Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) on bare metal
Want to run Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) directly on bare metal in your own datacenter or at the edge? In this video, I show you how to deploy AKS Arc for Azure Local on Linux on top of Azure Local Small Form Factor (SFF) — giving you a fully managed Kubernetes experience anywhere you need it.
This setup is perfect for hybrid, edge, and sovereign scenarios, where you need the power of AKS but with full control over your infrastructure and data.
🔧 In this video, I cover:
Deploying Azure Local SFF as your foundation
Installing AKS Arc for Azure Local on Linux on bare metal
Managing your Kubernetes clusters through Azure Arc
Running cloud-native workloads in on-premises and edge environments
Read blog here: https://www.thomasmaurer.ch/2026/07/a...
🌍 Why AKS on Bare Metal?
No hypervisor overhead - Run Kubernetes directly on hardware, dedicating all compute resources to your workloads.
Unified Azure management - Create, manage, and monitor clusters through the Azure portal, ARM templates, or Bicep - the same tools you use for AKS everywhere else.
Arc-connected - Clusters are automatically connected to Azure Arc, enabling Azure Policy, Azure Monitor, GitOps, and other Azure services.
Consistent Kubernetes experience - Same core APIs, lifecycle management, and operational tooling as AKS across cloud, hybrid, and edge.
⭐ When to use AKS on bare metal
AKS on bare metal is ideal for scenarios where:
-Maximum performance matters - Workloads that can't tolerate hypervisor overhead.
Edge and remote locations - Small-footprint deployments at retail stores, factories, or field sites where a full hyperconverged infrastructure isn't needed.
Sovereign and regulated environments - Deployments that must remain on-premises with full Azure management capabilities.
Resource-constrained hardware - Single-machine deployments where every CPU cycle and byte of memory counts.
📚 Learn more
What is Azure Kubernetes Service on bare metal: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azu...
If you're modernizing your infrastructure, running AI at the edge, or building sovereign cloud solutions, AKS on bare metal is a game-changer.
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⭐ About
Thomas is a EMEA Global Black Belt (GBB) for Sovereign Cloud at Microsoft, helping organizations across the region harness Microsoft’s sovereign, hybrid, multicloud, and edge solutions. He works directly with C-level leaders and technical teams to remove roadblocks, accelerate digital transformation, and shape long-term cloud strategies that meet business and regulatory needs.
With over 15 years of experience in cloud and datacenter, including his previous role as Principal Program Manager and Chief Evangelist for Azure Hybrid, he combines deep technical expertise with a passion for customer success. He specializes in creating scalable architectures, solution accelerators, and thought leadership that drive adoption and innovation on Azure.
Thomas is a passionate community advocate and frequently speaks at industry events such as Microsoft Ignite and Microsoft TechDays.
If you want to know more about Thomas, check out:
🌍 Website / blog - https://www.thomasmaurer.ch
🐦 X.com - / thomasmaurer
💼 LinkedIn - / thomasmaurer2
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