Azure Arc gives you unmatched control over your hybrid IT landscape. However, a treasure mine of strong extensions awaits discovery beneath the surface. These hidden gems expand Azure Arc’s capabilities and boost your management experience by addressing specific difficulties and improving workflows. Let’s look at some of the leading contenders:
Azure Arc Monitoring: With agentless monitoring, you can gain detailed insights into the health and performance of your on-premises resources. Metrics can be tracked, logs can be analysed, and proactive alarms can be sent all from the standard Azure Monitor interface.
Source Microsoft Learn
Azure Arc Data Services: Add Azure SQL Managed Instance capability to your on-premises SQL Servers. Enjoy automatic patching, continuous backups, and easier administration as your on-premises databases are transformed into cloud-ready assets.
Source Microsoft Learn
Azure Arc Kubernetes GitOps: DevOps best practices should be implemented for your on-premises Kubernetes clusters. Using Git repositories, you can manage configurations, automate deployments and rollbacks, and ensure consistent architecture across all environments.
Source Microsoft Learn
Azure Arc Application Services: Deploy and manage cloud-native applications on your on-premises infrastructure using Azure Arc Application Services. Use familiar Azure services such as Azure Spring Cloud and Azure App Service without the constraints of a full cloud deployment.
Source Microsoft Learn
Azure Arc Backup: With automated backups to Azure Storage, you can simplify disaster recovery for your on-premises operations. Backups can be scheduled, retention policies can be managed, and restores can be performed all from the Azure Arc platform.
Azure Arc Managed is a bonus gem. Grafana elegantly integrates the popular open-source visualisation tool into your Azure Arc environment. Create bespoke dashboards, track metrics across several resources, and acquire a better understanding of your hybrid landscape.
Aside from these jewels, a plethora of extensions extend Azure Arc’s capabilities:
- Azure Policy for Azure Arc: Ensure that your hybrid infrastructure has consistent policies.
- Azure Kubernetes Configuration for Azure Arc: Manage Kubernetes cluster configurations and compliance with Azure Kubernetes Configuration for Azure Arc.
- Microsoft Azure Security Defender for Azure Arc: With enhanced threat detection and protection, you can improve your on-premises security posture.
Unleashing the power of these extensions has various advantages:
- Increased Efficiency: Use a single pane of glass to automate operations, streamline workflows, and manage varied resources.
- Reduced Costs: Benefit from cloud-based services and tools while leveraging existing on-premises infrastructure.
- Improved Security: Use centralised security policies and Azure’s powerful security capabilities.
- Greater Agility: With flexible deployments and automatic maintenance, you can respond swiftly to changing needs.
Don’t let these hidden treasures fade into obscurity. Explore the Azure Arc Extension Gallery to find tools that meet your needs and boost your hybrid IT administration experience.
