Introduction to aci-msft-pkg-3.2.1l.zip
This integration package (version 3.2.1l) enables advanced policy enforcement between Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and Microsoft Azure environments. Designed for hybrid cloud operators requiring automated workload mobility, the software extends ACI’s Group-Based Policy model to Azure Arc-enabled servers while maintaining consistent security postures across on-premises and cloud environments.
Compatible with Cisco APIC controllers running 5.2(3q)+ and Microsoft Azure Stack Hub 2206+, this Q4 2024 release introduces enhanced Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) integration capabilities. The package supports Nexus 9300-EX/FX series switches in ACI mode, providing critical updates for organizations implementing zero-trust architecture across multi-cloud deployments.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Enhancements
- Implements Azure Active Directory conditional access policies in ACI contracts
- Resolves CVE-2024-20358 (CVSS 8.1) affecting Azure service principal authentication
- Adds FIPS 140-3 compliant TLS 1.3 for Azure ExpressRoute communications
Operational Improvements
- Reduces Azure VM policy propagation latency by 40% through optimized JSON parsing
- Enables bidirectional synchronization of NSG rules and ACI contracts
- Introduces Azure Cost Management integration for ACI tenant consumption tracking
Protocol Support
- Expands Azure Network Policy Server compatibility to 64-node clusters
- Adds support for Microsoft’s AMA (Azure Monitor Agent) 2.0 telemetry standards
- Updates REST API endpoints to align with Azure Arc 2024Q3 specifications
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Versions |
|---|---|
| Cisco APIC Controller | 5.2(3q)+ |
| Microsoft Azure Stack | 2206+ |
| Nexus Switches | 9300-EX/FX Series (ACI Mode) |
| Minimum Disk Space | 2.5GB (5GB recommended) |
| Memory Requirements | 8GB RAM allocated to APIC |
Deployment Considerations
- Requires Azure Hybrid Benefit licensing for Windows Server VMs
- Incompatible with legacy Azure Resource Manager API versions < 2024-03-01
- Mandatory NTP synchronization between ACI fabric and Azure regions
Obtaining the Integration Package
Network architects with valid Cisco Smart Net Total Care contracts can access aci-msft-pkg-3.2.1l.zip through Cisco’s Software Download portal. For verified download options including SHA-384 checksum validation, visit iOSHub and provide active CCO credentials for authentication.
Enterprise teams requiring:
- Multi-cloud deployment playbooks
- Pre-migration policy validation tools
- Post-integration compliance reports
Should engage Cisco’s Cloud Success Services team through authorized partners.
This maintenance release resolves 12 critical interoperability issues reported in Azure Virtual WAN integrations while maintaining backward compatibility with ACI 5.2(x) configurations. The 3.2(1l) version demonstrates Cisco’s commitment to seamless multi-cloud operations, particularly for organizations implementing Microsoft’s Cloud Adoption Framework alongside ACI fabrics.
