Reference architecture: two-node switchless Azure Local
The smallest highly available Azure Local design. Two machines, storage links cabled directly between them, a switch pair for everything else and a witness outside the site.
Design decisions
- Storage intent on direct links between the two machines, no storage switches
- Management and compute intent on a redundant switch pair
- A witness outside the site so one machine can fail safely
- Two-way mirror storage, sized for half of raw capacity
- Out-of-band management on its own isolated network
- The architecture adapted to your site in a design document
- A cabling diagram and port map
- A failure test plan
Billed at $150.00 per hour. Ask Keith for an estimate.
The layers, top to bottom.
What we check first.
Each storage link is its own subnet
Direct links are point to point. We address and test them individually.
Witness reachability
The witness must be reachable by both machines over a path that does not depend on either one.
Maintenance means no redundancy
With one machine out for updates, the other is a single point of failure. We schedule updates with that in mind.
Four steps, written down.
A call with Keith
You describe the goal, the estate and the deadline. Keith turns it into a written scope with an hour estimate at the hourly rate.
A written design by Gus
Gus reviews the environment and gives you a written design with each decision and its reason.
Hands-on implementation
Gus implements in your tenant and your racks, remotely or on site, with every change logged as it is made.
Documents and a named contact
You receive the as-built record and the runbooks. Keith stays on as your account and project manager.
Asked before every engagement.
When is this the wrong design?
When you expect to grow past two machines, or need to survive two simultaneous failures. A switched design with three or more machines fits better.
Does it support GPUs and AKS?
Yes, within the capacity of two machines and the supported GPU configurations.
What does the consulting cost?
Consulting is billed at $150.00 per hour. Keith sends a written hour estimate after the scoping call, and work starts when you approve it.
Often scoped together.
One rate. Two people.
Consulting is billed at $150.00 per hour. Keith runs sales, project management and your account. Gus does the architecture, the design and the implementation.
per consulting hour, for every consulting service