Azure Local
Azure Local is a hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) platform that runs virtualized workloads on-premises. It integrates with Microsoft cloud services, allowing organizations to manage both local and cloud resources through a single environment. This approach can help simplify IT operations and support hybrid infrastructure strategies.
Hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) stack
A hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) stack is an integrated system that combines compute, storage, and networking into a single platform—usually running on standard, off-the-shelf servers—and managed through a unified software layer.
In simple terms:
Instead of using separate physical systems for servers (compute), storage (SAN/NAS), and networking, HCI brings everything together into one tightly integrated system that is virtualized and software-defined.
Azure Local as an HCI stack
Azure Local is a Microsoft offering that:
- Runs on-premises using local servers
- Consolidates compute, storage, and networking into a single virtualized environment
- Uses software-defined infrastructure to manage and provision workloads
- Integrates with Azure cloud services for hybrid scenarios
It fits the definition of an HCI stack because it provides:
| Component | Azure Local equivalent |
|---|---|
| Compute | Virtual machines (VMs) running on local hosts |
| Storage | Software-defined storage pooled from local disks |
| Networking | Virtual networking managed within the HCI environment |
| Management | Azure Arc + Azure portal + Windows Admin Center |
Hybrid cloud capabilities
Azure Local stands out from traditional HCI systems because of its deep integration with Azure. This integration enables:
Centralized management of both local and cloud resources
Access to cloud services such as monitoring, policy management, and security updates
Use of Azure Arc to extend Azure management and control to on-premises systems
By using Azure Arc, Azure Local consolidates virtualized workloads while delivering cloud efficiencies—especially when data must remain on-premises due to company policies, legal, or privacy requirements.
Additionally, to support legacy workloads approaching end-of-life, Windows Server extended security updates are available at no extra cost when migrating those workloads to Azure Local.
Azure hybrid service
Azure Local extends infrastructure management to the cloud and allows management of Azure Local hosts, virtual machines (VMs), and Azure resources within the Azure portal.
It supports:
Monitoring of clusters
Management of extensions and policies
Self-service VM provisioning
The service includes regular feature and security updates along with unified billing.
Integration with existing tools
Azure Local integrates with existing IT environments and non-Microsoft solutions using familiar management tools.
Windows Admin Center provides a graphical interface for managing infrastructure
Windows PowerShell allows automation through scripts for routine management tasks
