In today’s fast-changing business world, organizations are continually looking for methods to reduce costs and increase the flexibility of their IT infrastructure. The Azure Hybrid Benefit is one solution that has become very popular. With the help of this robust program from Microsoft Azure, companies can extend their existing investments in on-site licenses to the cloud, maximizing cost savings and opening a variety of hybrid cloud features.
This article will look in depth at the Azure Hybrid Benefit, its benefits, and how organizations can use it to boost efficiency and agility on their cloud journey.
Understanding Azure Hybrid Benefit
The Azure Hybrid Benefit is designed to help businesses optimize costs by utilizing their existing Windows Server or SQL Server licenses in the Azure cloud environment. By utilizing this benefit, organizations can save significantly on their Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) and Azure SQL Database subscriptions, reducing the overall expenditure of their cloud infrastructure.
What licenses are offered for Azure Hybrid Benefit?
If you have software assurance for each license, the following licenses are included with the Azure Hybrid Use benefit:
- Windows Server Data Centre
- Windows Server Standard
- SQL Server Enterprise
- SQL Server Standard
It combines the Azure Hybrid benefit for Windows Server and SQL Server with SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines and enables the benefit in the Azure Portal by checking the appropriate box. It also activates the advantage for SQL Server using the resource provider and PowerShell for Windows Server.
The Key Benefits
Cost Optimization
One of the primary advantages of the Azure Hybrid Benefit is the substantial cost savings it offers. By leveraging existing licenses, businesses can avoid the need for additional licensing fees when migrating to Azure. This benefit can result in up to 40% cost savings on Azure VMs and Azure SQL Database services, enabling organizations to allocate their IT budget more efficiently.
Flexibility and Portability
Azure Hybrid Benefit offers organizations flexibility to deploy workloads on-premises or in the cloud based on specific requirements. Seamless hybrid cloud deployments are enabled, leveraging both on-premises infrastructure and Azure cloud scalability.
License Management Simplification
With the Azure Hybrid Benefit, organizations can consolidate and streamline their license management processes. By utilizing a single set of licenses for both on-premises and Azure deployments, businesses can simplify license management, reducing complexity and ensuring compliance.
Extended Security and Support
By migrating to Azure and utilizing the Azure Hybrid Benefit, organizations gain access to the robust security measures and continuous updates offered by the Azure platform. Microsoft’s ongoing investments in security ensure that critical workloads and data remain protected, reducing the risk of security breaches.
Utilizing Azure Hybrid Benefit
To make the most of the Azure Hybrid Benefit, organizations need to follow a few key steps:
Eligibility Check
Businesses should verify their eligibility for the Azure Hybrid Benefit by assessing their existing licenses for Windows Server or SQL Server. The eligibility criteria may vary based on factors such as licensing program and agreement.
Azure Subscription & Enrolment
Once eligibility is confirmed, organizations need to establish an Azure subscription and enroll in the Azure Hybrid Benefit program. This process involves linking the existing licenses to the Azure account.
License Activation
Companies activate Azure Hybrid Benefit by installing authorized virtual machines or databases and choosing the right options during deployment and starting earning from savings in costs immediately.
Monitoring and Optimization
Regular monitoring and optimization are vital for maximizing cost savings and realizing the full potential of Azure Hybrid Benefit. Azure Cost Management and other monitoring tools offer valuable insights for resource usage and optimization opportunities.
Conclusion
The Azure Hybrid Benefit emerges as a significant tool as companies seek digital growth and want to maximize their IT expenses. Companies can achieve significant cost savings, increased flexibility, and simplified license management processes by using existing licenses. Azure Hybrid Benefit maximizes the advantages of Azure Cloud while safeguarding on-premises license investments. Azure Hybrid Benefit is crucial for companies adopting hybrid cloud strategies, enabling significant cost savings and enhancing business efficiency in cloud applications.
