Macquarie Cloud Services has partnered with Microsoft and Dell Technologies to launch Macquarie Flex, a hybrid cloud solution designed to simplify workload migration between public and private clouds. This offering, based on Microsoft Azure Stack HCI and Dell’s Apex Cloud platform for Microsoft Azure, is the first of its kind in Australia.
Macquarie Flex is tailored for customers with an Azure-led strategy seeking increased flexibility and reach. It can accommodate workloads that are not suitable for running natively on Azure, such as those with compliance issues, retail systems requiring low latency, or manufacturing and operational technology systems. The platform can be deployed on-premises or in Macquarie data centers, with around-the-clock support available.
According to Naran McClung, director of Azure at Macquarie Cloud Services, cost will not be a barrier to adoption, as Macquarie Flex services are priced competitively compared to Azure. While the platform offers a broad range of Azure services, there are some limitations in terms of services catalog. However, it is suitable for infrastructure-as-a-service and certain platform-as-a-service workloads needed by enterprise organizations.
Phil Barlow, director of partner technologies at Microsoft, highlighted that Macquarie Flex allows customers to access a unified platform regardless of where their workloads are located. This end-to-end managed service offering is a first in Australia and New Zealand. The partnership focuses on meeting the needs of customers with specific workload requirements that cannot be easily moved to the cloud.
Macquarie Flex leverages Dell’s timely software updates and Microsoft’s security expertise to provide a seamless operational layer across different environments. While not a replacement for Azure, the platform enables easy workload transition between Flex and Azure without additional charges. Customers interested in virtual desktops, extended Azure reach, or compliance with security regulations have shown significant interest in the service.
Fox, an executive at Dell, sees Macquarie Flex as an incremental opportunity in the market, providing unique value through full integration with Azure and seamless management experience. The collaboration between Dell and Macquarie underscores a longstanding partnership aimed at delivering comprehensive cloud solutions. Microsoft views Macquarie Flex as a catalyst for driving more workloads to the Azure cloud, ultimately benefitting the Australian market.
In conclusion, Macquarie Flex represents a significant advancement in the hybrid cloud space, offering cost-effective solutions and seamless workflow management for organizations with diverse workload requirements. With strong support from Microsoft and Dell, this innovative platform is poised to address the evolving needs of customers in the Australian and New Zealand regions.
Article Source
https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366589733/Macquarie-Cloud-debuts-Australia-first-hybrid-offering
