Implementing On-Premises Servers into Microsoft Azure Arc

Introduction

Microsoft Azure Arc is a service that extends Azure management and services to any infrastructure, allowing you to project your on-premises and multi-cloud resources into Azure Resource Manager. This capability simplifies governance, delivers consistent management across your environments, and provides a unified platform for running data services in Kubernetes anywhere.

Azure arc

Prerequisites

Before beginning the integration process, ensure you meet the following requirements

An active Microsoft Azure subscription.
On-premises servers running supported operating systems.
You need sufficient permissions to create resources in your Microsoft Azure subscription and to install and configure agents on the on-premises servers.

Operating System Support for Azure Arc

Azure Arc continues to evolve, providing comprehensive support for various operating systems across Windows and Linux platforms. Performance is reflected in the support for only 64-bit (x86-64) architectures, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. Azure Arc does not extend support to 32-bit (x86) or ARM-based architectures due to the specific demands and capabilities of the Azure Connected Machine agent.

The following is a detailed list of the supported operating systems that can leverage the full capabilities of Azure Arc.

AlmaLinux: Version 9
Amazon Linux: Versions 2 and 2023
Azure Linux (CBL-Mariner): Versions 1.0 and 2.0
Azure Stack HCI: Fully supported
CentOS Linux: Versions 7 and 8
Debian: Versions 10, 11, and the newly supported 12
Oracle Linux: Versions 7 and 8
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL): Expansive support across Versions 7, 8, and the latest Version 9
Rocky Linux: Versions 8 and 9, ensuring continued support for the growing Rocky Linux user base
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES): Versions 12 SP3-SP5 and 15, catering to a broad spectrum of enterprise needs
Ubuntu: Long-term support (LTS) versions 16.04, 18.04, 20.04, and the most recent 22.04 LTS
Windows 10 and 11: Inclusive of client operating system guidance for a seamless user experience
Windows IoT Enterprise: Specifically tailored for IoT applications and devices
Windows Server: Comprehensive support spanning Versions 2008 R2 SP1, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, and the latest 2022 release. Azure Arc is compatible with Desktop and Server Core experiences, enhancing users' flexibility and choice.
Azure Editions on Azure Stack HCI: This is fully supported, ensuring that Azure Stack HCI users can fully leverage Azure Arc capabilities.

Guidance for Client Operating Systems

When utilizing the Azure Arc service and Azure Connected Machine Agent, it's crucial to understand the supported environments, particularly concerning client operating systems such as Windows 10 and 11. However, there's a vital caveat to consider: these operating systems are supported exclusively within a server-like setup. Let's delve into what this entails.

Your computer must maintain a constant connection to the internet.
It's imperative to keep your device connected to a reliable power source.
The computer should remain powered on consistently.

Network Requirements Overview

When setting up connectivity for Azure Arc services, adhere to the following principles.

The Azure Connected Machine agent for Linux and Windows systems communicates securely outbound to Azure Arc over TCP port 443.
By default, the agent leverages the default internet route to reach Azure services, but you can configure it to use a proxy server if necessary.
Note that using proxy servers doesn't enhance the security of the Connected Machine agent since the traffic is already encrypted.

Step 1. Go to the Microsoft Azure portal (https://portal.azure.com/).

Microsoft Azure portal

Step 2. Use the search bar to find "Azure Arc" and the Azure Arc option displayed in the search results, then select the Azure Arch.

Azure Arch

Step 3. On the Azure Arc page, click on "Machines" found under the ‘Infrastructure’ section.

Machines

Step 4. Click on “Add/Create” and then select “Add a machine” from the dropdown menu.

Add a machine

Step 5. On the Add server with Azure Arc page, click “Generate Script” to Add a single server option.

Generate Script

Step 6. Choose the appropriate Azure subscription and either select an existing Resource Group or create a new one. Then, verify or select the correct Region and Operating System, and Opt for the "Public endpoint" under Connectivity Method. After that, click on Next.

Azure subscription

Step 7. Fill in the details for “Physical location tags” and include any additional custom tags as needed, then click on Next.

Physical location tags

Step 8. Download the provided deployment script to your computer after configuring all options.

Script

Step 9. Transfer the script to the server you wish to onboard into Azure Arc. Open PowerShell as an administrator on the server and execute the script. After running the script, the agent should communicate back to Azure, and your server will appear in the Azure portal under Azure Arc-enabled servers.

PowerShell

Execute the script

Azure Arc-enabled servers

Code

Step 10. Authenticate when the script prompts using an Azure account with appropriate permissions.

Authenticate

Authentication complete

Upgrade

Step 11. Select the Connected Device (WIN-82V0QG07H00) to Retrieve the Server's Information.

Server's Information

Conclusion

Integrating on-premises servers into Microsoft Azure Arc offers a seamless way to extend Azure's powerful management and security capabilities to your entire infrastructure, regardless of where it resides. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can transform your hybrid infrastructure into a cohesive, centrally managed environment, unlocking new efficiencies and capabilities for your organization.

Remember, transitioning to a hybrid cloud model with Azure Arc is a journey that involves careful planning, execution, and ongoing management. As you progress, continue to explore Azure Arc's capabilities and integrate additional Azure services to fully leverage the power of the cloud across your on-premises and multi-cloud resources.