Microsoft rolls out Azure Stack HCI in India

Microsoft on Thursday announced the general availability of Azure Stack HCI in India. The new stack will be available as an Azure service that entails latest security, features, and performance updates.

The stack aims to provide businesses access to Azure for hybrid cloud scenarios across data centres, remote offices, cloud and edge locations that are compatible with both Windows and Linux virtual machines. Microsoft’s new Azure Stack HCI will be available through 20 partners that are offering Microsoft-validated hardware systems.

The company has also teamed up with Intel to bring Azure Stack HCI to the market.

“Intel supports Azure Stack HCI through a broad set of technologies foundational to scaling, processing, and moving workloads. Intel Select Solutions for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI combine innovative software with cutting-edge hardware to deliver an intelligent cloud for all. At the heart of these advancements is the collective partner ecosystem of the two companies, collaborating on innovation that brings the benefits of Azure Stack HCI on Intel architecture to customers faster,” says Microsoft.

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According to Microsoft, the stack allows businesses to build and run cloud-native apps with access to cloud services on-premises with existing tool, processes, and skillset. It also features infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) services in a software stack that spans on-premises data centres and Microsoft’s Azure cloud.

Some of the highlights of Azure Stack HCI are low-cost infrastructure resources, better efficiency, low latency, and support for virtual desktops infrastructure with edge computing, according to Microsoft. Businesses can also choose to scale up the Stack HCI depending upon the workload. A Microsoft pay-as-you-go subscription is also available.

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Rajiv Sodhi, COO, Microsoft India, said, “The role of hybrid cloud has transformed from being integrator of datacenters with the public cloud to enabler of day-to-day business functions. Consistent hybrid tools and experiences have never been more important and Azure Stack HCI brings together the familiarity and flexibility of on-premises virtualization with powerful new hybrid capabilities. With our cloud-native approach, we aim to help customers realize higher value HCI through quick deployment and integration that leverages familiar management and tools with flexible Azure subscription pricing. This will enable organizations to be adaptive, agile, efficient, and responsive across locations, optimizing operations and IT cost efficiency in an increasingly remote work environment today.”