Azure Stack HCI is Now Azure Local: What This Means for Businesses

In a significant move to streamline its hybrid cloud offerings, Microsoft has rebranded Azure Stack HCI to Azure Local. This change is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to provide a unified brand experience across its distributed infrastructure portfolio. By renaming Azure Stack HCI, Microsoft aims to simplify the understanding and management of hybrid and edge computing solutions for businesses. Azure Local continues to offer the same robust features and capabilities, ensuring a seamless transition for existing users.

For businesses, this rebranding tells Microsoft’s commitment to supporting flexible and scalable infrastructure options. Azure Local is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises, allowing them to run workloads locally while staying connected to Azure for updates, security, and management.

But what does this mean for you? Let’s break it down.

Azure Local: A New Name, Same Powerful Capabilities

First things first – if you are using Azure Stack HCI, there’s no need to worry. This is purely a branding change, and everything you rely on remains unchanged.

So, why the name change? Microsoft’s goal is to provide a consistent brand experience across its hybrid and edge computing solutions. Azure Local better represents the flexibility and scalability businesses need when running workloads outside traditional cloud environments.

Azure Local is still the go-to solution for:

• Hybrid cloud deployment: Run workloads locally while staying connected to Azure for updates, security, and management.
• On-premises virtualisation: Build and manage virtual machines with enterprise-grade performance.
• Edge computing: Process data closer to where it’s generated for faster insights and reduced latency.
• Seamless Integration: Easily integrate with existing systems and leverage Azure services.

Do You Need to Take Action?

If you are already using Azure Stack HCI, there is no need to worry – this rebranding to Azure Local is purely a name change. Your existing setup will continue to function just as before, with no disruptions or required modifications. Microsoft has ensured that the transition is seamless and hassle-free for all users.

What Stays the Same:

• Pricing, Licensing, and SLAs: No changes will be made to these aspects.
• APIs, PowerShell Commands, and Azure CLI Tools: These will work exactly as they did before.
• Current Configurations: Your existing configurations remain intact, ensuring a smooth transition.

This rebranding is all about clarity and consistency. By unifying its distributed infrastructure portfolio under the Azure Local brand, Microsoft aims to make it easier for businesses to understand and manage their hybrid and edge computing solutions.

So, don’t worry! Your current Azure Stack HCI environment will continue to deliver the same powerful capabilities under the new Azure Local name.

Benefits of Azure Local for Businesses

Azure Local isn’t just a new name – it’s a step toward a more integrated and efficient hybrid cloud strategy. Here are the benefits Azure Local offers:

• Flexibility & Scalability: Run workloads where it makes the most sense for your business, whether on-premises, at the edge, or in the cloud.
• Seamless Azure Integration: Connect to Azure for centralised management, security, and analytics without disrupting existing workflows.
• Cost-effective Infrastructure: Reduce costs by optimising local resources while leveraging the cloud for scalability when needed.
• High Performance & Low Latency: Keep critical applications running smoothly with on-premises processing power and edge computing capabilities.
• Enhanced Security & Compliance: Meet industry regulations by keeping sensitive data on-site while benefiting from Azure’s advanced security features.

For businesses looking to optimise their IT infrastructure, Azure Local delivers the best of both worlds – cloud-powered innovation with the control of on-premises solutions.

What This Name Change Means for the Future of Hybrid Cloud

Microsoft’s renaming of Azure Stack HCI signals a broader shift in the hybrid cloud space. Businesses will no longer choose between cloud and on-premises, they will get the best of performance, security, and flexibility.

With Azure Local, Microsoft is staying committed to distributed cloud models, ensuring businesses have the tools they need to manage workloads wherever it makes the most sense – whether in a data centre, at the edge, or in the cloud.

How Exigo Tech Can Help

We are well-equipped to assist businesses in leveraging the full potential of Azure Local. Our various recognitions such as Azure Virtual Desktop Specialisation on Azure and Infra and Database Migration to Azure Specialisation enable us to offer a range of services to ensure a smooth transition and optimal use of Azure Local.

Key Services Offered by Exigo Tech:

• Azure Integration Services: Seamlessly connect your on-premises infrastructure with Azure Local, ensuring reliable and scalable workflows
• Azure Migration Services: Facilitate a hassle-free migration to Azure Local, enabling you to quickly achieve your business goals.
• Azure Security Solutions: Implement advanced security measures to protect your applications, data, and infrastructure on Azure Local.
• Azure Consulting Services: Receive personalised advisory services to help you navigate your digital transformation journey with Azure Local.

Benefits of Partnering with Exigo Tech:

• Expert Guidance: Leverage the expertise of our consultants and specialisations to get customised solutions based on your business needs.
• Comprehensive Support: Benefit from ongoing support and management services to ensure your Azure Local environment runs smoothly.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Optimise your IT infrastructure with our structured approach to integrating existing systems with Azure Local.

By partnering with Exigo Tech, businesses can confidently transition to Azure Local and unlock new levels of performance, security, and flexibility.

Enhance your hybrid cloud strategy, improve on-premises virtualisation, and effectively explore edge computing