Summary
The deprecation of Custom Resource Providers (CrP) in Azure has left many users, including those utilizing Managed Applications and viewDefinition.json, uncertain about their migration options. The official documentation still references CrP as a solution, but the announcement to retire CrP lacks clear guidance on alternatives. Users are instructed to contact their account managers, but many do not have one, creating a communication gap.
Root Cause
The root cause of this issue is the lack of clear communication and documentation from Azure regarding the deprecation of CrP and its impact on Managed Applications and viewDefinition.json. Key factors include:
- Insufficient documentation on alternatives to CrP
- Unclear guidance on migration options
- Lack of communication channels for users without an account manager
Why This Happens in Real Systems
This situation occurs in real systems due to:
- Technical debt: Outdated documentation and lack of maintenance can lead to confusion and uncertainty
- Communication breakdowns: Inadequate communication channels and unclear guidance can leave users without support
- Deprecation without alternatives: Retiring features without providing clear alternatives can disrupt user workflows and applications
Real-World Impact
The real-world impact of this issue includes:
- Disruption to Managed Applications: The deprecation of CrP may break integrations and affect the user experience
- Loss of native portal integration: The unique feature of Azure’s UI and API integration may be lost, affecting user engagement and adoption
- Increased support requests: Users may require additional support, leading to increased costs and resource utilization
Example or Code
No code is required to illustrate this issue, as it is primarily related to documentation, communication, and migration strategies.
How Senior Engineers Fix It
Senior engineers can address this issue by:
- Reviewing documentation: Ensuring that documentation is up-to-date and accurate
- Establishing communication channels: Creating clear channels for users to report issues and receive support
- Developing migration strategies: Providing alternative solutions and guidance for users affected by the deprecation of CrP
- Collaborating with stakeholders: Working with Azure teams and users to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions
Why Juniors Miss It
Junior engineers may miss this issue due to:
- Lack of experience: Limited familiarity with Azure’s ecosystem and the impact of deprecating CrP
- Insufficient knowledge: Limited understanding of the documentation and communication channels available
- Overreliance on official documentation: Relying solely on official documentation, which may be outdated or incomplete, rather than seeking additional resources and support.