Microsoft has revealed cloud-connected software that allows customers to run Azure computing, networking, storage and application services in an edge location, on-premise, or in hybrid cloud environments.
Introduced at the Microsoft Ignite conference in Chicago, Illinois, Azure Local uses the Azure portal to deploy, configure, update and monitor Azure cloud resources. Its localised management tools offer a integrated approach to cloud across distributed systems and locations, allowing businesses to manage applications across a variety of environments while maintaining a cloud-first experience.
Businesses leveraging Azure Local computing, networking and storage services will now connect with Azure Arc, Microsoft’s extension software designed for managing operations, data and applications across data centers, edge and multi-cloud environments. Designed specifically for local data processing and managing low-latency workloads, Azure Local replaces Azure Stack HCI and brings ‘adaptive cloud’ abilities – like scalability, security and performance - to on-premises environments.
Developers will be able to see every Azure Local instance across hardware, with the Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) included for Kubernetes container clusters. Microsoft will subsequently automatically update AKS with each Azure Local update, as well as providing monthly local updates for the entire infrastructure stack, including and drivers and firmware for the validated hardware.
For hybrid cloud organisations, the Azure Local upgrade will support efficient service management through a modernized cloud infrastructure. You can read more information about Azure Local on Microsoft's Azure Arc blog.