Azure Stack HCI enables organizations to extend the power of Azure into their on-premises and edge environments. By leveraging Azure Benefits, you can bring exclusive Azure features directly to your Azure Stack HCI setup, ensuring high performance, security, and cost-efficiency. Here’s everything you need to know about Azure Benefits on Azure Stack HCI, including how to enable and manage them seamlessly.
Azure Benefits allow you to run Azure-exclusive workloads and features within your Azure Stack HCI environment, effectively extending Azure’s reach beyond the cloud. This enables you to:
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- Optimize Windows Server workloads.
- Gain extended security for End-of-Support operating systems.
- Ensure seamless compliance through Azure Policy guest configuration.
- Enable services like Azure Virtual Desktop on-premises.
Why Choose Azure Stack HCI for Azure Benefits?
AVASOFT specializes in implementing Azure Stack HCI solutions that ensure:
1. Seamless Integration Azure Benefits bring Azure-like functionality to your on-premises environment.
2. Enhanced Security Get automatic updates and access to Extended Security Updates (ESU) for legacy systems, keeping your infrastructure secure.
3. Cost Efficiency Run Azure-exclusive workloads locally without incurring additional Azure cloud costs.
4. Streamlined Operations Benefit from enhanced compliance, manageability, and performance for hybrid workloads.
Key Azure Benefits Available on Azure Stack HCI
| Workload |
Versions Supported |
Description |
| Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition |
2022 edition or later |
Azure-only guest OS with exclusive features and innovations. |
| Extended Security Updates (ESU) |
October 12, 2021, or later |
Free updates for End-of-Support Windows Server and SQL Server VMs. |
| Azure Policy Guest Configuration |
Arc agent version 1.13+ |
Automate compliance and configuration management for both host and guest OS settings. |
| Azure Virtual Desktop/td>
| Multi-session editions |
Deploy session hosts for Azure Virtual Desktop directly on Azure Stack HCI. |
How Azure Benefits Work on Azure Stack HCI
Azure Benefits rely on a built-in attestation service within Azure Stack HCI, providing assurance that VMs run securely in an Azure environment.
1. Platform Attestation Service This service works similarly to Azure’s IMDS Attestation service, verifying VMs are running on Azure Stack HCI infrastructure.
2. Certificate Management Azure Stack HCI uses certificates for secure attestation, which are automatically renewed every 30 days, as long as the cluster is synced with Azure.
3. Internal Networking An internal virtual switch connects the host and VMs, facilitating attestation.
Steps to Enable Azure Benefits on Azure Stack HCI
Prerequisites
- Azure Stack HCI Cluster: Ensure it’s updated to version 21H2 or later.
- Azure Registration: Register your cluster with Azure.
- Windows Admin Center: Use version 2103 or later with the latest Cluster Manager extension.
Enablement Options
You can enable Azure Benefits through the following tools:
1. Windows Admin Center
- Navigate to Cluster Manager > Settings > Azure Benefits
- Select Turn on and confirm setup.
2. Azure CLI or Azure Portal Configure benefits as per your environment requirements.
Managing Azure Benefits for VMs
1. Enable Benefits for VMs
- In Windows Admin Center, go to the VMs tab and select the VMs to enable benefits.
2. Verify Access
Check that Azure Benefits are active by confirming the VM’s attestation status.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Expired Benefits: Sync with Azure manually if certificates haven’t been updated in the last 30 days.
- Inactive Host Servers: Resolve host errors in the Cluster tab before managing VM benefits.
- Misconfigured vSwitch or NIC: Reset Azure Benefits using Windows Admin Center or PowerShell.
Partner with AVASOFT for Expert Implementation
At AVASOFT, we specialize in helping organizations maximize the potential of Azure Stack HCI. Our expertise ensures:
- Tailored Implementations: Solutions designed to meet your specific hybrid cloud needs.
- Ongoing Support: End-to-end assistance for enabling and managing Azure Benefits.
- Optimized Performance: Ensuring workloads run seamlessly in your on-premises or edge environments.
Leverage AVASOFT’s expertise to gain the full potential of Azure Benefits on Azure Stack HCI. Contact us today for more information!
