Dell Private Cloud enabled by Microsoft Azure Local is a subscription-based software solution that brings an Azure-consistent experience into your data center while using Dell infrastructure and automation.

It ties together three core components:

• Storage: Use your existing Dell storage or deploy new systems. You can choose:
  • Platform-integrated storage with built-in automation and lifecycle workflows (deployment, updates, etc.).
  • Platform-compatible storage that is validated for Dell Private Cloud but managed independently.
• Compute: Run on Dell PowerEdge servers (new or existing). Supported models include 16G R660/R760 and 17G R670/R770 with 2-socket Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs (16 cores), BOSS-N1 boot, redundant power, and iDRAC Enterprise or Datacenter licenses.
• Azure Local licensing: Bring your own Azure Local license through your preferred channels, including options like OEM License for Azure Local with Windows Server 2025 Guest VMs.

Behind the scenes, the Dell Automation Platform (a no-cost control plane and orchestrator) automates deployment and management of both hardware and software. It uses validated blueprints (Dell-tested TOSCA-based YAML templates) to handle tasks such as:

• Cluster deployment and expansion (from 1 to 64 nodes with homogeneous hardware).
• PowerStore storage updates (requires PowerStore OS 3.5+ and a typical 1 TB LUN for the primary datastore).
• Day 2 operations like updating, retiring, or repurposing clusters.

For ongoing operations, Dell Private Cloud integrates directly with the Azure portal, so your teams can use familiar tools such as:

• Azure Update Manager for system updates
• Azure Monitor for visibility
• Azure Policy and Azure Defender for governance and security

The result is an appliance-like experience with the flexibility of disaggregated infrastructure, allowing you to scale compute and storage independently and adapt as workloads and business needs change.

Dell Private Cloud is designed to simplify ongoing operations by combining automation, intelligent lifecycle management, and familiar Azure tools.

Key ways it simplifies operations:

• Intelligent lifecycle management
  • Automated, full-stack lifecycle management for both Dell hardware (compute and storage) and the private cloud software stack.
  • Covers patching, updating, expansion, and component replacement using blueprint-driven, validated routines to reduce risk.
• Centralized orchestration with Dell Automation Platform
  • The Dell Automation Platform orchestrator (SaaS or on-premises) is your central interface for administration, automation, and inventory.
  • It onboards Dell infrastructure resources and exposes them through a catalog of validated blueprints for repeatable operations.
• Predefined blueprints for Day 2 activities
  • Automated workflows for updating clusters, expanding clusters, retiring clusters, and upgrading Dell PowerStore storage.
  • Blueprints handle multi-step operations end-to-end, minimizing manual intervention and configuration errors.
• Familiar Azure management tools
  • Manage your Azure Local environment through the Azure portal using tools your team already knows: Azure Update Manager, Azure Monitor, Azure Policy, and Azure Defender.
  • No new training is required, which helps teams move faster and reduces operational friction.
• Streamlined updates and security
  • For firmware and driver updates, Dell Private Cloud uses the solution builder extension and Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) supplemental policies, avoiding the need for a separate hardware support manager plug-in.
  • Updates are consistent and centrally managed, improving predictability and compliance.
• Dynamic licensing management
  • Licenses are applied automatically from Dell Digital Locker to cluster deployments.
  • No need to manually download license files or paste keys, which simplifies tracking and allocation.
• Other Day 2 efficiencies
  • Cluster expansion or retirement is handled from the central orchestrator, with blueprints mapping and unmapping resources.
  • Storage system updates are managed centrally, without cluster-specific manual steps.
  • Infrastructure can be quickly re-provisioned, repurposed, or decommissioned as workloads or business requirements change.

Together, these capabilities help your IT team move from manual, ticket-driven operations to a more automated, blueprint-driven model that is easier to manage and scale.

Dell Private Cloud offers flexible deployment, licensing, and support options so you can align the solution with your existing investments and operating model.

Deployment options

• Dell Automation Platform
  • Available as a SaaS service hosted by Dell or as an on-premises deployment.
  • On-premises options include:
    • Virtual appliance
    • Installation on a Kubernetes cluster
  • Deployment services cover full implementation of the Automation Platform.
• Dell Private Cloud software
  • Deployment services are required for new clusters.
  • Dell handles physical and logical planning, racking, cabling, and setup of the complete ecosystem.
• PowerEdge servers and Dell storage
  • PowerEdge server deployment is included within your Private Cloud software deployment contract.
  • For Dell storage (such as PowerStore), Dell recommends professional deployment services to ensure best-practice configurations.

Licensing model

• Dell Private Cloud software
  • Offered as a 1-, 3-, 4-, or 5-year subscription.
  • Licensed per PowerEdge node, and licenses are portable between Private Clouds.
  • Requires iDRAC Enterprise or Datacenter license per node.
  • No additional Private Cloud licenses are required beyond the subscription.
• Storage licensing
  • Uses standard storage licensing (for example, standard PowerStore licensing).
• Azure Local licensing
  • Bring your own license or use an OEM License for Azure Local with Windows Server 2025 Guest VMs.
  • Support for pay-as-you-go via Azure subscription or Azure Hybrid Benefit, giving you flexibility in how you consume Azure Local.

Support services

• Dell Automation Platform
  • Support for both on-premises and SaaS versions is included at no additional charge with your Private Cloud software.
• Dell Private Cloud software (Azure Local environment)
  • Minimum requirement: ProSupport.
  • ProSupport Plus adds full L1 and L2 support from Dell on Azure Local, so you can contact Dell for both hardware and software issues (you still maintain an active support contract with your software vendor).
• PowerEdge servers and Dell storage
  • Require at least ProSupport to receive Dell Private Cloud solution support.
  • ProSupport Plus is strongly recommended for proactive monitoring, faster resolution times, and dedicated expertise to protect critical data.

These options are designed to give you flexibility in how you deploy and license the solution, while ensuring you have a single, primary source of system-level support for your Azure Local-based private cloud.