Extend Azure’s powerful security, identity, and management capabilities to on-premises, edge, and multicloud environments with Azure ARC.
Unifying Your Hybrid and Multicloud Infrastructure
Azure ARC is a powerful bridge between your on-premises, edge, and multicloud environments, enabling you to extend Azure management, security, and compliance to any infrastructure.
These days, leaders face increasing complexity in managing resources scattered across physical and virtual environments. Azure ARC brings consistency, visibility, and control wherever your workloads live.
What Is Azure ARC?
At its core, Azure ARC extends the Azure control plane beyond Microsoft’s public cloud. It allows you to manage:
- On-premises servers
- Edge locations
- Multicloud resources (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud)
With Azure ARC, you can:
- Apply Azure policies and security controls universally
- Use Azure Resource Manager, Monitor, and Update Manager across environments
- Enable modern identity and access with Microsoft Entra ID
- Gain licensing and compliance flexibility
Common Azure ARC Use Cases
Azure ARC addresses several practical IT challenges. Below are the most common and high-impact use cases organizations are deploying today:
1. Extended Security Updates (ESUs)
Use Case: Legacy systems such as Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 reaching end of support
Solution:
Enroll Azure ARC-enabled servers into Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program. This allows continued patching and compliance without the pressure of immediate migrations.
Why It Matters:
- Keeps older systems protected
- Simplifies ESU billing via Azure
- Avoids full system re-architecting just for compliance
2. Simplified Licensing for On-Prem and Hybrid Workloads
Use Case: Complex server setups, like active/passive SQL Server pairs
Solution:
Azure ARC enables Azure-based licensing for Windows Server, SQL Server, and other services, even outside Azure.
Why It Matters:
- Pay-as-you-go Azure subscriptions
- Aligns cost with usage
- Maintains licensing compliance across hybrid models
3. Defender for Cloud– On-Prem Edition
Use Case: Securing SQL Server hosted in your data center
Solution:
ARC integrates Microsoft Defender for Cloud with your on-premises SQL Servers, providing:
- Threat detection
- Vulnerability management
- Centralized monitoring
Why It Matters:
Extend Microsoft’s cloud-native security stack without moving your data to the cloud.
4. Modern Authentication with Entra ID
Use Case: Replacing legacy Active Directory for better security
Solution:
ARC-enabled servers authenticate using Microsoft Entra ID, unlocking:
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
- Centralized identity management
Why It Matters:
Entra ID future-proofs your environment and aligns with Zero Trust.
🔗 Read our blog on retiring Active Directory
5. Centralized Patching and Remote Support
Use Case: Inconsistent patching across diverse workloads
Solution:
With Azure Update Manager, you can:
- Schedule update windows
- Enforce maintenance compliance
- Remotely manage patching for both Windows and Linux servers
Why It Matters:
Boost security posture and reduce downtime, regardless of where servers are hosted.
Quick View: Azure ARC Use Cases
| Use Case | ARC Capability | Business Value |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy OS ESUs | Extended Security Updates | Extend security without migration |
| Hybrid Licensing | Azure-subscription-based server licensing | Cost savings and compliance |
| On-Prem SQL Security | Defender for Cloud + Vulnerability Mgmt | Protect SQL workloads in datacenters |
| Identity Modernization | Microsoft Entra ID for authentication | MFA, SSO, and centralized access control |
| Patch Management | Azure Update Manager across hybrid servers | Reduced downtime and update consistency |
Where Azure ARC Shines: Real Scenarios
Organizations commonly deploy Azure ARC in these key scenarios:
- Legacy Security – Enabling ESUs on aging Windows Server systems
- Hybrid SQL Defense – Securing on-prem SQL workloads with Defender
- Modern Identity – Replacing legacy authentication with Entra ID
- Unified Management – Remote patching and control from a single pane of glass
Conclusion: Embrace a Flexible, Secure Future
Azure ARC is more than a management tool, it’s an enabler of modern IT operations across disconnected and hybrid environments. It empowers your team to:
- Secure workloads regardless of location
- Simplify operations with consistent tooling
- Improve agility without sacrificing compliance
Next Steps: Ready to Unlock Azure ARC?
Whether you’re extending support for legacy workloads, modernizing authentication, or unifying hybrid patching, eGroup is here to help.
We’ll work with you to:
- Plan and design your Azure ARC architecture
- Pilot and deploy your hybrid workloads
- Secure and manage with 24×7 ThreatDefender services
