What is Lenovo ThinkAgile MX?
Lenovo ThinkAgile MX provides a simple and efficient way to adopt Microsoft's hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) platform. Lenovo servers are tested and validated for Microsoft Azure Local, so the building blocks of your infrastructure are ready to run out of the box.
A name change to be aware of. In November 2024 Microsoft announced Azure Local, the replacement for Azure Stack HCI. You will still see both names online, and Lenovo's ThinkAgile MX range is now documented for Azure Local.
Before Azure Local, ThinkAgile MX certified nodes were described as Azure Stack HCI solutions powered by Hyper-V and Storage Spaces Direct, managed through Windows Admin Center. If you are researching Azure Stack HCI, this page covers the same Lenovo hardware family.
Microsoft Azure Local and Azure Arc
Azure Local is Microsoft's distributed infrastructure solution. It extends Azure capabilities into customer-owned environments, with Azure Arc as the control plane, and it runs on validated hardware from partners such as Lenovo.
Azure Arc provides cross-cloud management for data and services running in VMs, containers or Kubernetes, and helps you apply a consistent security policy across your applications and data sources.
Familiar Azure tooling
Manage through the Azure portal, Azure CLI and ARM templates, with services such as Azure Policy, Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Azure Monitor.
Azure services on your premises
Connect to Azure Backup, Azure Site Recovery, Azure Monitor and Update Management, and more, from your own infrastructure.
VMs, containers and desktops
Microsoft lists support for virtual machines, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Azure Virtual Desktop.
Connected or disconnected
Azure Local supports both cloud-connected and disconnected deployments.
Where it is used
Microsoft highlights local AI inferencing, business continuity that keeps running through network outages, control systems with near real-time or extreme latency requirements, and sovereignty or regulatory compliance where data must stay local.
The Lenovo ThinkAgile MX range
Lenovo offers ThinkAgile MX as validated certified nodes, integrated systems and Premier Solutions. Lenovo describes Premier Solutions for Azure Local as turnkey solutions with the highest levels of integration and validation across the stack, backed by Premier Support with 24/7 access to Lenovo technicians.
MX650 V4
Hyperconverged system for Azure Local.
MX630 V4
Hyperconverged system for Azure Local.
MX650a V4
Hyperconverged system for Azure Local.
MX650 V3 Premier Solution
Turnkey Azure Local solution based on the ThinkSystem SR650 V3.
MX455 V3
Edge Premier Solution for Azure Local.
Models and specifications change, so check the Lenovo Press ThinkAgile MX series page for the current range, or explore the ThinkAgile MX certified node 3D tour. We can help you size and specify the right configuration.
Not sure which configuration you need?
Tell us what you plan to run and how much capacity you need, and we will help you shortlist the right ThinkAgile MX option.
ThinkAgile MX vs HX vs VX
Lenovo ThinkAgile is a family of hyperconverged solutions. The main difference between the three is the software platform they run.
| ThinkAgile MX | ThinkAgile HX | ThinkAgile VX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software platform | Microsoft Azure Local (formerly Azure Stack HCI) | Nutanix | VMware vSAN |
| Delivered as | Certified nodes, integrated systems and Premier Solutions | Certified nodes and appliances | Certified nodes and appliances |
| Learn more | This page | Lenovo ThinkAgile HX | Lenovo ThinkAgile VX |
New to HCI? Our guide to 3-tier architecture vs hyper-converged infrastructure explains how it differs from a traditional server, network and storage design.
Key benefits of Lenovo ThinkAgile MX
Simplicity
The Lenovo XClarity extension integrates with Windows Admin Center, giving a single pane of glass across infrastructure, virtual machines, software and hardware.
Flexibility
A wide range of processor, memory and storage options lets you tailor the infrastructure to your workloads.
Faster time to value
In traditional IT you design, test, implement and maintain the solution yourself. With HCI, much of that burden moves to the solution provider.
A simpler ordering process
ThinkAgile MX is built from certified hardware components, which streamlines the ordering of validated configurations so businesses can deploy solutions quickly. It is based on Lenovo ThinkSystem server hardware, and pre-validated software updates arrive on a predictable schedule so you can take advantage of continuing innovation from Azure.
Looking for consumption-based pricing? See Lenovo TruScale infrastructure as a service.
Lenovo ThinkAgile MX FAQs
What is Lenovo ThinkAgile MX?
A range of Lenovo hyperconverged systems and certified nodes validated for Microsoft Azure Local.
Is Azure Stack HCI the same as Azure Local?
Azure Local is the replacement for Azure Stack HCI, announced by Microsoft in November 2024. The ThinkAgile MX range is now documented for Azure Local.
What is a Premier Solution?
Lenovo describes Premier Solutions for Azure Local as turnkey solutions with the highest levels of integration and validation, supported by Premier Support.
How is Azure Local billed?
Microsoft lists a per-core pricing model for on-premises machines. Check Microsoft's current pricing, and ask us to help you scope the full cost.
How does ThinkAgile MX differ from HX and VX?
MX runs Microsoft Azure Local, HX runs Nutanix and VX runs VMware vSAN. See the comparison above.
Where can I see the full specifications?
On the Lenovo Press ThinkAgile MX series page. We can also help you shortlist and size a configuration.
Talk to us about Lenovo ThinkAgile MX
Tell us what you want to run, how much capacity you need and how it fits with your Azure plans. We will talk you through the options and help you specify a configuration.
Prefer email? Write to solutions@data-storage.uk.
