Getting Started with NCache Cloud in Azure
To deploy and use NCache Enterprise or NCache Professional services in the Azure environment, NCache provides you with a deployment method where you host NCache images from the Azure Marketplace. This section guides you on how to deploy NCache servers through Azure Marketplace, registering your machine with NCache, and creating a cache cluster to be used with client applications in Azure.
Important
NCache Enterprise and Professional are available under the Bring Your Own License (BYOL) model.
Configuration Using Azure Marketplace
NCache provides images for cache servers on Azure Marketplace for Enterprise and Professional.
Note
This image is shipped with Windows Server 2019, .NET Framework 4.8 and .NET 6.0.
Go to Azure portal from https://portal.azure.com/ and sign in with your account.
In Azure Marketplace, search for NCache and select NCache Enterprise Software or NCache Enterprise Linux based on your requirements. Here we will proceed with NCache Enterprise Software.
Note
To use Linux Image, deploy NCache Enterprise Software (Linux).
- From here you can view the Plans + Pricing tab to find out about our latest offers. After this, click on Create.
- This opens up the Create a virtual machine page where you need to fill in the basics form to deploy a virtual machine with NCache in Azure. On scrolling down the same page, you will find a list of recommended virtual machines under Recommended by image publisher list. We suggest using the virtual machines from this list.
- After completing the form, click on Review + create. This process will take some time to create your virtual machine running NCache on it. Once done, go to the deployed VM.
- In the left sidebar, go to Connect and click Download RDP file to connect to your machine. Alternatively, you can connect via public IP by providing the username and password configured while creating the machine, without downloading the RDP file.
Once downloaded, connect to the virtual machine created for the cache server using the credentials provided in the form filled earlier.
Upon successful connection, the NCache Management Center will automatically be launched in the default browser of your machine. Otherwise, you can manually launch the NCache Management Center in your browser by browsing to
http://localhost:8251or<server-ip>:8251.
Register NCache
NCache provides two ways to register your machine with it, i.e., through the NCache Management Center and PowerShell cmdlets. Both the methods are explained step-by-step below.
Register through the NCache Management Center
In the NCache Management Center, you will be prompted with the Your machine is not registered window. To use NCache, you first need to register your machine. You can either register for a free evaluation by selecting Start Free Trial or activate NCache by selecting Activate with License Key. You can also choose to ignore the message for now by clicking on Ask me Later. However, you will not be able to use NCache meanwhile.
Important
You will only be able to use NCache once your machine is either registered for a free trial or activated with a license key.
Register Using Free Evaluation
If you want to register for a free evaluation, follow these steps.
- Click on Start Free Trial and you will be redirected to Start NCache Trial page. Provide the free trial activation key that you received from Alachisoft Support and the user information. Then click Activate.
Note
If you don't have the free trial activation key, you can get it using this Link.
- On success, you will be prompted with a success notification saying NCache has been successfully registered for Free Evaluation.
Activate with NCache License Key
If you want to activate NCache with a purchased license, follow these steps.
- Click on Activate with License Key and you will be redirected to the Activate License page. Provide the license key that you received from sales@alachisoft.com and environment details. Click Next.
- Provide the user credentials for which NCache has been registered and click Activate.
- On success, you will be prompted with a success notification saying NCache has been successfully License Activated.
Register Using PowerShell Cmdlet
You can also activate NCache on your machine by running the following PowerShell cmdlets as an administrator.
Register Using Free Evaluation
The Register-NCacheEvaluation PowerShell cmdlet registers the NCache image.
Register-NCacheEvaluation -Key xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx -FirstName John -LastName Smith -Email john@yourdomain.com -Company your_company_name
Activate with NCache License Key
The Register-NCache PowerShell cmdlet activates the NCache image.
Important
To get and activate your NCache license, you need to have the license key from sales@alachisoft.com.
Register-NCache -Key xxxxxxxx-xxxxxx-xxxxxxxx -FirstName John -LastName Smith -Email john@yourdomain.com -Company your_company_name -Server 10.2.0.4 -Environment Production
Important
You need to do the registration/activation for all cache servers either through the NCache Management Center or PowerShell.
Verify Machine Registration
To ensure all your machines are registered with NCache, execute the Get-NCacheVersion cmdlet as an administrator. It enables users to verify NCache license or evaluation details, displaying the expiration date or an expiration message.
Get-NCacheVersion
See Configure Cache Cluster in Azure to create a running cache cluster inside your Azure VM.
