizations that can't fully commit to the cloud due to compliance, application dependencies, or connectivity limitations.

Where Uplevel Systems Fits In

For SMBs and distributed IT environments, the infrastructure burden of managing Active Directory in-house can be overwhelming. That’s where Uplevel Systems steps in.

Uplevel delivers managed Active Directory services as part of its all-in-one IT infrastructure platform—designed for remote and hybrid offices. Their appliance-based model simplifies:

On-prem Active Directory deployment and maintenance

Secure remote access to AD services

Integration with cloud identity tools and VPN services

Proactive AD health monitoring and backup

This model is ideal for businesses that need enterprise-grade directory services without enterprise-level IT overhead.

For many businesses, a hybrid model with managed on-prem Active Directory offers the optimal mix of control, security, and convenience.

Final Thoughts

Active Directory is evolving—but it’s not going away. In the cloud era, organizations must weigh their application stack, compliance needs, and IT capacity before deciding where AD should live.

Whether you're running legacy workloads or planning your next cloud migration, tools like the Active Directory Management Gateway Service and hybrid directory setups can offer agility without sacrificing control. And if managing all that feels overwhelming, companies like Uplevel Systems offer managed solutions that bring the power of Active Directory to smaller IT teams—securely, reliably, and cost-effectively.

[cpateman]

Progressive Learning in Coding: The Elevator Approach

Learning new skills can be hard and when working with complex technology like coding it can be confusing. Over the years as I have learnt more technologies, I have found an approach that has helped keep learning simple. This is something I was taught before when I first started and continue to pass on to my mentees as a senior. The approach is the elevator effect and in this post I will breakdown…

[kamalkafir-blog]

Career Jobs Remote Jobs and other opportunities for Job seekers

Job title: Systems Developer (Technology Support) Company: PointClickCare Job description: with us on and . Job Summary: Working under the direction of the leadership team of the Technology & Support Services, the Systems Developer…, PowerShell, Microsoft Azure App Services and Functions 3+ years’ experience working with Microsoft Power Platform, Teams… Expected salary: $90000 – 100000 per…

[olm-to-pst]

The Best Method to Import Offline OST Data to Office 365 Quickly

Microsoft Outlook is an indispensable email client for individuals and enterprises alike, and it works hand-in-hand with Exchange Server to store mailbox data locally in OST (Offline Storage Table) files. While OST files enable offline access to emails and other mailbox items, a growing number of organizations are migrating to Office 365 (Microsoft 365) to take advantage of its cloud-based architecture, advanced collaboration tools, and robust security.

However, one challenge persists during this transition: How do you quickly and efficiently import OST data to Office 365—especially when you only have access to OST files and not the Exchange server?

In this article, we will explore the most reliable and high-performance method to import offline OST data into Office 365, discuss why manual solutions fall short, and introduce the most effective tool to simplify the process—ATS OST to Office 365 Migrator.

Why Import OST to Office 365?

Before jumping into methods, let’s understand why users often need to import OST files into Office 365:

Server Crashes or Exchange Unavailability: If the Exchange Server becomes inaccessible or permanently offline, the OST file becomes the only available source of mailbox data.

Migration to Cloud: Organizations shifting from on-premises Exchange to cloud-hosted Office 365 require seamless data transfer.

User Account Deletion: Sometimes, user mailboxes are deleted from the server, but local OST files are still accessible.

Data Consolidation: Merging multiple OST files from different accounts into a unified Office 365 tenant for centralized access and management.

Whatever the reason, the key requirement is to import OST to Office 365 quickly, securely, and without data loss.

Can You Do It Manually?

Technically, Microsoft does not provide a direct manual method to import an orphaned OST file (one not connected to Exchange) into Office 365. Here’s why:

OST files are encrypted and bound to the profile and MAPI configuration of the original mailbox.

Microsoft Outlook cannot open an OST file as a standalone file—you must be connected to the original mailbox on the Exchange server.

Outlook’s Import/Export function only supports PST, not OST.

So what are your options?

Manual Workaround: Convert OST to PST, Then Import to Office 365

The only semi-manual option involves converting the OST file into PST (Personal Storage Table), and then importing the PST file into Office 365 using one of Microsoft’s supported import tools.

Step-by-Step Overview:

Convert OST to PST using Outlook (if OST is still connected) or third-party converter.

Upload PST to Office 365 using:

Network Upload (via Azure AzCopy)

Drive Shipping (sending hard drives to Microsoft)

Outlook Import/Export Wizard

Limitations:

Cumbersome Process: Requires multiple steps, including PST creation, setup of Azure Storage Explorer, mapping, and PowerShell scripting.

Time-Consuming: PST files must be staged and uploaded manually, consuming time and bandwidth.

