Accelerate Data Center Transformation with Microsoft Azure Stack HCI

Accelerating the Path to the Cloud with Intel® Data Center Blocks (Intel® DCBs)

Overcome barriers to software-defined storage (SDS) with optimized, integrated and validated systems that speed the transition to multi/hybrid cloud deployments for more rapid time-to-market. Working closely together, Microsoft and Intel optimized the features and performance of Microsoft Azure Stack HCI (including Windows Server) including taking advantage of the latest 3rd Generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors, featured in the Intel® Server System M50CYP Family. These optimizations help you get the most out of Windows Server 2019 features, such as Storage Spaces Direct (S2D), Hyper-V, Software Defined Networking (SDN), and Windows Admin Center (WAC).

Microsoft Azure Stack HCI is a hybrid cloud solution built on Intel partner hardware that includes virtualization (Hyper-V), software-defined storage (Storage Spaces Direct), and software-defined networking. It also has the flexibility of optional OS-integrated Azure services, such as offsite backup, site recovery, cloud-based monitoring, and more. Because it’s a Microsoft-validated solution, you can get up and running without lengthy design and build times.

Solution Advantages

  • Certified Intel DCBs save time and money, freeing up resources to focus on value-add and competitive differentiation.
  • Simplify HCI market access with systems designed and validated for Software-Defined Storage (SDS) solutions.
  • Unbranded systems allow Resellers and Distributors to incorporate products quickly into their branded portfolios.
  • Intel quality and reliability offer world-class integration, validation, certification and support.
  • Includes standard Intel 3-year warranty with 5-year warranty options available to ensure customer confidence.
  • Intel® Select Solutions-ready designs are workload-optimized and verified reference architectures and provide resellers a simplified path to accelerate infrastructure deployment.

Benefits of Using Intel DCB for Cloud – Microsoft Azure Stack HCI

Optimized, Integrated and Validated Systems Speed Simplified Management with Windows Admin Center Higher Storage Density with Intel® Optane™ Persistent Memory
  • Working closely together, Microsoft and Intel optimized the features and performance of Microsoft Azure Stack HCI (including Windows Server) and introducing the latest 3rd Generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable processor family introducing the latest 3rd Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processor, Intel® Server System M50CYP to maximize Windows
  • Server 2019 features like Storage Spaces Direct (S2D), Hyper-V, Software Defined Networking (SDN), and Windows Admin Center (WAC).
  • Intel DCB for Cloud – Microsoft Azure Stack HCI embraces Windows Admin Center (WAC), available in Windows Server 2019. Windows Admin Center is a free browser-based app that allows you to manage and monitor all your Windows Server environments, HCI and Hybrid cloud from a single GUI console. You can use it anywhere: on-premises, in Azure or in the cloud. Windows Admin Center streamlines management and provides extensive visibility for VMs, Storage Spaces Direct volumes, SDN, Azure services, and more. Also, it offers the flexibility to manage hyper-converged infrastructure scenarios.
  • Persistent Memory (PMEM)-enabled solutions offer higher storage density than DRAM, combined with greater speed than legacy NAND-based solutions. When used in App Direct Mode for cache storage, Intel Optane PMEM places data closer to the processor, reducing latency as compared to traditional, slower storage. When used in Memory Mode, Intel Optane PMEM can offer an affordable alternative to DRAM and can increase both capacity and VM density. 
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Deploy with Confidence with Intel Quality, Reliability, Service and Support

Intel servers aren’t just packed with innovation—they all come with Intel’s highly rated, comprehensive services and support package, delivering differentiating value to every stage of the server lifecycle—from pre-purchase and deployment to operations, management and support. You can take advantage of Intel’s proven support and service, including a 3-year warranty (optional 5-year) and global technical support. Intel® Server Systems are also easy to deploy and operate, with comprehensive documentation for integration, configuration and management. All Intel Server Systems are fully integrated systems with options of configure-to-order CPU, memory, storage, and more.

Find a Supplier

When you buy from Intel® Approved Suppliers, you get quality Intel® technology as well as the product knowledge to support customer solutions.

Find an Intel approved supplier ›

Configure to Order

Intel® Data Center Blocks (Intel® DCB) are purpose built, fully validated server systems that can help partners accelerate time to market with innovative server solutions built with the latest technology. In addition to predefined configurations, Intel will also build servers to your specifications from a list of validated components optimizing the performance and costs when a more custom system is needed. For use by Distributors and Resellers, only.

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