Announcing the Virtified Loop for Azure Local 2605 (Data Centre use case)

The Virtified Loop for Azure Local 2605 has published and concludes that Azure Local is not yet a suitable candidate for traditional data centre requirements. You, unfortunately, will have to decide if it ever will be. Evidence for and against its longevity is mixed (10-year investment but limited uptake and zealous promotion of public Azure). Likewise, Windows Server seems a low priority despite occassional comments to the contrary.

Some key points:

1. Only the hyperconverged deployment method has an established track record.

2. Disaggregated, Microsoft 365 Local and disconnected operations are either too new (available only since 1H26) or restricted (disconnected operations requires Microsoft approval).

3. A six-month support window on new releases adds further strain, compounded by declining customer sentiment on Microsoft support and rising concern over pricing complexity. Virtified scores it at 6 against Microsoft's provider score of 8.

4. Windows Server 2025 still seems a stronger technical choice for the data centre use case but suffers from antiquated management tools (read its Loop here).

For Microsoft requirements, we recommend prioritising Azure for new workloads—as would they.

Proceed cautiously and scrutinise support and licensing before considering Azure Local for existing data centre workloads.

Read the full Loop here (no paywall, marketingwall, tracking, cookies or any other restriction). Spread the word!