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10 Useful Tips to Save Money as an Azure User

The demand for cloud-based storage solutions is high, and some people are constantly looking for ways they can take care of data-related problems. For example, someone might have concerns about their file safety and are interested in creating a backup. 

Or, they might read a blog post about storage issues and realize that some of the files can also be transferred to external storage, not just deleted permanently.

Microsoft Azure offers various solutions to solve today’s challenges, and it could be worth your while. At the same time, you might find that the pricing model is a bit off-putting. 

Nevertheless, if you are set on migrating to Azure or are still on the fence about doing that because of the price, there are a few ways to cut costs. Below, you will find 10 tips to help you save money while using MS Azure. 

Pay in Advance

Some argue that the option to pay in advance is one of the best features that you can find on Azure. Knowing the capacity to which you will be using the service lets you save somewhere between 2.5 to 5 percent if you pick a 6 or 12-month prepayment. Spend a bit of time figuring out your needs and figuring out if it is worth it to pay in advance for potential long-term benefits.

Disable Unnecessary Instances

Azure might be running multiple redundant instances when you finish working on it. As such, you want to keep close tabs on what is currently active and disable it so that you do not have to spend money needlessly. 

Monitor the Costs

Monitoring the costs is another good piece of advice. Do not underestimate the importance of following every little detail in your account. If you are an Enterprise Agreement customer, get an Azure Cost Management tool for better efficiency. If not, you can try Cloudyn. 

Take Advantage of Your Organization’s Status

Microsoft Azure is used by both individuals and organizations. For the latter, there are certain benefits provided you meet the necessary requirements. One of the examples of such requirements is to have a non-profit organization status.

Microsoft provides cheaper products for eligible non-profits, and that includes Azure. The goodwill coming from Microsoft might seem a bit suspicious because big corporations are not known for charity, but if such a feature is available and you can take advantage of it, do not hesitate and utilize it to save some costs.

Check Hybrid Benefits

The Azure Hybrid benefit is another feature that works toward overall efficiency when managing costs. However, as expected, this feature also comes with some strings attached. More precisely, you need an active MS Windows Server Subscription or Software Assurance. 

Structure Resources

As an Azure user, you will likely manage multiple resources. Some of these resources will become obsolete after a while, or you might find a better alternative and replace them. 

Make sure that you set out a proper plan and outline Azure resources to keep track of them. Otherwise, you will be inefficient in restructuring or eliminating unnecessary resources, which will cost you money.

Try Free Accounts

As a rule of thumb, you should try a service for free before buying money if such an option is available. Azure offers a free trial for as long as 12 months, which is a lot considering that you get to experience the service for an entire year. 

Of course, you should not expect access to every Azure service. They offer a limited number of available features, but it is still enough to get the feel of Azure and become better at using it before you opt for the pay-to-use model. 

One final thing to note about the free model is that after the 12-month trial is over, the resources are disabled. 

Automate Processes

Process automation is a common trend in different digital world aspects. Azure also comes with a fair share of automation tools that you can utilize to monitor and adjust virtual machines.

Optimize Virtual Machines

Speaking of virtual machines, you will need to size them properly. Otherwise, the costs will grow and leave you with unnecessary expenses that could have been avoided.

Also, do not forget about the auto-shutdown. You can disable a VM during specific times so that it does not run in the background pointlessly.

Pick the right Purchase Option

The last bit of advice is to research the available purchasing options and determine your needs. It is different if you are an individual or an organization, and it is natural that Microsoft offers different plans for different users with flexible options here and there.

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