In this Microsoft Ignite 2024 interview, Rick Claus sits down with Jason Tayler of Coles Supermarket to discuss their extensive Azure Local deployment. Jason shares practical lessons, challenges, and recommendations for organizations adopting Azure Local at scale.

Deploying Azure Local at Scale: Coles Supermarket’s Experience

Overview

In this session from Microsoft Ignite 2024, Rick Claus interviews Jason Tayler, Head of Technology Operations at Coles Supermarket, about the company’s extensive adoption of Azure Local (formerly Azure Stack HCI) across their retail network.

Key Discussion Points

  • Nationwide Azure Local Deployment: Coles has rolled out Azure Local to thousands of sites, demonstrating how edge solutions can transform retail IT infrastructures at scale.
  • Workload Management: The supermarket runs a mix of workloads, including AI inferencing, directly on Azure Local, maximizing in-store analytics and automation.
  • Transition and Upgrade Experience: Jason outlines the process and considerations involved in moving from Azure Stack to Azure Local, detailing both technical and operational aspects.
  • Best Practices: Key recommendations are provided for organizations considering Azure Local, including tips on planning, deployment, upgrades, and managing a distributed edge environment.

Practical Insights

  • Scalability: Coles’ ability to manage thousands of nodes highlights Azure Local’s flexibility for large enterprises.
  • AI at the Edge: Running AI inference onsite enables faster decision-making and responsiveness in the retail context.
  • Lessons Learned: From deployment challenges to successful upgrades, Coles offers real-world knowledge of deploying and maintaining Azure Local solutions.
  • Jason Tayler (profile), Coles Supermarket
  • Rick Claus (profile), Microsoft

Community

Share your experiences or questions about Azure Local and edge computing in the retail industry in the comments. Explore more about scaling cloud and AI-powered solutions with Microsoft!