Different ways to connect Azure to on-premise datacenter

I found this great video (hat tip to Brian H. Prince and Keith Mayer) that quickly summarizes different ways to connect Azure to an on-premise datacenter.  The video is only about 10 minutes long and gives a great high-level view of the different options: https://channel9.msdn.com/Series/Explain/HybridCloud101 

Here’s a quick summary of the options:

1. BizTalk hybrid connections: this is a simple, super-easy option to implement that allows Azure to communicate with on-premise without needing to punch holes in your firewall.  You simply create a new “hybrid connection” in Azure, which creates a package that you install on your on-premise box. 

2. Azure AD application proxy: Azure AD can manage both cloud and on-premise applications.  This is great to use for websites with authentication/authorization.

3. Azure Service Bus Relay: this option is for web services only; the web service with your custom code initiates a connection to Azure so they can communicate.  You get automatic load-balancing as well as no opening firewall ports, etc.

4. Azure Service Bus Queue: a queue on Azure waits for http requests.  Use this when you need queues (brokered messaging). 

5. Point-to-site and site-to-site VPN: in these scenarios, you get a full virtual private network (VPN), more than just listening to a port.

6. Express Route: most complex to set up. Create your own pipe directly to Azure that doesn’t go over the internet.

Comments

• Anonymous
  June 08, 2015
  So helpful! Thank you. I've been looking for something like this for ages.