CDW, a leading IT solutions provider, has embarked on a transformative journey by integrating Microsoft's on-premises Azure Local solution into its infrastructure. This strategic move exemplifies how forward-thinking IT leaders are reshaping the hybrid cloud landscape to enhance performance, streamline operations, and effectively manage costs.

Background: The Evolution of Hybrid Cloud Solutions

The hybrid cloud model combines on-premises data centers with public cloud services, offering organizations the flexibility to choose optimal environments for their workloads. Microsoft's Azure Local extends this concept by bringing Azure's cloud capabilities directly into the data center, enabling seamless integration between on-premises and cloud resources.

CDW's Integration of Azure Local

Recognizing the potential of Azure Local, CDW initiated a pilot program to test and eventually deploy the solution across the organization. Collaborations with Microsoft and HPE facilitated the rapid procurement of necessary equipment, marking the beginning of CDW's Azure on-premises journey. (microsoft.com)

Key Achievements and Technical Details

  • Rapid Migration: CDW successfully migrated over 800 virtual machines to Azure Local within a four-month timeframe, demonstrating the solution's efficiency and scalability.
  • Performance Enhancements: Post-migration, virtual machines exhibited disk input/output performance that met or exceeded previous benchmarks. Notably, SQL instances on Azure Local nearly doubled the performance compared to traditional setups.
  • Network Improvements: The deployment of a 25-gigabit backplane on Azure Local nodes significantly boosted network connectivity, ensuring minimal latency for data-intensive workflows.

Implications and Impact

CDW's adoption of Azure Local has led to substantial operational efficiencies and cost savings, with potential savings reaching up to $3 million. The integration of Azure Local has also streamlined management by providing a unified interface for overseeing both on-premises and cloud environments, reducing the complexity traditionally associated with managing disparate systems. (microsoft.com)

Looking Ahead: The Future of Hybrid Cloud Solutions

CDW's successful implementation of Azure Local underscores the strategic advantages of hybrid cloud solutions. By merging on-premises efficiencies with cloud agility, organizations can achieve enhanced performance, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, adopting flexible and integrated hybrid cloud models like Azure Local will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.

Summary

CDW's integration of Microsoft's Azure Local solution into its infrastructure highlights the transformative potential of hybrid cloud models. This strategic move has led to enhanced performance, operational efficiency, and significant cost savings, setting a precedent for organizations aiming to leverage hybrid cloud solutions for digital transformation.

Meta Description

Explore how CDW's adoption of Microsoft's Azure Local solution is reshaping the hybrid cloud landscape, enhancing performance, efficiency, and cost management.

Tags

  • Azure Local
  • CDW
  • Cost Management
  • Digital Transformation
  • HPE GreenLake
  • Hybrid Cloud
  • IT Infrastructure
  • Microsoft

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