Dell Technologies recently introduced AI innovations that help Dell and Microsoft customers simplify AI adoption, speed deployment and power demanding workloads in multi-cloud environments. Data protection, cyber resiliency and security advancements help joint customers strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
“Organizations modernizing their IT strategies to support emerging workloads, like AI, need solutions that help them innovate faster, control costs and protect data across multi-cloud environments,” said Arthur Lewis, president, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies.
“Our storage software, data protection and services advancements help customers in Microsoft environments accelerate their transformation efforts quickly and securely.”
Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure now offers a Dell-managed option for organizations seeking simplified deployment and management experience. Customers can easily meet the needs of AI workloads in multi-cloud environments using the enterprise-class performance, scalability and data services of Dell PowerScale, and enterprise file storage from the industry’s #1 NAS company. The service delivers:
- Burst capacity for performance-intensive AI workloads with an architecture designed to deliver superior performance density and scale.
- Reduced management complexity with seamless data mobility and operational consistency across on-premises and cloud environments.
- Faster time to data-driven insights through native integration with Microsoft AI tools.
Dell has also introduced new services designed to help organizations simplify AI adoption and create custom AI solutions. They include:
- Accelerator Services for Copilot+ PCs to enhance productivity and efficiency with expert guidance on new features, implementation plans, best practices and more.
- Services for Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure AI Studio to assist with the development and implementation of Copilot agents and AI solutions tailored to specific business needs.
- Implementation Services for Microsoft Azure AI Service to help customers support new business opportunities through AI application development on-premises with Azure AI services on Dell solutions for Azure Local.
Additionally, Dell APEX Protection Services for Microsoft Azure will deliver Dell-managed, AI-powered cloud data protection and cyber resiliency across edge locations, remote offices and data centers. The service improves operational efficiency and resource usage, while ensuring robust data protection using advanced data reduction capabilities. Now, organizations can:
- Enhance cyber resilience with zero trust security including immutability, encryption, multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls.
- Protect against ransomware and cyberthreats with efficient recovery options for traditional and modern workloads.
- Accelerate cyber recovery with AIpowered CyberSense threat intelligence that results in up to 80% less time spent on recovery.
Microsoft customers stand to gain from improved AI development in Copilot and Azure AI Studios.
Dell’s new security services for Microsoft environments consist of two key features:
- Advisory Services for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) to help customers align their cybersecurity posture with CMMC guidelines through specific recommendations for Microsoft solutions.
- Managed Detection and Response with Microsoft that allows customers to focus on their core business while Dell experts monitor, detect, investigate and respond to threats 24/7 across their IT environment.
“Our customers are looking for ways to modernize their IT infrastructure and adopt hybrid cloud services safely and securely,” said Aung Oo, VP of Azure Storage, Microsoft. “Dell Technologies is enabling their customers to bring their existing knowledge, trusted platforms, and enterprise data to Azure to speed the adoption of critical technologies including Azure AI Services.”
Availability
Dell-managed Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure is available in public preview this first half of 2025. However, its Accelerator Services for Copilot+ PCs, Services for Microsoft Copilot Studio, Services for Microsoft Azure AI Studio, and Implementation Services for Microsoft Azure AI Service are available now. In its Security Suite, Dell APEX Protection Services for Microsoft Azure will be available beginning in the first half of 2025, while Advisory Services for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for Microsoft and Managed Detection and Response with Microsoft services are available now.
Organizations can enhance cyber resilience with zero-trust security
What this means for ERP Insiders
Microsoft customers will gain from improved AI development in Copilot and Azure AI Studios. Dell assists with setting up and configuring Copilot Studio and Azure AI Studio environments. Customers can rapidly prototype and launch Copilot agents without needing extensive in-house AI expertise. Prebuilt workflows and templates provided by Dell further reduce time-to-market. Dell’s services focus on building Copilot agents that align with an organization’s unique processes, whether in finance, customer service, or supply chain management. Dell helps customers integrate Azure AI Studio’s data analytics capabilities with their existing systems, providing real-time insights. Customers can seamlessly integrate Copilot agents and AI models into their current Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, or other Azure-based platforms. And Dell ensures that AI agents communicate effectively with existing applications, leveraging APIs and connectors provided by Microsoft.
Microsoft customers can develop and run AI applications locally while leveraging Azure AI services. Dell’s implementation services for Microsoft Azure AI Service enable organizations to meet data sovereignty and compliance requirements in industries like healthcare, finance, and government. They provide low-latency performance for AI applications that require real-time data processing, such as manufacturing control systems or retail point-of-sale analytics. Dell’s implementation services reduce the time required to set up and optimize Azure AI services on local systems. And customers gain access to Azure AI models, tools, and libraries on-premises, eliminating the need for significant in-house expertise. Dell’s solutions support a hybrid model where customers can process less sensitive data in the cloud and sensitive workloads on-premises.
These services reduce operational costs associated with moving large datasets to the cloud. Processing data locally eliminates the need for expensive bandwidth and reduces cloud storage costs. Organizations pay for Azure services on a consumption basis while benefiting from the cost-effectiveness of on-premises Dell hardware.
Dell helps users customize Azure AI tools for unique use cases, such as predictive maintenance, fraud detection, or personalized customer experiences. Localized deployment allows for flexibility in integrating AI with other on-premises systems, such as ERP, CRM, or IoT platforms.
Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure will streamline enterprise file storage. The Dell managed service on tap for 2025 will reduce the complexity of setting up and maintaining file storage systems. Dell will handle the provisioning, configuration, and ongoing management of the file storage solution, while end users can focus on accessing and utilizing storage resources without needing deep expertise in infrastructure setup or maintenance. Also, the service will include easy integration with Azure cloud services, enabling unified workflows. Users can leverage Azure-native tools, analytics, and applications while accessing file storage managed by Dell. Data stored on Dell APEX integrates directly with services like Azure AI, Azure Analytics, and Azure DevOps, streamlining operations. Additionally, end users can scale up or down as needed without worrying about provisioning additional hardware or reconfiguring systems. This flexibility is ideal for organizations with fluctuating storage demands like seasonal data spikes or growing datasets. Finally, the service supports hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, by combining Dell’s on-premises file storage expertise with Azure cloud integration, offering a consistent experience across environments. Users will be able to move data seamlessly between on-premises Dell systems and Azure cloud resources for operational agility.
