BareMetal Instance

BareMetal InstanceLast Updated:  6th March 2025

Azure BareMetal Instances: Unlocking Performance for Mission-Critical Workloads

Technical Overview

Imagine you’re running a high-frequency trading platform, a complex AI model, or a massive database that demands unparalleled performance and low latency. Virtualised environments, while flexible, may introduce overheads that impact performance. This is where Azure BareMetal Instances step in, offering dedicated physical servers without the abstraction layer of a hypervisor. These instances are designed for organisations that require the raw power of hardware while still benefiting from Azure’s ecosystem.

Azure BareMetal Instances provide direct access to physical hardware, enabling workloads to run with minimal latency and maximum performance. These instances are built on Intel Xeon processors, offering configurations that support up to 480 vCPUs and 24TB of memory. They are ideal for workloads like SAP HANA, Oracle databases, and specialised HPC (High-Performance Computing) applications.

Architecture

The architecture of Azure BareMetal Instances is straightforward yet powerful. Each instance is a dedicated physical server hosted in Azure data centres. Unlike virtual machines, these servers are not shared with other tenants, ensuring complete isolation and consistent performance. They are connected to Azure’s high-speed network backbone, enabling seamless integration with other Azure services such as Azure Storage, Azure Virtual Network, and Azure Monitor.

Azure BareMetal Instances support a variety of operating systems, including Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. This flexibility allows organisations to run their preferred workloads without compatibility concerns. Additionally, these instances can be integrated with Azure Arc, enabling hybrid and multi-cloud management.

Scalability

While BareMetal Instances are inherently single-tenant, they are designed to scale horizontally. Organisations can deploy multiple instances to distribute workloads or create clusters for high availability and fault tolerance. Azure’s global footprint ensures that BareMetal Instances are available in multiple regions, allowing businesses to deploy resources closer to their users or comply with data residency requirements.

Data Processing

For data-intensive workloads, Azure BareMetal Instances shine by offering high IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) and low-latency storage options. They can be paired with Azure Ultra Disk Storage to achieve sub-millisecond latency, making them ideal for transactional databases and real-time analytics. Additionally, the high memory capacity supports in-memory databases like SAP HANA, enabling faster data processing and decision-making.

Integration Patterns

Azure BareMetal Instances integrate seamlessly with other Azure services, creating a cohesive ecosystem for enterprise workloads. Common integration patterns include:

  • Networking: Use Azure Virtual Network to securely connect BareMetal Instances to other Azure resources or on-premises environments via ExpressRoute or VPN gateways.
  • Security: Leverage Azure Key Vault to manage encryption keys and secrets for applications running on BareMetal Instances.
  • Monitoring: Use Azure Monitor and Log Analytics to gain insights into performance and troubleshoot issues.
  • Backup and Recovery: Pair with Azure Backup or Azure Recovery Services to ensure data protection and business continuity.

Advanced Use Cases

Azure BareMetal Instances are tailored for specialised workloads that demand high performance and low latency. Some advanced use cases include:

  • SAP HANA: Certified configurations for running SAP HANA workloads, ensuring compliance with SAP’s stringent performance requirements.
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC): Ideal for simulations, modelling, and other compute-intensive tasks in industries like aerospace and automotive.
  • AI and Machine Learning: Train complex models faster by leveraging the raw computational power of BareMetal Instances.
  • Enterprise Databases: Run Oracle, SQL Server, or other enterprise databases with optimal performance and reliability.

Business Relevance

In today’s competitive landscape, businesses are under constant pressure to innovate while maintaining operational efficiency. Azure BareMetal Instances provide a unique value proposition by combining the performance of on-premises hardware with the scalability and flexibility of the cloud. This enables organisations to modernise their IT infrastructure without compromising on performance.

For industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, where milliseconds can mean millions, BareMetal Instances offer the reliability and speed needed to stay ahead. Additionally, the ability to integrate with Azure’s ecosystem allows businesses to leverage advanced analytics, AI, and other cloud-native services, driving innovation and growth.

Best Practices

To maximise the benefits of Azure BareMetal Instances, consider the following best practices:

  • Workload Assessment: Evaluate your workloads to determine if they require the performance and isolation provided by BareMetal Instances. Use Azure Migrate to assess compatibility and plan migrations.
  • Networking Configuration: Optimise network performance by using Azure ExpressRoute or Virtual Network Gateways for low-latency connections.
  • Security: Implement robust security measures, including network security groups (NSGs) and Azure Firewall, to protect your instances.
  • Monitoring and Optimisation: Use Azure Monitor to track performance metrics and identify bottlenecks. Regularly review and optimise configurations to ensure cost-effectiveness.
  • Disaster Recovery: Develop a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan using Azure Backup and Recovery Services.

Relevant Industries

Azure BareMetal Instances are particularly well-suited for the following industries:

  • Finance: High-frequency trading platforms, risk modelling, and fraud detection systems benefit from the low latency and high performance of BareMetal Instances.
  • Healthcare: Run complex genomic analyses, medical imaging, and electronic health record systems with optimal performance.
  • Manufacturing: Support simulations, digital twins, and other compute-intensive tasks in product design and testing.
  • Retail: Enhance customer experiences with real-time analytics and personalised recommendations powered by AI models running on BareMetal Instances.
  • Energy: Perform seismic analysis, reservoir modelling, and other HPC workloads critical to the energy sector.

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