Microsoft Introduces On-Premise Version of Microsoft 365, Addressing Persistent Productivity Problems
Microsoft has taken a giant leap in ensuring data sovereignty and security for organizations with the launch of Microsoft 365 Local. This innovative solution, currently in preview before a wider rollout in 2025, is designed to cater to low-latency and high-security needs, operating on Azure Local.
Your Workloads, Your Control
Microsoft 365 Local is set to revolutionize the way businesses worldwide manage their workloads. It enables organizations to deploy workloads within their own datacenter or sovereign cloud environments, responding to the growing global demand for controlled environments.
The European market is a primary focus for this solution, as it aims to enhance security, compliance, and governance, particularly for those who must adhere to stringent data sovereignty regulations.
An Overview of Microsoft 365 Local
Microsoft 365 Local comprises essential components of Microsoft's sovereign cloud, which includes a sovereign public cloud, a sovereign private cloud, and national partner clouds.
The public version is available across European data center regions, ensuring data remains within Europe, under European law, and is managed by European workers only. The private cloud, built on Azure Local, serves as the foundation for on-prem and partner-operated environments, targeting organizations desiring operational autonomy and air-gapped systems.
Lastly, national partner clouds like France's Bleu and Germany's Delos Cloud cater to meeting local sovereignty standards within the EU.
Embracing the Need for Digital Stability
Microsoft 365 Local runs exclusively on Azure Local, the backbone for Microsoft's private sovereign cloud. Microsoft is committed to offering the broadest set of sovereignty solutions available in the market today, ensuring European customers have the options and assurances they need to operate with confidence in this era of geopolitical volatility.
Key Features and Benefits at a Glance
- On-Premises Infrastructure: Microsoft 365 Local operates within customers' own data centers or secure facilities, using the Azure Stack HCI operating system.
- Hybrid/Isolated Connectivity: The solution supports hybrid connectivity to Azure, enabling the benefits of hybrid cloud capabilities while maintaining the option for fully isolated instances.
- Modernized Server Packaging: Microsoft 365 Local bundles Exchange, SharePoint, and Skype for Business Server according to a reference architecture, delivered as a pre-configured or packaged solution.
- No Dependency on Microsoft 365 Cloud: Unlike the standard Microsoft 365 cloud suite, this solution does not rely on Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, or Teams.
- Enterprise-Grade Management: The architecture is designed for enterprise management, with potential integration with Active Directory and centralized Azure-based monitoring and administration.
- Continuous Updates and Security: As part of the Azure Stack HCI framework, customers may receive regular security and feature updates.
Advantages of Microsoft 365 Local
- Low Latency: By running services locally, organizations minimize latency for critical applications and user access, essential for real-time or sensitive workloads.
- Enhanced Security: On-premises deployment allows organizations to implement strict security controls, use internal networks, and manage encryption and access in line with internal policies.
- Data Sovereignty: Microsoft 365 Local is designed for organizations that must keep data within specific geographic or jurisdictional boundaries, ensuring compliance with strict data residency and sovereignty laws.
- Hybrid Flexibility: The solution supports hybrid scenarios, allowing organizations to connect to Azure for additional services or management while keeping core workloads on-premises.
- Familiar Client Experience: Users access services using the same clients as traditional on-premises deployments, minimizing the need for retraining.
Stay tuned as Microsoft continues to unfold the details of Microsoft 365 Local, promising a secure, compliant, and sovereign future for organizations worldwide.
Further Reading:
- Discover the Best Cloud Hosting Providers
- Explore the Best Free Office Software
- Learn about Amazon Web Services' European Sovereign Cloud, designed to ease concerns about US providers.
- Businesses worldwide, particularly those in the European market, can now utilize Microsoft 365 Local, a solution that caters to the growing demand for controlled environments and supports on-premises deployments.
- As part of Microsoft's commitment to offering robust technology, Microsoft 365 Local features advanced technology, ensuring enhanced security, low latency, and data sovereignty for organizations operating in various sectors.
