What is Azure DevTest Labs?
Azure DevTest Labs is a self-service solution for rapid provisioning of development and test environments. Developers can create VMs, Kubernetes clusters, and PaaS resources from preconfigured templates without waiting for IT tickets.
The service combines agility with cost control: automatic shutdown, per-user spending limits, and expiration dates for resources prevent runaway cloud costs. Lab administrators define policies while developers work independently within those boundaries.
Core Features
- Reusable Templates: Custom VM images and ARM templates for consistent environments
- Formulas: Preconfigured settings for quick VM creation with just a few clicks
- Artifacts: Automatic installation of tools and software during VM creation
- Auto-Shutdown and Auto-Start: Scheduled policies for cost savings outside working hours
- Cost Limits: Spending caps per lab or user with notifications when exceeded
- Claimable VMs: Pool of preconfigured VMs that developers can claim on demand
Typical Use Cases
Developer Environments: Self-service provisioning of dev VMs with preinstalled IDE, SDK, and database. Developers start their environment in the morning, and auto-shutdown powers it down in the evening.
Training and Workshops: Rapid provisioning of identical environments for all participants. After the workshop, all resources are automatically deleted.
QA and Integration Testing: Isolated test environments for different configurations. Teams can run parallel tests on different operating systems.
Benefits
- Cost Control: Automatic policies prevent forgotten VMs and cost explosions
- Rapid Provisioning: Minutes instead of days for new development environments
- Governance Without Friction: IT maintains control while developers stay productive
- Azure Integration: Seamless connection to Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, and CI/CD pipelines
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Azure DevTest Labs: We design lab policies, create reusable templates, and integrate DevTest Labs into your CI/CD workflows for automated test environments.