Requires Technical Expertise: Not ideal for non-technical users or small IT teams.

Data Loss Risk: Conversion and manual import increase the chance of corruption or loss.

Clearly, this is not the fastest or safest method—especially for large mailboxes, encrypted OSTs, or time-sensitive migrations.

The Best Method: Use ATS OST to Office 365 Migrator

The most efficient and modern approach is to use a dedicated OST to Office 365 migration tool like the ATS OST to Office 365 Converter. This tool is specifically designed to handle orphaned, encrypted, or corrupted OST files and transfer their contents directly into Office 365 mailboxes.

Why ATS Software Is the Superior Choice:

✅ Direct Import to Office 365: No need to convert OST to PST first. The software directly uploads mailbox data into your Office 365 account.

✅ Supports All OST Files: Works with both active and orphaned OST files from any Outlook version (2000 to 2021, Microsoft 365), regardless of encryption or size.

✅ Preserves Data Integrity: Emails, attachments, folders, contacts, calendar entries, tasks, and notes are preserved without modification. Original folder hierarchy and metadata are maintained.

✅ Incremental and Filtered Migration: Import only specific folders, date ranges, or mailbox items. This ensures faster and more relevant migrations.

✅ Batch Import: Migrate multiple OST files into multiple Office 365 accounts simultaneously—perfect for enterprise deployments.

✅ User-Friendly Interface: Designed with a clean and intuitive GUI so even non-technical users can perform migrations confidently.

✅ Fast and Secure: Advanced algorithms ensure high-speed transfer and full data encryption during the upload process.

How to Import OST to Office 365 Using ATS Software – Step-by-Step

Here’s how easy it is to import OST data into Office 365 using ATS OST to Office 365 Converter:

Step 1: Download and Install

Download the software from the official ATS Software website and install it on your Windows system.

Step 2: Load the OST File

Launch the application.

Click "Add OST File" and browse your system to locate the offline OST file you wish to import.

Step 3: Preview and Select Items

The software scans the OST and displays all recoverable folders and items.

You can preview emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, etc.

Step 4: Choose Office 365 as Destination

Select Office 365 as your export format.

Enter the Office 365 login credentials.

Assign the destination mailbox (or multiple mailboxes for batch import).

Step 5: Apply Filters (Optional)

Apply filters to select specific date ranges, folders, or item types.

Step 6: Start the Migration

Click Start to begin the upload.

A progress bar displays real-time status.

Once done, a summary report is generated.

In a few minutes (depending on data size), your OST data is securely imported to the designated Office 365 account.

Advanced Features Worth Mentioning

Supports Password-Protected OST: Even if your OST is encrypted or protected by a password, ATS Software can decrypt and migrate the content.

Error Handling and Logging: Built-in logs and error reports help you monitor and troubleshoot any issues during migration.

24/7 Technical Support: Enterprise users benefit from priority support for deployment assistance and license management.

Free Demo Available: A trial version allows users to preview data and migrate a limited number of items—ideal for testing before purchase.

Final Thoughts

Importing offline OST data into Office 365 doesn’t need to be a convoluted, manual process riddled with errors. While converting OST to PST and using native import methods is possible, it's inefficient and prone to complications—especially when dealing with large-scale or orphaned data.

The best method, by far, is to use ATS OST to Office 365 Migrator, which offers direct, secure, and rapid transfer of your valuable mailbox content to Office 365. Whether you're a system administrator managing hundreds of users or an individual recovering a lost mailbox, this tool simplifies your migration while preserving data integrity.

Take control of your Outlook data migration today—use ATS and move to the cloud with confidence.

[aitoolswhitehattoolbox]

Azure Cloud ( PowerShell/Bash/ Python)

Server Management: AzureRoles and responsibility Work with development teams to understand and refine requirements, recommend appropriate cloud technologies, and design new solutions Build proof-of-concepts and non-production environments for new solutions Hand off deployment and Level 2 support of cloud production systems to cloud engineering team Serve as Level 3 support for cloud…

[cybergens]

Why Tanzanian Startups Fail to Scale—and How Tech Training Can Fix It

Introduction Tanzania’s startup ecosystem is brimming with creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial energy. From mobile payment platforms to agri-tech apps, young innovators are launching ventures with real potential to change lives. But there’s a problem: most of these startups struggle to grow beyond the early stages.

Scaling—building systems, growing teams, and expanding services—remains a major hurdle. One of the root causes? The lack of technical skills. But there’s a way forward, and it starts with investing in practical IT training in Tanzania.

To scale successfully, startups must develop in-house IT talent—and that’s where structured, certified training comes in. Platforms like Cybergen Training offer Tanzanian startups a reliable path to tech self-sufficiency.

