Dell and Microsoft Unite to Redefine Hybrid Cloud with New Azure Local Integration

Dell Technologies and Microsoft are redefining hybrid cloud with a new integration of Azure Local into Dell’s Private Cloud and PowerStore solutions. This new partnership offers organizations a simpler and more flexible way to integrate on-premises infrastructure with Azure-managed services.

Azure Local is a Microsoft solution that brings core Azure services directly into on-premises environments. It allows organizations to run cloud-native applications and workloads closer to where their data resides. This service provides a consistent management experience across public cloud and local infrastructure, which enables hybrid cloud flexibility, improved latency, and compliance with data residency requirements.

Dell’s Azure Local journey began with the AX system, which is a jointly engineered appliance designed to simplify hybrid cloud deployments. It then advanced by incorporating PowerFlex, which added external storage capabilities for independent scaling and improved performance. This new phase takes this integration further by extending Azure Local support to Dell Private Cloud and PowerStore.

Unified management across public and private environments

According to Dell, this new partnership allows enterprises to manage public cloud, private data centers, traditional apps, and modern workloads seamlessly in a consistent environment. With Dell Private Cloud, Azure Cloud customers will get a full-stack solution integrating compute, storage, and networking, with automated lifecycle management, independent scaling, and vendor-wide support.

“Microsoft and Dell Technologies share a vision of empowering businesses to achieve more through innovation and collaboration. By bringing Microsoft Azure Local to Dell Private Cloud and PowerStore, we’re helping customers simplify their IT operations and unlock the full potential of their hybrid cloud strategies,” explained Dean Paron, Vice President of Product Management, Azure Edge Infrastructure at Microsoft.

PowerStore advances performance and data efficiency

With this release, Dell PowerStore provides high-performance all-flash storage designed for high performance and efficiency. It offers an independent scaling of both performance and capability, as well as always-on data reduction that guarantees up to a 5:1 ratio DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction). This service also provides robust built-in data protection, which is ideal for handling a combination of legacy applications and modern workloads seamlessly.

Dell noted that organizations will be able to opt into early access for Azure Local with Dell Private Cloud and PowerStore. The rise of cloud repatriation indicates a growing need for cost control and operational flexibility.

With nearly 68% of enterprises adopting hybrid strategies, Azure Local addresses this trend by allowing organizations to blend public and private cloud resources seamlessly. This approach optimizes performance and compliance, and also gives companies the agility to scale workloads without sacrificing governance or budget efficiency.