Cloud Solutions: Azure

Simple, Scalable Hybrid Cloud with Azure Stack HCI OEM

Dell introduces Microsoft Azure Stack HCI OEM License: simple, scalable hybrid cloud with a perpetual license bundle.
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Today, Dell Technologies is introducing a new software license bundle for Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Microsoft Azure. This solution simplifies license management, eliminates recurring renewals and protects organizations from cost increases. It’s a perpetual license tied to the hardware’s lifetime, ensuring predictability and removing disruptions, allowing management to focus on strategic initiatives. 

Software licensing is crucial for IT organizations, especially hybrid cloud solutions like Azure Stack HCI, which involves critical software resources for Azure and on-premises integration. 

Further, Azure Stack HCI is constantly evolving. New features and updates are released regularly—semi-annually—making license management challenging. 

“Dell announcing this perpetual licensing model aligns perfectly with the joint commitment we have with them to deliver long-term value,” said Todd Greenberg, GM, Device Partner Sales, Microsoft Corp. “By eliminating the need for constant renewals and protecting against cost fluctuations, together we allow our customers to focus on driving innovation without the burden of managing licensing concerns.” 

Introducing Azure Stack HCI OEM License

For any Microsoft Azure Stack HCI implementation, there are three foundational elements: software-defined infrastructure with the Azure Stack HCI operating system, Windows Server VM-based workloads and Azure Kubernetes Services. Each has its unique licensing considerations. 

  • Azure Stack HCI OS software-defined infrastructure (Host OS). This component is fundamentally required to deliver the solution.
  • Windows Server 2022 Datacenter (Guest virtual machines). Most Azure Stack HCI deployments run Windows Server-based virtual machines.
  • Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS). APEX Cloud Platform for Azure now comes with AKS on Azure Stack HCI by default, making it easier than ever to adopt containerization via AKS. The Azure Stack HCI OEM License offers UNLIMITED AKS usage—the only license to offer that. 

Azure Stack HCI OEM Software License is a new way to bundle these key elements within the Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Azure. Collaboratively engineered with Microsoft, APEX Cloud Platform for Azure provides a single, turnkey hybrid cloud solution for extending and optimizing Azure on-premises. It’s never been easier to simplify Azure hybrid cloud, accelerate application delivery and optimize workload placement. 

This bundled approach provides several business benefits over the existing licensing options, including: 

  • Cost savings. The one-time, upfront license fee offers significant cost advantages over the subscription-based model.
  • Efficiency. The bundle streamlines all your hybrid cloud needs, from running legacy to modern applications.
  • Edge agility. Get unified vendor support, acting as a one-stop shop for hardware, software and full-stack support.
  • Perpetuity. The perpetual Azure Stack HCI OEM License means your team can focus on more strategic priorities, not renewals or monthly subscriptions.

The Azure Stack HCI OEM Software License is pre-installed at the point of purchase, further extending the platform’s simplicity, flexibility, and affordability. The non-transferable license bundle stays with the hardware over its lifetime. 

Who is This New License Model For?

The combined power of the Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Azure and the Azure Stack HCI OEM License bundle is for organizations moving from legacy to more efficient systems, including deploying containerized apps closer to users and data sources. The combination is also ideal for organizations wanting to use Azure Stack HCI, Windows Server and Azure Kubernetes Services for maximum efficiency across locations, even hundreds of distributed locations beyond traditional data centers. 

The need for simplicity is paramount today. A recent Forrester Consulting report commissioned by Dell Technologies found that 63% of midmarket organizations face at least four challenges as they work to operationalize hybrid cloud, including: 

  • 54% say distributed environments pose the biggest challenge
  • 53% say cloud environment complexity poses the biggest challenge
  • 39% say skills shortages are their biggest challenge 

Summary

Together, the Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Azure and the Azure Stack HCI OEM License deliver a comprehensive, cost-effective and future-proof solution for modern IT infrastructure needs, backed by the combined expertise of Dell and Microsoft. 

  • Azure Stack HCI OEM Software License Bundle is a new perpetual licensing option that provides cost savings, efficiency and edge agility.
  • The license bundle includes Azure Stack HCI OS software-defined infrastructure, Windows Server 2022 Datacenter and Azure Kubernetes Services on Azure Stack HCI.
  • The pre-installed license bundle is available through the Dell APEX Cloud Platform for Azure.
  • The benefits of the Azure Stack HCI OEM Software License Bundle include eliminating recurring license renewals, protecting against cost increases and providing a predictable perpetual licensing nature.

Learn more about the Azure Stack OEM License and other Microsoft OEM Software solutions.

About the Author: Todd Lieb

Todd Lieb is the Vice President of Cloud Partnerships and has global responsibility for Dell Technologies’ go-to-market with the major public cloud and data center provider (DCP) partners including Microsoft, AWS, Google, Redhat, Equinix and others.  Todd spends his time in a variety of areas including: 
  • leading a group of field sales team members responsible for engaging with Dell’s 25,000 sellers on multicloud strategy and campaigns, 
  • speaking with customers around the world to help discuss strategy and tactics for their Multicloud and Cyber Security initiatives, 
  • engaging with Dell Technologies’ Global Alliance Partners and Channel Partners to bridge Dell’s public cloud and DCP activities with those partner’s strategies, 
  • connecting with marketing, engineering and product teams to share insights and experiences from working with customers, partners and account teams. 
Todd is a 15-year veteran of Dell Technologies.  He is passionate about areas such as sustainability and diversity and inclusion.  He is an active member of the Mosaic and GenNext Employee Resource Groups.  Todd currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his wife and 4 children.