What is Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2) on Azure?
Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2) on Azure brings the Nutanix infrastructure software stack – the Nutanix AOS operating system and the AHV hypervisor (based on KVM) – to dedicated Azure bare-metal instances. This allows a Nutanix cluster to run in Azure just like an on-premises cluster: using the same tools (Prism Element/Central, nCLI, APIs) and the same licenses.
The goal is a true hybrid cloud in which workloads can move between your own data center and Azure without refactoring. NC2 uses your existing Azure account and network setup (VNets, subnets, VPN/vWAN) and doesn’t require managing additional network overlays. A cluster requires a minimum of three nodes.
Responsibility is shared: Microsoft operates and monitors the bare-metal hardware and underlying network, while Nutanix is responsible for lifecycle management and support of the Nutanix software.
Core Features
- Identical Nutanix software (AOS, AHV, Prism) on-premises and in Azure for consistent management
- Uses existing Azure network infrastructure without complex overlay networks
- Dynamic addition/removal of node capacity through the NC2 console
- License portability: existing Nutanix capacity-based licenses can be reused
- Cost benefits through MACC credit, reserved instances, and free Extended Security Updates for Windows Server
Typical Use Cases
Cloud Migration: Moving existing Nutanix workloads from on-premises to Azure without application refactoring.
Disaster Recovery: Building an Azure-based DR site for on-premises Nutanix environments without operating a second physical data center.
Elastic Capacity Expansion: Short-term or seasonal expansion of data center capacity into the cloud, for example for peak loads or time-limited projects.
Benefits
- No application changes needed thanks to an identical software stack to on-premises
- Fast provisioning of new cluster capacity in Azure without procuring hardware
- Seamless integration into the Azure ecosystem and existing contract models (MACC, Azure Hybrid Benefit)
- A consistent operating model for hybrid and multi-site scenarios
Frequently Asked Questions about Nutanix Cloud Clusters
What is Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2)?
NC2 is a hybrid cloud solution that runs the full Nutanix software stack (AOS operating system, AHV hypervisor, Prism management) on Azure bare-metal hardware. This lets you operate and manage a Nutanix cluster in Azure identically to an on-premises cluster.
What does Nutanix Cloud Clusters on Azure cost?
Costs consist of two components: the underlying Azure bare-metal infrastructure (pay-as-you-go, creditable against an existing Microsoft Azure Consumption Contract) and Nutanix software licenses, which can either be brought over (bring-your-own-license) or purchased via Azure Marketplace or Nutanix. Reserved instances further reduce infrastructure costs.
How many nodes does an NC2 cluster require at minimum?
An NC2 cluster on Azure requires a minimum of three nodes. Capacity can then be adjusted dynamically through the NC2 console.
Who is responsible for support and operations?
Microsoft is responsible for the bare-metal infrastructure and underlying network and monitors their health. Nutanix is responsible for lifecycle management and support of the Nutanix software itself. For subscriptions managed through a Cloud Solution Provider, the provider handles first-level support.
Can I reuse existing Nutanix and Windows licenses?
Yes. Existing Nutanix capacity-based licenses can be carried over. For Windows Server and SQL Server, NC2 on Azure is treated as a Dedicated Host for licensing purposes, which can allow Azure Hybrid Benefit to apply under certain conditions; Windows VMs on NC2 also receive free Extended Security Updates.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with planning, migration, and operation of Nutanix Cloud Clusters on Azure. We help with architecture design, licensing strategy, and integration into existing Azure environments.
Contact us for a non-binding consultation on Nutanix Cloud Clusters and Microsoft Azure.
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Azure (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Azure.
