Hybrid cloud is a new model that enables end users to consume IT resources from any device, anywhere, and anytime. Hybrid cloud operating models allow companies to deploy their applications and host their data where it will most impact end users’ response times and overall digital experience – from data center to edge to public cloud. Simplicity, flexibility, and on-demand consumption delivered by a public cloud provider, coupled with controlled, trusted, and secured on-premises platforms makes the hybrid cloud model the preferred strategy for most modern IT organizations.
The criticality of services deployed on infrastructure at the enterprise edge cannot be understated. The advent of Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in the most transformational time in the human history. Consider self-driving cars that can learn and think, smart home security systems that can detect intrusion, or wearable health monitors that can predict medical emergencies. All of these are changing the way we live. Tremendous amounts of data are generated by IoT devices and fuel intelligent decision making from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AL/ML) systems. This deluge of data often requires computing power and storage capacity that resides near these devices to avoid latency in processing the information.
The A Closer Look at Microsoft Azure Stack HCI chapter provides a good insight on Microsoft Azure Stack HCI, a new HCI operating system that is delivered as an Azure service -- providing the latest security, performance, and feature updates with extended connection to Azure cloud services.