Dell Integrated System for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI: Features and Administration

Dell Integrated System for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI: Features and Administration

Course Overview

This advanced 2-day course focuses on the Dell Integrated System for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI, a hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) solution that bridges on-premises environments with Azure cloud services. The training provides a deep dive into the hardware, software, and management layers that define this hybrid cloud powerhouse.

Students will learn how to leverage Dell AX nodes—validated, high-performance servers specifically designed for Azure Stack HCI—to run virtualized and containerized workloads. The course moves from foundational concepts to practical, hands-on administrative tasks, including lifecycle management through Dell’s unique integrations with Microsoft Windows Admin Center. By the end of this training, participants will be equipped to deploy, manage, and monitor a resilient hybrid infrastructure that combines local performance with Azure’s cloud-scale governance.

Audience Profile

• IT Professionals responsible for deploying and managing hybrid cloud infrastructures.

• System Administrators looking to transition traditional Windows Server workloads to HCI.

• Network and Storage Engineers focused on software-defined technologies (SDS and SDN).

• Architects seeking to understand the value of a single-vendor, integrated HCI solution.

Learning Objectives

Domain 1: Solution Concepts and Use Cases

• Explain the business value of Azure Stack HCI and how it differentiates from traditional Windows Server environments.

• Identify high-value use cases, including remote/branch offices (ROBO), high-performance SQL Server, and VDI.

Domain 2: Architectural Deep-Dive

• Analyze the software-defined components: Hyper-V for compute, Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) for storage, and Software Defined Networking (SDN).

• Identify the hardware specifications of Dell AX nodes and their role in the integrated system.

Domain 3: Administration and Tools

• Gain proficiency in Windows Admin Center (WAC) as the primary management interface.

• Explore Azure Arc for unified management of on-premises resources via the Azure Portal.

• Utilize Dell OpenManage Integration with WAC (OMIMSWAC) for specialized hardware-level management and cluster-aware updating.

Domain 4: Networking and Connectivity

• Configure Dell-supported network topologies, including switched and switchless storage networking.

• Understand advanced networking features like RDMA (RoCE/iWARP), Switch Embedded Teaming (SET), and Network ATC.

Domain 5: Operational Tasks and Lifecycle Management

• Perform cluster registration with Azure and configure cluster witnesses.

• Manage virtual machines, storage volumes, and virtual switches.

• Execute full-stack lifecycle management (firmware, drivers, and OS) to ensure system health and compliance.

Technical Specifications

• Price: $2,200.00 USD

• Duration: 2 Days

• Format: Virtual Instructor-Led or Private Group Training

• Course ID: 3604971E