Azure Arc: the hybrid cloud server management platform for enterprises

Azure Arc, Microsoft’s platform that simplifies server management in hybrid cloud environments, has established itself as a fundamental tool for companies on their path to digital transformation. Discover in this article all the features that make Azure Arc an indispensable solution to optimise cloud resource management and boost operational efficiency.

What does Azure Arc offer?

The migration of servers to the cloud, and the use of Kubernetes clusters, to cite two examples, are two essential tasks for the technological management of a company that faces its digital transition. Using this tool, it is possible to achieve the following objectives.

More complete management

From the dashboard it is easier to project Azure resources as well as existing ones. In a single point, it is possible to have everything and check what the functionality of each tool is. The non-Azure hosted resources that the system allows are:

• Kubernetes clusters that are used in Azure Resource Manager with an ID, which can be tagged and could be part of a resource group.
• Data services hosted in Azure. They can run in the public cloud (with Kubernetes), at the edge, on-premises, or on your chosen infrastructure. SQL Managed Instance and Postgre SQL are accepted.
• SQL Server installed in a physical or non-Azure datacenter.
• Virtual Machines and related to the management, deletion, resizing and provisioning of virtual machines in Azure Stack HCI, vSphere or VMware environment. It is also possible to enable, with in-role access, self-service of a virtual machine.

What is an Azure Arc-enabled server?

Those that help manage a physical server or virtual machine not hosted in Azure. The idea is to use the standard of this tool to manage everything necessary from the same point.

When a hybrid machine connects to Azure, it becomes a resource of this Microsoft product. Each is granted an identifier to function as a resource. Previously, we must install Azure Connected Machine on the corresponding machines. This agent does not work like Log Analytics or Azure Monitor. Its functions are:

• Monitor machine workloads and review the operating system.
• Use Update Management or Automation runbooks as solutions to streamline management.
• Urge the user to be aware of other security options such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud.

By fulfilling the above conditions, it is possible to have a server or virtual machine adapted to Azure Arc. Such a benefit plays in favor of the end user, who improves his management capacity over the resources he uses. A single panel is enough to know the operation of each alternative.

Total usability

A device that has an Internet connection is enough to be able to access any Azure functionality or service. That it supports all types of servers and that the implementation is so easy to carry out confirm its usability.

The balance between the past and the present

It is possible to use ITOps and combine them with DevOps to renew the native pattern used in the cloud. Progressive modernization is always positive in order to better adapt to new trends.

Customizing locations

Based on the Kubernetes cluster, it is possible to create a location tailored to the user as an abstraction layer. The result can be enabled for all extensions in the cluster and also for Azure Arc.

Key features and benefits of Azure Arc

Below, we present a series of confirmed success stories after the use of this effective proposal:

• Improved scalability of security, management, inventory, and server control .
• The ease of configuring virtual machine extensions under the Azure environment. This benefit is accompanied by improved use of server management services, monitoring, protection, and updating.
• Increase the ability to control and manage Kubernetes clusters.
• For Git repositories, you can use GitOps to configure your clusters or configure them.
• Azure Policy is a tool that makes it easy to configure and enforce Kubernetes clusters.
• Azure data services promote running in Kubernetes as if it were an Azure environment. Two examples are Azure SQL Managed Instance and Azure Database for PostgreSQL. In both cases, monitoring, security, and updates are facilitated. Scalability is flexible and the upgrade is performed without having to shut down the application and without the need to continuously connect to Azure.
• Custom locations that start with Kubernetes clusters can also be targeted. This makes deployment of Microsoft Azure service instances smoother. You can also deploy service cluster extensions for Data Services (if enabled for App Services or Azure Arc). Logical, function, and web applications are included (as well as the use of Even Grid on Kubernetes).
• For virtual machines (in VMware, Azure Stack HCI and vSphere environments), VM management and lifecycle operations are easier to perform.
• Have all Azure Arc resources in a single pane of glass , regardless of the use of the Azure portal, CLI, PowersShell or the REST API (the last three options also from Azure).
• Azure Stack Edge is an application that offers all kinds of alternatives, such as programming in the cloud, among others. It includes support for each virtual machine, multiple nodes and MEC (Multiple Access Edge Computing).

In short, Azure Arc, Microsoft’s platform designed to simplify server management in hybrid cloud environments, is the key to boosting the functionality of any business. By easing the transition to hybrid cloud and moving away from physical storage, Azure Arc not only reduces costs, but also provides a practical solution for immediate, secure and reliable access to any data. Experience the transformative results of Azure Arc and take server management to the next level in your journey to digital efficiency.