How Tech Training Helps Startups Scale:

Empowers Founders and Early Team Members Learn the basics of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), automation tools (Python, PowerShell), and DevOps to manage systems internally.

Reduces Costly Outsourcing Train internal staff in web development, app maintenance, and cybersecurity—cutting the need for external support.

Accelerates Product Development Teams with DevOps and Agile project management skills (e.g., Scrum, PRINCE2) deliver updates faster and more efficiently.

Secures Digital Infrastructure Certifications like CEH and CompTIA Security+ ensure the startup’s systems and customer data are protected from cyber threats.

Improves Decision Making with Data Training in Power BI, SQL, or Data Analytics allows startups to understand customer behavior and make data-driven decisions.

Real-World Example: A Scaling Success

Take a fintech startup in Dar es Salaam. Initially dependent on a foreign developer, they faced high costs and slow feature rollouts. After two key team members completed AWS and DevOps training at Cybergen, they took full control of their infrastructure. Within six months, they reduced development costs by 40% and launched two new services.

Why Cybergen Is the Right Training Partner

Cybergen Training provides:

Globally recognized certifications in cloud, security, DevOps, and data

Flexible formats: in-person, online, and hybrid

Local trainers with real-world experience

Customized training plans for startup teams

Their mission is clear: empower Tanzanians with the digital skills to build and scale impactful businesses.

Final Thoughts

Tanzania doesn’t lack innovation—it lacks the technical foundation that supports growth. If startups want to go beyond survival mode and into scaling success, building internal tech skills is non-negotiable.

With targeted IT training in Tanzania, startups can reduce dependency, lower costs, and confidently expand—turning big ideas into sustainable impact.

[techdirectarchive]

How to Create Self-Hosted Agent for Azure DevOps Pipelines

[blogwithme01]

Active Directory Management Tools: Powering Smart IT Governance Across Enterprises

In today’s interconnected digital ecosystems, IT administrators face increasing challenges in managing access, user roles, and compliance across their networks. Active Directory (AD), Microsoft’s central directory service, plays a crucial role in managing identities and controlling access to enterprise resources. But managing AD manually—especially at scale—can lead to inefficiencies, human error, and security vulnerabilities.

That’s where Active Directory management tools come into play. These tools modernize AD management by automating tasks, improving visibility, and ensuring compliance, making them indispensable for today’s IT teams.

What Are Active Directory Management Tools?

Active Directory management tools are third-party or extended utilities designed to simplify the management of AD services. They enhance the built-in capabilities of Microsoft AD by offering more robust functionality and automation for administrators managing large or dynamic IT environments.

Key functions include:

Automated user and group provisioning

Password resets and policy enforcement

AD cleanup and inactive account management

Permission and access rights monitoring

Audit logging and compliance-ready reporting

Support for hybrid AD/Azure AD synchronization

By using these tools, organizations can reduce workload, minimize errors, and increase administrative control over their AD infrastructure.

Key Benefits of Using AD Management Tools

1. Simplified User Lifecycle Management

From onboarding to termination, AD tools automate user provisioning, group assignment, and deactivation—ensuring smooth transitions and minimal manual effort.

2. Advanced Reporting and Audit Trails

Built-in reporting helps IT teams keep track of directory changes and access rights. These insights are vital for audits and cybersecurity compliance.

3. Reduced Helpdesk Dependency

With self-service portals, users can reset passwords or request access independently—reducing helpdesk tickets and improving response times.

4. Proactive Security Controls

AD management tools provide real-time alerts on privilege escalation, policy violations, or suspicious login activity—helping teams detect and respond to threats faster.

5. Support for Hybrid Environments

Organizations using both on-premise AD and cloud-based Azure AD benefit from tools that can manage users and policies across both systems from a unified dashboard.

Popular Active Directory Management Tools

Some top-rated AD management solutions that IT teams rely on include:

ManageEngine ADManager Plus: Known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of automation and reporting features.

Quest Active Roles: Great for complex AD structures with granular control and role-based administration.

Netwrix Auditor: Designed for deep visibility into AD activity with compliance-friendly audit features.

Cayosoft Administrator: Built for hybrid IT, integrating seamlessly with both on-prem and Azure AD environments.

Specops Command: Ideal for extending PowerShell automation in Active Directory management workflows.

Final Thoughts

In a time when digital security and operational efficiency are mission-critical, Active Directory management tools help organizations stay ahead. They bring intelligence and automation to one of the most vital systems in IT, allowing administrators to manage identities, enforce policies, and protect access with confidence.

Whether your business is scaling up, adopting hybrid cloud, or focusing on cybersecurity, these tools are key to a resilient and streamlined AD environment.