Microsoft has now followed Google (Google AirGap) and AWS in implementing the concept of the sovereign cloud. This raises the question of a cloud that can be operated independently without a constant connection to the manufacturer. Until now, even with Azure Stack, you had to go online at least once every 30 days to be able to operate the services locally.
Azure Local Disconnected – Use Azure services without an internet connection (connection to Azure/Microsoft)
With Azure Local Disconnected Operations (currently in preview), Microsoft has introduced a new way to run Azure services completely without a connection to the public Azure cloud. This feature is aimed at organizations with high requirements for data protection, security, or operation in remote regions.
What is Azure Local Disconnected?
Azure Local Disconnected enables virtual machines, containers, and Kubernetes clusters to be operated and managed locally without the need for a connection to the Azure cloud. Management is performed via a local Azure-like interface (portal & CLI).
Key benefits:
- Data sovereignty & compliance: Ideal for government agencies, healthcare, or the financial sector.
- Operation in remote regions: E.g., on oil platforms or in manufacturing plants without a stable internet connection.
- Increased security: No direct external access – reduces the attack surface.
Supported services (selection):
- Azure Portal & CLI locally
- Azure Resource Manager (ARM)
- Azure Arc-enabled servers & Kubernetes
- Azure Key Vault, Container Registry, Policy
- Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) via Arc
⚙️ Technical requirements:
- At least 3 nodes, each with 64 GB RAM, 24 cores, 2 TB SSD
- Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft
- Verifiable need for offline operation
Preview
- EA contract
- Use case / scenario
- For hardware requirements, see documentation https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-local/manage/disconnected-operations-overview
- All regions except: China and Azure Government Region
& General Terms and Conditions for the Preview
https://azure.microsoft.com/de-de/support/legal/preview-supplemental-terms/
Source:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-local/manage/disconnected-operations-overview
Microsoft 365 local in Azure local disconnected
SharePoint SE yes
Exchange SE yes
Skype for Business yes
However, without an internet connection, these functions are only available within the network.