Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) face the difficult task of controlling their costs while making the most of the available IT solutions. Fortunately, they now have access to cost-effective options such as cloud technology solutions, which can help them reduce their expenses while boosting their efficiency.
An easy solution to reduce costs is for companies to utilize Azure Hybrid Benefit (AHB). Microsoft Azure’s cost optimization feature allows businesses to leverage the capacity and flexibility of the cloud without overspending their budget.
What is Azure Hybrid Benefit?
AHB provides users with the opportunity to move their organization’s SQL Server and Windows Server licenses that are hosted on their premises to the cloud environment of Microsoft Azure. This transition also includes any active Software Assurance programs that the company is already using, as well as any subscriptions. The primary goal of AHB is to cut back on the expenses associated with running virtual machines (VMs).
The developers of AHB state that their cost optimization software can help companies decrease their expenditures by up to 85% when compared to the usual pay-as-you-go charges. In other words, depending on the usage and geographical region, businesses can reduce the cost of their IT operations by utilizing their cloud solutions more efficiently. Moreover, AHB offers businesses the option to use their on-site apparatus for six months during the migration process, making the switch to the cloud more straightforward for all involved.
Who can use Azure Hybrid Benefit?
As long as a Software Assurance membership is current or an approved subscription license is held, the following types of licenses are entitled to utilize the benefits of Azure Hybrid Benefit:
- SQL Server Standard Edition core licenses
- SQL Server Enterprise Edition core licenses
- Windows Server Standard edition
- Windows Server Datacenter edition
It is essential to be aware that the version of SQL or Windows Server you are using will determine if you need Software Assurance or an eligible subscription license. This principle applies to all Azure regions.
Cost saving with Azure Hybrid Benefit?
The cost of using Azure Hybrid Benefit is dependent on three factors: the region in which your organization is situated (or is near to), the type of virtual machine you have access to, and your use of Azure. Microsoft’s AHB estimation page discloses that if you are running a Windows Server and SQL Server with AHB, you can potentially save up to 50% and 85%, respectively.
Microsoft offers a customizable pricing system to aid you in reducing the expenses associated with cloud usage and operations. Specifically, AHB provides you with the option to save money through the following approaches:
- Enables corporations to take advantage of their existing Windows Server and SQL Server licenses in conjunction with Azure services, enhancing their operations and cutting down expenses.
- Provides the ability to migrate workloads from a physical environment to a secure cloud environment, reducing the risk of losing information and ensuring that operations continue without interruption.
- Ensures virtual machines are running at their most efficient level on Azure, thereby reducing wasted resources and generating more income.
Minimize the cost of cloud services with managed services
When looking to minimize the expenses of any organization, cloud computing technology is a great option. It is best to seek the help of a Microsoft consulting partner who is well-versed in implementing Microsoft Azure and its many uses in business operations in order to minimize costs with the AHB.
With a Microsoft partner, your business can benefit from:
- Expertise: Microsoft specialists have extensive knowledge of the Azure platform and Microsoft licensing procedures. They offer complete advice about the most suitable approaches for utilizing AHB and constructing cost-effective solutions.
- Cost savings: A Microsoft specialist can assist you in keeping tabs on how you're utilizing AHB, making certain that your organization is using the system competently and not missing out on any possible cost reductions.
- Seamless migration: Microsoft consultants can ensure the migration to Azure is quick and seamless. They can offer their expertise and assistance to make sure your data is successfully and promptly transferred to the cloud.
- Compliance: An Azure expert can make sure that your company meets all the pertinent licensing regulations for AHB. This means keeping track of updates to licensing rules and adhering to any existing agreements you have with Microsoft.
- Enhanced security: Azure consultants have expertise in the area of cybersecurity in the Microsoft ecosystem. They can identify any weak points in your system and can provide advice on how to protect your data effectively
Get more from your Azure environment with the Azure experts
Azure Hybrid Benefit is a powerful way to lower costs when it comes to cloud technology solutions. Utilizing AHB, your company will find it simpler to move to a cloud-based operational platform, granting you more competitiveness and adaptability in the present and future markets. The Azure consulting services from Technology Solutions can unlock the full potential of your Azure environment, whether that is optimizing the services or reducing costs.
