Azure ARC Implementation

Description

Embrace a cloud-first hybrid management approach that simplifies the intricate task of overseeing distributed environments, spanning private and public clouds, data canter’s, and the edge. It places a strong emphasis on standardization, interoperability, and compliance, granting you valuable insights and streamlined management capabilities through the central Azure control plane. Azure Arc offers several implementation options and capabilities that allow you to extend Azure management to resources that are located outside of the Azure cloud. These offerings provide flexibility in managing your hybrid and multi-cloud environment. Our offer is limited to Azure Arc-enabled servers/infrastructure and 15 virtual machines.

Key features

1. Azure Arc-enabled Servers:

1. Implementation: You can implement Azure Arc for servers by installing the Azure Connected Machine agent on your on-premises or edge servers. This agent establishes a connection between your servers and Azure.

2. Azure Arc-enabled Kubernetes:

1. Implementation: For Kubernetes clusters, you'll need to ensure that they are running a supported version and have the Azure Arc Kubernetes extensions installed. Then, you can register these clusters with Azure Arc.

3. Azure Arc-enabled Data Services:

1. Implementation: Azure Arc-enabled data services allow you to deploy Azure data services like Azure SQL Managed Instance and PostgreSQL Hyperscale on your own infrastructure or other cloud providers. You'll provision and configure these data services according to the provided documentation.

4. Azure Arc Policies and Governance:

1. Implementation: You can define policies using Azure Policy and Azure Governance to ensure that your hybrid and multi-cloud resources adhere to organizational standards and compliance requirements.

5. Azure Arc Monitoring and Security:

1. Implementation: Azure Monitor and Azure Security Center can be used to monitor the health, performance, and security of your Azure Arc-enabled resources.

6. Azure Arc Automation and DevOps Integration:

1. Implementation: Integrate Azure Arc-enabled resources into your automation and DevOps workflows using Azure DevOps, Azure Resource Manager templates, and other CI/CD tools.

TimeLine

Week 1: Assessment and Preparation

1. Assess your existing infrastructure, identifying servers, Kubernetes clusters, and data services to be connected.
2. Verify prerequisites and prepare your infrastructure for Azure Arc.
3. Ensure you have the necessary Azure subscriptions and permissions in place.

Week 2: Agent Installation and Registration

1. Begin installing the Azure Connected Machine agent on servers. Parallelize installations as much as possible.
2. Continue with agent installations and register servers with Azure Arc.
3. Start registering Kubernetes clusters and data services.

Week 3: Configuration, Integration, and Testing

1. Configure Azure Arc settings based on predefined requirements.
2. Integrate Azure Arc with Azure management tools such as Azure Policy and Azure Monitor.
3. Begin testing Azure Arc functionality, focusing on core use cases.

Week 4: Final Testing, Training, and Deployment

1. Perform thorough testing, addressing any issues that arise.
2. Train IT staff and stakeholders on Azure Arc usage.
3. Deploy Azure Arc to the production environment. Monitor closely during the initial deployment.

Deliverables:

1. Implementation Plan
2. Documentation
3. Registered Resources
4. Policy and Governance Framework
5. Integration with Azure Services
6. Testing and Validation Reports
7. Monitoring and Optimization Guidelines
8. Security and Compliance Documentation
9. Handover to managed service team for support and maintenance
10. Final Review and Sign-Off