Azure Arc VMs
Azure Arc VMs extend Azure’s management capabilities to virtual machines running on Azure Stack HCI. This service enables you to manage your on-premises VMs with the same tools and processes you use for cloud-based resources. With Azure Arc VMs, you can:
- Deploy and manage VMs using familiar Azure portal, CLI, or API interfaces
- Apply consistent policies and governance across hybrid environments
- Utilize Azure’s security features, including Azure Security Center
- Implement Azure-based monitoring and logging for on-premises VMs
- Automate VM lifecycle management with Azure Automation
- Use Azure Update Management for streamlined patching
- Benefit from Azure’s cost management and billing insights
This integration bridges the gap between on-premises and cloud environments, offering a unified management experience that simplifies operations, enhances security, and provides greater flexibility in resource allocation and scaling.
Azure Arc Kubernetes Services
Azure Arc Kubernetes Services bring Azure’s powerful container orchestration capabilities to your on-premises Azure Stack HCI environment. This service allows you to manage and govern Kubernetes clusters consistently, whether they’re running in the cloud or on your local infrastructure. Key features include:
- Centralized management of Kubernetes clusters through Azure portal
- Application of Azure policies across all clusters for consistent governance
- Integration with Azure Monitor for comprehensive observability
- Use of Azure Security Center for enhanced cluster security
- Deployment of applications using GitOps-based configuration management
- Implementation of Azure RBAC for fine-grained access control
- Ability to use Azure services like Azure App Service, Functions, Logic Apps, API Management, and Event Grid on your local Kubernetes clusters
This service empowers you to standardize Kubernetes deployment and management across your hybrid environment, leveraging Azure’s robust toolset while maintaining data and applications on-premises when required.
Azure Data Services like SQL Managed Instances
Azure Data Services for Azure Stack HCI, including SQL Managed Instances, bring cloud-native database management to your on-premises infrastructure. This offering allows you to run fully managed Azure SQL databases locally, providing:
- High availability and disaster recovery features built-in
- Automated patching, backups, and performance tuning
- Seamless scalability to match your workload demands
- Consistent management experience across cloud and on-premises
- Advanced security features including Always Encrypted and dynamic data masking
- Query performance insights and intelligent performance tuning
- Easy migration path from on-premises SQL Server to managed instances
- Ability to run Azure SQL Edge for IoT and edge computing scenarios
These services enable you to modernize your data platform while keeping sensitive data on-premises, combining the benefits of cloud-native databases with the control and compliance advantages of local infrastructure.
Azure Backup, Recovery and Disaster Recovery
Azure Stack HCI’s Backup, Recovery, and Disaster Recovery services provide comprehensive data protection and business continuity solutions for your on-premises workloads. These services leverage Azure’s robust cloud infrastructure to offer:
- Azure Backup integration for efficient, scalable backup of VMs, applications, and data
- Incremental backups to minimize storage requirements and network usage
- Flexible recovery options, including file-level, VM-level, and application-level restore
- Azure Site Recovery for orchestrating replication, failover, and recovery of workloads
- Ability to use Azure as a cost-effective recovery site
- Automated disaster recovery drills to ensure preparedness
- Replication of Hyper-V virtual machines to Azure or secondary sites
- Integration with Azure Monitor for backup and DR monitoring and alerting
- Consistency with Azure-based backup and DR processes for simplified management
Azure Virtual Desktop on Azure Stack HCI
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) on Azure Stack HCI brings the power of cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure to your on-premises environment. This service allows you to deploy and manage virtual desktops and apps on your local infrastructure while leveraging Azure’s management capabilities. Key features include:
- Deployment of Windows 10/11 multi-session or single-session desktops
- Access to virtualized Microsoft 365 apps
- Unified management interface through Azure portal
- Integration with Azure Active Directory for enhanced security
- Support for FSLogix profile containers for personalized user experiences
- Ability to use Azure Monitor for performance tracking and diagnostics
- Implementation of Azure security features like Conditional Access
- Flexible resource allocation to match user needs
- Option to burst to Azure cloud during peak demands
- Simplified license management for Windows and Microsoft 365
- Support for both persistent and non-persistent desktop scenarios
