Can you replicate an azure virtual machine?

Question

I need to install a few software on a virtual machine in order to test my application. It would take 2-3hours to set it up. Can I just replicate the virtual machine 3 times afte

Answer 1

Yes, you can use the capture capability to create a base image that you can then use to deploy other machines from. Take a look at these instructions: http://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/articles/virtual-machines-capture-image-windows-server/.

This assumes you are referring to a Windows Server machine. Also, it assumes that a sysprep won't affect the software you have installed. If a sysprep will cause a problem them you also might be able to take a copy of the underlying VHD and spin up a different machine from the copy. Both methods are explained in this article here: http://community.adxstudio.com/blogs/shan/2012-06-28-cloning-windows-azure-virtual-machines/