When it comes to Sitecore Managed Cloud, things can’t get much easier. Having the ability to submit a Sitecore ticket and having an entire Azure Resource created on your behalf is invaluable. If you’re unfamiliar with managed cloud, I strongly advise you read up on Sitecore’s documentation here
With that being said, after your Azure Resource is created, you may be left with a few questions. You’re most likely asking yourself, “wait…which resource is which?” and “why do all my resources start with mc-xxxx-xx”. Unfortunately, this is the default way Azure Resources are named in the Managed Cloud world. Fortunately, Azure has a hidden tag called “Hidden-Title” that can make your life a lot easier!
Understanding the Hidden-Title Tag
At its core, the “hidden-title” tag is a metadata attribute that can be applied to various Azure resources, including web apps, functions, and other services hosted on the Azure App Service. Unlike traditional renaming methods, which directly change the resource’s name visible in the Azure portal, the “hidden-title” tag operates in a more subtle manner.
When you assign a value to the “hidden-title” tag for a specific resource, Azure uses this value as an alternative display name within the Azure portal. However, crucially, the underlying resource name remains unchanged. This means that you can give your resources more descriptive or meaningful names without altering their original identifiers.
Benefits of Using the Hidden-Title Tag
Improved Organization:
With the ability to assign custom display names to resources, you can better organize your Azure environment according to your project’s structure or naming conventions. This is particularly valuable in scenarios where multiple team members collaborate on the same Azure subscription, as it reduces confusion and promotes consistency.
Enhanced Clarity:
By providing descriptive names through the “hidden-title” tag, you can quickly discern the purpose or function of each resource at a glance. This clarity not only simplifies navigation within the Azure portal but also facilitates troubleshooting and maintenance tasks, as you can easily identify relevant components.
Seamless Integration:
Since the “hidden-title” tag does not alter the resource’s actual name, it seamlessly integrates with existing scripts, automation workflows, and deployment pipelines. You can continue referencing resources using their original names programmatically while benefiting from the improved visibility offered by the custom display names in the Azure portal.
Practical Applications
The versatility of the “hidden-title” tag makes it applicable across various scenarios within Azure environments:
- Project-Based Naming: Assign custom display names based on the project or application to which the resource belongs, ensuring clarity and alignment with project management structures.
- Environment Differentiation: Distinguish between resources deployed in different environments (such as development, staging, and production) by incorporating environment-specific prefixes or labels into their display names.
- Functional Labeling: Provide descriptive names that reflect the specific functionality or role of each resource, aiding developers, administrators, and stakeholders in understanding their purpose within the overall architecture.
Implementation Guidelines
Utilizing the “hidden-title” tag is straightforward:
- Access the Azure Portal: Navigate to the Azure portal and locate the resource you wish to rename.
- Modify Tags: Within the resource’s properties, locate the “Tags” section and add a new tag with the key “hidden-title” and the desired display name as the value.
- Save Changes: Once you’ve added the “hidden-title” tag, save your changes. The custom display name should now appear in the Azure portal, providing improved visibility and organization.
Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of cloud computing, effective resource management is essential for success. Azure’s “hidden-title” tag offers a simple yet powerful mechanism for enhancing organization, clarity, and efficiency within your Azure environment. By leveraging this feature to assign meaningful display names to your resources, you can streamline navigation, promote consistency, and empower your team to work more effectively in the Azure ecosystem. Unlock the potential of the “hidden-title” tag today and embark on a journey toward a more organized and manageable Azure environment.
Sources
https://www.sitecore.com/products/services-support/managed-cloud
https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/92/managed-cloud/managed-cloud-standard.html
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/community/content/hidden-tags-azure
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