Azure Stack HCI
What is it?
Azure Stack HCI is a hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) solution that lets you run virtualized workloads on-premises. It combines compute, storage, and software-defined networking into a single, easy-to-manage system.
Benefits:
Consolidate: Simplify your infrastructure by merging servers and storage.
Flexibility: Run Windows and Linux VMs, containers, and even desktops (Azure Virtual Desktop).
Hybrid: Connect to Azure for cloud services, management, and disaster recovery.
Choice: Deploy on pre-configured systems from a partner or install it yourself on validated hardware.
Management: Use familiar tools like the Azure portal, Windows Admin Center, and PowerShell.
How it works:
An Azure Stack HCI cluster includes 1-16 servers with shared resources.
It leverages proven technologies like Hyper-V for compute, Storage Spaces Direct for software-defined storage, and core Azure services for management.
You can deploy virtual machines, containers (AKS), and even Azure Virtual Desktops.
Getting Started:
Try it out for free with a 60-day trial from the Azure portal.
Choose pre-configured systems from a Microsoft partner or install it yourself on validated hardware.
Use the Azure Stack HCI sizing tool to plan your hardware needs.
Management Options:
Manage individual systems or your entire Azure Stack HCI deployment from the Azure portal.
Leverage existing tools like Windows Admin Center and PowerShell.
Pre-Migration Planning
Assessment and Inventory:
Evaluate your current VMware environment using Microsoft's Azure Migrate tool.
Identify VMs for migration and ensure compatibility with Azure Stack.
Gain insights on performance and VM sizing within Azure Stack.
Network Planning:
Configure your on-premises network for communication with Azure Stack. This may involve VPN connections or a dedicated ExpressRoute connection.
Security and Compliance:
Verify that Azure Stack's security features meet your organization's compliance requirements.
Plan any necessary adjustments to your security posture.
Cost Estimation:
Estimate costs associated with running workloads in Azure Stack using the Azure Pricing Calculator. Factor in compute, storage, and any additional services.
Migration Process
Prepare Azure Stack Environment:
Set up an Azure Stack subscription and designate a resource group to house migrated VMs.
Provision storage accounts and virtual networks within Azure Stack to accommodate your VMs.
Prepare VMware VMs for Migration:
Streamline VM disk size by removing unnecessary files.
Ensure VMs utilize hardware versions supported by Azure Stack.
Uninstall VMware tools and disable any VMware-specific services.
Convert VMware VMs:
Leverage Azure Migrate or a third-party solution to convert VMware VM disks (VMDK) to the Azure-compatible VHD format.
Upload VHDs to Azure Stack:
Utilize Azure Storage Explorer or Azure PowerShell/CLI to upload converted VHD files to a storage account in Azure Stack.
Create Azure Stack VMs:
Deploy new VMs in Azure Stack using the uploaded VHDs. Configure VMs based on the performance and sizing assessments conducted earlier.
Post-Migration Configuration:
Establish network connectivity between migrated VMs, on-premises environments, and other Azure Stack services.
Install Azure Stack-specific tools and agents as required.
Perform comprehensive testing to ensure application and service functionality.
Post-Migration
Optimization and Monitoring:
Employ Azure Stack's monitoring tools to track performance and health of migrated workloads.
Optimize resource utilization based on actual usage patterns to manage costs and enhance efficiency.
Update Disaster Recovery and Backup Plans:
Integrate your new Azure Stack environment into your disaster recovery and backup plans.
Documentation and Training:
Update IT documentation to reflect the new environment.
Provide training to your team on managing and operating Azure Stack.