.jpg&w=480&c=0&s=1)
When interacting with cloud services, users have come to expect new features to enhance their experience of cloud computing platforms and enable scalability, integration with other services, quicker time to value and greater reliability.
Dell is a long-term partner of Microsoft, first working with Microsoft on a hybrid solution with Cloud Platform System back in 2015. Dell recently announced three key updates to their portfolio of solutions for Azure hybrid cloud: new platform options for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI, new nodes to extend Azure to the edge, and Azure Stack HCI OEM license.
Here’s what you need to know about these launches.
New platform options for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI
Dell solutions for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI offer hybrid cloud options that integrate with Azure services, developed with the goal of boosting organisations’ hybrid cloud strategies.
Dell offers two categories of solutions designed to elevate the Microsoft Azure Stack HCI experience on-premises, streamlining deployment and management through automation.
“First, we have the Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure, introduced last year as the first Premier Solution for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI” Matt McSpirit, Senior Principal Engineering Technologist at Dell and Microsoft Azure MVP told CRN. “This offering is co-engineered with Microsoft to optimize and extend Azure hybrid cloud on-premises. It includes Dell APEX Cloud Platform Foundation Software, which provides deep integration and intelligent automation to simplify initial deployment and cluster creation, in addition to ongoing operations across the technology stack.”
Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure offers enhanced value, productivity and automation through Dell APEX Cloud Platform Foundation Software, offering a faster time-to-value, reduction in availability issues, and a lower cost of testing.
“Next, we are also refreshing our current Dell Integrated Systems for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI on the latest generation platforms. This is a preconfigured, tightly integrated hyperconverged infrastructure, certified and backed by Dell’s engineering expertise. This offering is an excellent choice for customers seeking a smartly priced and reliable Azure Stack HCI solution with a native Microsoft management experience.”
By integrating with Azure Management and Governance Services and Dell OpenManage Integration with Windows Admin Center, Dell Integrated System for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI simplifies infrastructure deployment and management. This offers unique integration and automation for enhanced reliability, ensures solutions are optimised for the environments in which they will be deployed, and enables greater control over where applications and data reside, as well as offering single-vendor support.
New nodes to extend Azure to the edge
Dell has also launched the availability of Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure nodes designed to extend Azure to the edge. The flexibility offered by 1U and 2U sleds provide high performance and efficiency in non-data centre locations as well as adapting to unpredictable conditions, making them particularly relevant to the growing number of organisations looking to extend their environments beyond conventional cloud or on-premises locations.
The nodes are based on PowerEdge XR4000 platforms which are deliberately configured for edge and ROBO computing.
“These options are designed around a unique chassis and compute sled(s) concept,” explained McSpirit. “The chassis consists of two 14”-depth chassis form factors, referred to as “rackable” and “stackable.” The actual compute resides in modular sleds coming in 1U or 2U form factors; with power being the only shared component between the sleds.
“The "rackable" chassis is engineered for flexibility, all while fitting into a standard-width rack for easy integration with existing compute infrastructure. The "stackable" chassis, are ideal for space-limited environments and can be placed on a desktop or stacked on a shelf using its built-in latches.
“Both chassis are also designed for wall mounting, providing maximum flexibility in areas where floor space is scarce. Additionally, they feature single-side I/O, allowing all I/O components, including power, to be accessed simultaneously from one side for enhanced efficiency.”
As well as improving performance at the edge, these nodes are also designed to reduce power consumption. They also require fewer cooling resources, contributing to additional energy savings. They are also built with environmentally-friendly materials that comply with global standards for reducing electronic waste.
Azure Stack HCI OEM license
As well as launching new platform options, Dell also announced the launch of a new pricing model for Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure and Dell Integrated System for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI. Microsoft Azure Stack HCI OEM License bundle provides organisations with a cost-effective and comprehensive licensing solution for deploying hybrid cloud environments.
Managing multiple vendors and contacts can create complexity for organisations, especially in the context of the rise of the subscription model. This one-time fixed-price perpetual software bundle license eliminates the need for reoccurring renewals, making it budget friendly and simplifying the procurement process.
This also enables perpetual licensing for Azure Stack HCI 23h2, Windows Server Data Center 2022, and Azure Kubernetes Service. The licencing will be available on Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure and Dell Integrated System for Azure Stack HCI.
Another advantage of the new licensing model is the scalability offered, explained McSpirit:
“For customers who prefer a CAPEX licensing model, the OEM SKU is based on the number of physical cores in the nodes. As customers expand their environment by adding more nodes or clusters, the OEM SKU scales accordingly to accommodate the growth. This approach ensures that as you expand your infrastructure, your licensing grows with you, providing flexibility and cost predictability.”
Support and maintenance are also included, with Dell offering a one-stop shop for the entire solution regardless of Azure Stack HCI licensing inclusive of hardware, software, and support for both APEX Cloud Platform for Azure and Dell Integrated System. Rather than managing multiple vendors and multiple tickets, this simplifies the process, saving time and resources.
Having access to this support framework to keep systems running smoothly and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of downtime and improving productivity.
.png&w=100&c=1&s=0)
