Final answer:
The Azure Resource Manager is a management service that allows for template-based deployment, ensures access control and security, orchestrates resource dependencies, simplifies resource grouping, supports tagging for organization, and provides audit logs for monitoring and compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary Functions of Azure Resource Manager
The Azure Resource Manager (ARM) is the deployment and management service for Azure. It provides a consistent management layer that enables you to create, update, and delete resources in your Azure account. One of the primary functions of ARM is template-based deployment, allowing users to define the infrastructure for their application in a JSON format, which can be repeatedly deployed throughout the lifecycle of the application.
Another crucial function is access control and security, as ARM integrates with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to provide role-based access control (RBAC) to resources, ensuring that only authorized users can perform actions on resources. ARM also orchestrates dependencies between resources so that they are deployed in the correct order. Additionally, ARM organizes resources into groups that can be managed together, providing a convenient way to manage and monitor the costs and billing of applications and services deployed in Azure.
Furthermore, ARM supports tags, allowing resources to be categorized for easy retrieval or reporting. This can be particularly useful in enterprise scenarios for chargeback or budgeting. Lastly, ARM provides detailed audit logs and compliance data that help in monitoring and ensuring compliance with various regulations and standards. This robust functionality makes it an integral part of governance and operational strategies within Azure.