Azure Local is a powerful hybrid cloud solution, but deploying it requires careful planning and a solid understanding of its hardware, software, networking, and security prerequisites. Whether you are an IT leader, DevOps engineer, or cloud architect, ensuring that your infrastructure meets these requirements is crucial for a successful deployment.
Core Requirements for Azure Local
Hardware Requirements
Azure Local runs on a combination of validated on-prem infrastructure and cloud services. The primary hardware components include:
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 – Required for hardware security and encryption.
- Secure Boot – Must be enabled to protect system integrity.
- Processors – Intel VT-x or AMD-V with support for nested virtualization.
- Memory – Minimum 32 GB per machine, recommended up to 128 GB with ECC support.
- Storage: Boot Drive, At least 200 GB; Data Drives: Minimum single disk of 1 TB, all-flash NVMe or SSD with no caching.
- Networking: Minimum 10GbE network (25GbE recommended) for high-performance workloads; RDMA-enabled network adapters for low-latency communication (if applicable).
- Redundant Power & Cooling Systems – To ensure high availability and disaster recovery.
Software & Licensing
Deploying Azure Local requires a combination of Microsoft software and licensing models:
- Active Directory (AD) – Essential for identity management and authentication.
- Azure Arc – Enables unified management and governance of hybrid workloads.
- Azure Stack HCI OS – Runs virtualized workloads on local hardware.
- Windows Server or Linux – Depending on workload requirements.
- Kubernetes Stack (AKS Edge Essentials) – Required for running containerized applications.
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud (Optional) – Provides security monitoring and compliance tracking.
Networking & Connectivity
Seamless connectivity between on-prem infrastructure and the Azure cloud is vital:
- ExpressRoute or VPN Gateway – Secure, low-latency connectivity between Azure Local and public cloud services.
- Azure Hybrid DNS Setup – Ensures name resolution across hybrid environments.
- Load Balancers and Firewalls – For efficient traffic routing and security.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) – Integration with Azure Active Directory (AAD) and role-based access control (RBAC).
- Edge Networking Infrastructure (if applicable) – Required for Azure Local deployments in remote sites or IoT environments.
Technical Considerations for Azure Local Installation
1. Deployment Models
Azure Local can be deployed in different configurations based on business needs:
- Full On-Prem Deployment – All workloads and data reside on local servers.
- Hybrid Deployment – Some workloads are executed locally, while others leverage Azure public cloud.
- Edge Computing Model – Critical processing occurs on-site, with cloud synchronization for analytics and management.
2. Workload Management
- Determining which workloads to run locally vs. in the cloud.
- Configuring failover and high-availability mechanisms.
- Ensuring real-time processing capabilities for latency-sensitive applications.
3. Security & Compliance
- Azure Security Center Monitoring – Provides visibility and alerts for hybrid security threats.
- Data Residency Compliance – Ensuring data remains within regulatory boundaries.
- Zero-Trust Architecture Implementation – Identity-first security for hybrid cloud environments.
- Encryption Standards – Ensuring local and in-transit data encryption.
4. Monitoring & Maintenance
- Azure Monitor & Log Analytics – Tracks system health and performance.
- Automated Patch Management – Keeps software and firmware updated.
- Backup & Disaster Recovery Strategies – Planning for failover in case of system failure.
Who Should Learn Azure Local?
The demand for hybrid cloud expertise is growing, making Azure Local a valuable skill set for:
- Cloud Engineers & DevOps Professionals – Implementing and managing Azure Local environments.
- IT & Infrastructure Teams – Ensuring smooth deployment and ongoing support.
- Enterprise Architects – Designing scalable and compliant hybrid cloud strategies.
Conclusion & What’s Next
Azure Local brings Azure's power closer to enterprises, but understanding the technical requirements and deployment considerations is key to success.
?? Next issue: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deploying Azure Local – Stay tuned!
