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Local Identity — ARM Template Deployment (SAN)

Runbook Azure Storage

DOCUMENT CATEGORY: Runbook SCOPE: ARM template SAN cluster deployment with Local Identity PURPOSE: Deploy Azure Local with external SAN storage and Local Identity (Key Vault) via ARM MASTER REFERENCE: Microsoft Learn — Deploy via ARM (Disaggregated)

Status: Active


Overview​

This runbook deploys a disaggregated Azure Local cluster using ARM templates with:

  • Storage: External SAN (Fiber Channel)
  • Identity: Local Identity with Azure Key Vault

This is the most automated option for SAN + non-AD deployments, combining infrastructure-as-code repeatability with the simplicity of local identity authentication.


Prerequisites​

Complete all items from the SAN Prerequisites and the Local Identity Prerequisites sections.


Key Parameter Differences​

The SAN + Local Identity ARM template combines parameters from both the disaggregated and local identity templates:

ParameterValue
storageConfiguration"SAN"
domainFqdnEmpty string "" (no AD)
adouPathEmpty string "" (no AD)
keyVaultNameName of the Azure Key Vault for secrets
intentListManagement + Compute only (no storage intent)
sanNetworkListFC fabric network configuration

Step-by-Step​

Step 1: Obtain the ARM Template​

Download the disaggregated ARM template from Microsoft Learn.

Step 2: Create the Parameters File​

{
"$schema": "https://schema.management.azure.com/schemas/2019-04-01/deploymentParameters.json#",
"contentVersion": "1.0.0.0",
"parameters": {
"clusterName": { "value": "<cluster-name>" },
"location": { "value": "<azure-region>" },
"domainFqdn": { "value": "" },
"adouPath": { "value": "" },
"storageConfiguration": { "value": "SAN" },
"networkingPattern": { "value": "managementAndCompute" },
"keyVaultName": { "value": "<key-vault-name>" }
}
}

Step 3: Deploy​

az deployment group create \
--resource-group <resource-group> \
--template-file azuredeploy.json \
--parameters @azuredeploy.parameters.san.local-identity.json

Step 4: Monitor​

az deployment group show \
--resource-group <resource-group> \
--name <deployment-name> \
--query "properties.provisioningState" -o tsv

Post-Deployment​

  1. Connect workload LUNs — see Connect External Storage
  2. Proceed to Phase 06: Post-Deployment

Troubleshooting​

IssueResolution
Template validation failsVerify domainFqdn and adouPath are empty strings for Local Identity. Verify storageConfiguration is "SAN".
Key Vault access deniedEnsure the deploying identity has Key Vault Contributor and Key Vault Secrets Officer roles.
SAN disks not detectedVerify FC zoning and MPIO on all nodes before deployment.

← Local Identity — Portal (SAN)↑ SAN DeploymentPhase 06: Post-Deployment →

VersionDateAuthorChanges
1.02026-05-01Azure Local CloudInitial release