Microsoft and Dell bring Azure and VMware closer with new integrations

Microsoft Logo at Ignite
Microsoft Logo at Ignite (Image credit: Windows Central)

Microsoft and Dell have launched an expanded partneriship (opens in new tab) that brings an officially certified VMware experience on Microsoft Azure. As part of the program, VMware is joining Microsoft 365 while also opening up new integrations with Azure.

"Customers can now seamlessly run, manage, and secure applications across VMware environments and Microsoft Azure with a common operating framework," Microsoft said in a blog post announcing the partnership. "Customers will be able to capitalize on their existing VMware investments, skills and tools, including VMware vSphere, vSAN, NSX, and vCenter while leveraging the scale, performance and innovation of Azure."

Additionally, Microsoft touts the ability for VMware workloads to be "modernized" with Azure service integrations such as Azure Active Directory, Azure AI, and IoT.

On the Microsoft 365 side of things, Microsoft has added VMware Workspace One to its exosystem. Workspace One can be used to "manage and secure the powerful productivity features of Office 365 across devices via integration with Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory Premium," Microsoft says.

Finally, VMware is being readied to extend Windows Virtual Desktop, with "initial capabilities" expected to launch in preview by the end of 2019.

For more on the expanded partnership, you can check out Microsoft's full blog post. (opens in new tab)

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Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl

2 Comments
  • To my understanding, yes. However - and this is important. Office 365 and Microsoft 365 are two very different services. One include only the Office suite and the other include Windows 10, Office and - I believe - device on subscription. Microsoft 365 is, to my understand, purely for businesses. I hope that was a good enough answer :)
  • To my understanding, no. But I only base that assuption on things I've read and heard here on WindowsCentral, and what I've perceived from Microsofts positioning of the Microsoft 365 plan (from talks and similar), so I cannot rule it out. Your best bet is to #AskDan - He's sure to give you a definitive answer 😉