Windows Azure: how to update service definition for existing VM role?

Question

I am reviewing Azure Connect, included in the Azure SDK 1.3. The goal is to connect an existing VM role machine to an already configured local endpoint. Note: using a Web role is not an option.

I need to make the configuration changes described here.

I can update the configuration file, but I first need to be able to update the service definition (.csdef) file to add this entry:

<Import moduleName="Connect" />

Problem: can I update the service definition file without Visual Studio?

Answer 1

Yes, you can update the ServiceDefinition.csdef file with any text editor... and you can package any Windows Azure app with the cspack commandline tool. (This does require the SDK to be installed, but not Visual Studio.)