Azure Stack HCI efficiently integrates software-defined networking and Azure Kubernetes Service, offering a streamlined hybrid setup for VM management while maintaining top performance.


| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Azure Stack HCI | 3.5% |
| VxRail | 13.7% |
| VMware vSAN | 12.0% |
| Other | 70.8% |
| Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMware vSAN | 4.2 | 12.0% | 87% | 234 interviewsAdd to research |
| VxRail | 4.3 | 13.7% | 94% | 134 interviewsAdd to research |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 4 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 1 |
| Large Enterprise | 3 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 85 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 40 |
| Large Enterprise | 178 |
Azure Stack HCI enhances data center operations with high-end processors and storage, optimal Kubernetes support, and integration with Azure Arc and Azure Site Recovery. High application density in four-node configurations improves both time and infrastructure efficiency. Despite its strengths, the platform can improve in areas like software-defined networking, operational management, and simplifying deployments, which currently rely on PowerShell. Users often desire better training and integration with Microsoft Azure Portal, along with multi-cluster capabilities and storage architecture enhancements. Improvements in Hyper V virtualization are also needed to match competitors like VMware.
What are the key features of Azure Stack HCI?In sectors like government, Azure Stack HCI is crucial for running secure on-premise services with selectable Azure features to ensure data privacy. Businesses leverage the platform for VM creation, management, and monitoring through Windows Center, alongside Kubernetes production environments. Connectivity with Azure allows for smoother cloud transitions, appreciated for its dashboard manageability and substantial network capacity.
| Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| IT Solution Architect at a educational organization with 11-50 employees | 3.5 | We transitioned from VMware to Azure Stack HCI to cut costs using existing Microsoft licenses. It's stable and performs well, though it lacks maturity, has migration challenges, and inconsistent Azure Arc integration hampers management. |
| Iinfrastructure Architect at Ministry Of Justice | 3.5 | I've used Azure Stack HCI for integrated compute and disaster recovery; while it's matured and supports edge computing well, initial setup was difficult, costs are high, and licensing and long-term hardware support remain key concerns. |
| Business Solutions Sales Manager at Fortevento | 3.5 | I found Azure Local ideal for clients needing on-premises infrastructure with cloud integration, though deployment is harder with more nodes. It's affordable, especially with Windows Server, and Microsoft Fabric enhances analytics. Support varies but is better with advanced plans. |
| Solution Architect DC at Natilik | 3.5 | I use Azure Stack HCI for local computing with cloud integration, enjoying Azure Site Recovery, efficient storage, and Azure Arc. While there's ROI in time savings and reduced footprint, the storage architecture and Hyper V need improvement compared to VMware. |
| AG at SIS. | 4.0 | We chose Azure Stack HCI for its high computing power, latest processor, SSD, and 25 GB network, which outperform other tools in Kubernetes environments. Despite stability issues needing more version updates, the ROI is still favorable compared to alternatives like VxRail. |
| Cloud solution architect at 0 | 4.0 | In my experience with Azure Stack HCI, I value its software-defined networking and the capability to run Azure Kubernetes Service on-premises. However, improvements in operational complexity and deployment processes are needed for greater efficiency. |
| Engineering Technologist at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees | 4.0 | I recommend Azure Stack HCI for its strong data center performance, especially with NVMe solutions. While management through Microsoft Azure Portal is limited, it offers cost-effective licensing, particularly for users with Microsoft Software Assurance compared to VMware. |
| AVP at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees | 4.5 | I use Azure Stack HCI in my company for VM creation and management. Its most valuable feature is its ability to manage VMs efficiently, though the initial setup can be complex. I've experienced a return on investment with this solution. |