Azure Stack HCI is the solution for businesses struggling to balance on-premises performance with cloud flexibility. If you’re dealing with slow application response times, compliance headaches, or the complexity of managing workloads across multiple environments, Azure Stack HCI changes the game.
It combines Microsoft’s powerful Azure cloud platform with hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) to give you the best of both worlds—seamless management, faster performance, and the ability to scale without sacrificing control over your data. Whether you need to run virtual desktops, store sensitive data on-premises, or optimize your hybrid cloud setup, Azure Stack HCI delivers.
What is Azure Stack HCI?
Azure Stack HCI is Microsoft’s hybrid cloud solution designed to run virtualized workloads in your data center while tapping into the power of Azure services. It allows businesses to manage on-premises infrastructure while using cloud services like Azure Arc for centralized management. Whether you’re running Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), databases, or containers, Azure Stack HCI brings the flexibility and scalability of Azure directly to your data center.
Azure Stack vs. Azure Stack HCI: how they differ
While both Azure Stack and Azure Stack HCI bring Azure’s cloud capabilities to on-premises environments, they serve different purposes. Azure Stack is a hybrid cloud platform that enables organizations to deploy full Azure services on-premises, while Azure Stack HCI is optimized for virtualized workloads. If you’re looking for a hyper-converged infrastructure that blends cloud with on-premises control, Azure Stack HCI is the way to go.
What is Azure Stack HCI used for?
Azure Stack HCI is perfect for a variety of workloads, from running AVD session hosts on-premises to supporting backup, disaster recovery, and Kubernetes. By keeping workloads and data close, you can reduce latency, improve performance, and ensure compliance with on-premises requirements. It’s especially valuable for industries that need to keep data on-site but want the flexibility of the cloud.
For example, a healthcare organization that needs to store patient data on-premises for regulatory compliance but also wants the ability to leverage cloud services for scalability and remote access. With Azure Stack HCI, they can keep sensitive patient information securely on-site while using Azure for data backup, disaster recovery, and remote desktop environments. This setup not only ensures compliance with strict healthcare regulations but also improves performance by reducing latency and enabling faster access to critical applications.
Benefits of Azure Stack HCI
Azure Stack HCI offers a ton of benefits, making it an attractive option for businesses that need both on-premises performance with cloud flexibility.
- Better performance: Running AVD and other workloads locally means faster response times and lower latency.
- Data residency: Keep sensitive data on-premises to meet compliance and security standards.
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- Hybrid cloud flexibility: Enjoy the power of Azure services while maintaining control over your data center.
Azure Stack HCI 23H2: What’s new?
The latest Azure Stack HCI update, 23H2, is packed with features designed to boost performance and scalability. The new release introduces better management tools and increased efficiency for workloads such as AVD. This means faster provisioning, more robust scaling, and an overall smoother experience for managing hybrid cloud environments.
Why choose Azure Stack HCI over other HCI solutions?
Azure Stack HCI sets itself apart from other HCI solutions like VMware vSAN and Nutanix by offering seamless Azure integration, Azure Arc compatibility, and the ability to run AVD on-premises. Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | Azure Stack HCI | VMware vSan | Nuta nix | Dell VxRail | Cisco HyperFlex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Azure integration | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited |
AVD support | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Azure Arc | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Considerations when implementing Azure Stack HCI
While Azure Stack HCI offers many benefits, there are a few factors to keep in mind before deciding to implement it:
- Scalability: Azure Stack HCI supports up to 16 servers per cluster. For larger deployments, multiple clusters may be necessary.
- Management: Although Azure Stack HCI simplifies some aspects, it still requires specialized skills to manage effectively.
- Costs: You’ll need to factor in both hardware and software costs, but with industry-standard hardware, you can choose the most cost-effective solution.
- Azure dependency: Some services require an Azure connection, so environments without reliable internet may face challenges.
Getting started with Azure Stack HCI
Leveraging Azure Stack HCI is a smart move for businesses looking to boost performance, ensure compliance, and enable hybrid work environments. By combining Azure Stack HCI with Nerdio’s powerful management tools, you get a hybrid cloud solution that’s not only cost-effective but also incredibly easy to manage.
Nerdio’s integration with Azure Stack HCI takes the complexity out of managing AVD workloads. With our simplified management tools, you can control on-premises VMs, handle image management, and automate routine tasks—all from a single, user-friendly console. Whether you’re scaling workloads or managing a hybrid environment, Nerdio makes the process seamless, giving you the both on-premises control with the flexibility of the cloud.
Want to learn more about how Nerdio can make your hybrid cloud environment easier to manage? Contact us today and discover how we can support your Azure Stack HCI journey!
