I’m writing to you today from VMware Explore in Las Vegas, where my team and I are thrilled to present the latest updates for Azure VMware Solution (AVS). We’re hosting sessions, showcasing demos at our booth, and most importantly, meeting directly with customers like these to help them map the future of their VMware environments to take advantage of all the benefits of Microsoft Azure.
Today I am excited to share some of the recent updates we’ve made to Azure VMware Solution.
- Azure VMware Solution is now in 33 regions: Since the launch of AVS four years ago, we’ve been working to support customers globally with geographic expansion and I am pleased to report that it is now available in 33 Azure regions, more than any other cloud provider. Most recently added: Switzerland North, Italy North, UAE North, and India Central. Check out the Azure products by region web page to find a region near you.
- Azure VMware Solution is now approved to be added as a service within the DoD SRG Impact Level 4 Provisional Authorization (PA) in Azure Government: AVS is currently available in Azure Government in both Arizona and Virginia. Learn more about Azure Government.
- Expanded support for VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF): NetApp and VMware by Broadcom customers will now be able to simplify their VCF hybrid cloud environments by using NetApp ONTAP®software for all storage requirements, including standard and consolidated architectures. The latest release of ONTAP Tools for VMware (OTV) will support SnapMirror®active sync to provide symmetric active-active data replication capabilities for NetApp storage systems running VMware workloads. SnapMirror active sync allows customers to operate more efficiently by offloading data protection from their virtualized compute and improving data availability. Learn more.
- New capabilities for Azure VMware Solution: To support customers that are extending or migrating their vSphere VMs in the cloud, customers can now leverage Spot Eco by NetApp with AVS reserved instances to get the most value out of their deployments. Using Spot Eco to manage AVS reserved instances while also using Azure NetApp Files to offload data storage can reduce compute costs significantly. Learn more on Azure NetApp Files.
The Future of VMware Is in Azure
- Enhance Disaster Recovery and Ransomware Protection with Azure VMware Solution and JetStream: Disaster Recovery (DR) and ransomware protection are critical concerns for organizations today, and our customers demand comprehensive options to safeguard their critical workloads without compromising application performance. AVS collaborates with leading technology companies, such as JetStream, to deliver advanced DR solutions that offer near-zero Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and instant Recovery Time Objective (RTO). The JetStream DR and Ransomware solution implements Continuous Data Protection (CDP) by constantly replicating data. It employs heuristic algorithms to detect data tampering through VMware-certified VAIO APIs, utilizing cost-effective and high-performance storage options like Azure Blob Storage, Azure NetApp Files (ANF), and ESAN-based solutions. This approach is unique compared to other market offerings that provide ransomware protection by creating immutable snapshots. JetStream has also partnered with Microsoft to develop a unique feature that rehydrates VMs and their data from object storage, deploying them to AVS nodes provisioned on-demand, with or without the need for a pilot light cluster. This ensures a rapid, cost-controlled recovery and minimal downtime in the event of a disaster or ransomware attack. Join the VMware Explore session to learn more.
- VMware Rapid Migration Plan: We recently introduced the VMware Rapid Migration Plan, a comprehensive set of licensing benefits and programs to give you price protection and savings as you migrate to Azure VMware Solution. Use Reserved Instances to lock in pricing for one, three or five years—with flexibility to transfer the value to other types of compute as your needs change. Address migration costs with Azure Migrate and modernize services plus unique Azure credits for Azure VMware Solution purchases. You may be eligible for even more savings on Windows Server and SQL Server licenses. Read more on the VMware Rapid Migration Plan.
Learn more about Azure VMware Solution
If you’re attending VMware Explore2024 Las Vegas, be sure to stop by our booth and attend our sessions.
Can’t join us at VMware Explore? We have other ways for you to learn about Azure VMware Solution and prepare for migration. Participate in our Cloud Skills Challenge until September 16th to master Azure VMware Solution and learn how to migrate VMware virtual machines from on-premises to the cloud. Complete the training modules to earn a digital badge showcasing your proficiency. Join the Challenge.
Additionally, you can access on-demand sessions from our recent digital event.
The post Check out what’s new in Azure VMware Solution appeared first on Microsoft Azure Blog.