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Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and infrastructure created by Microsoft for building, deploying, and managing applications and services through a global network of Microsoft-managed data centers. It offers services such as IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service) that support numerous programming languages, tools, and frameworks, including both Microsoft-specific and third-party software and systems.
Pricing score
7.9
Microsoft Azure Pricing Profile
Microsoft Azure offers computing power, storage, and databases, enabling businesses to build, deploy, and manage applications through Microsoft’s global network of data centers.
Key Takeaways
Learning Curve and Pricing Transparency
Navigating Azure's features can feel like a rollercoaster due to the learning curve, but it's worth it for the extensive functionalities.
Cost Considerations for Storage
Storing large amounts of data is expensive, especially with standard SSDs versus premium SSDs for Virtual Machines. This insight emphasizes the importance of choosing the right Azure SKU based on usage patterns to optimize costs effectively.
Perception of Vendor Lock-in and Pricing Strategy
Some users feel guided towards using Microsoft's solutions at potentially higher costs compared to integrating non-Azure instances. This perception raises considerations about vendor lock-in and the flexibility of Azure's pricing models for integrating third-party services.
Product Overview
INSIGHTS
Our insights about Microsoft Azure pricing
01
The pricing structure, especially for Microsoft Azure Storage, is difficult to understand
02
By moving to cloud-based infrastructures, companies can reduce the substantial financial burden typically associated with buying and maintaining hardware, cutting costs from 90% to 25% or less
03
Choosing standard SSDs for virtual machines that perform many write operations can be more expensive than opting for premium SSDs
Available Pricing Models
How much does Microsoft Azure cost?
Azure's pricing can vary widely depending on the specific service, region, usage patterns, and any discounts applied (such as Reserved Instances or Enterprise Agreements). Here are some general points about Azure pricing:
Storage
- Azure Blob Storage pricing starts at around $0.0184 per GB per month for hot access tier in certain regions.
- Azure Disk Storage pricing starts at approximately $0.05 per GB per month for premium SSDs.
Virtual Machines
- Prices can range from a few cents per hour for basic instances to hundreds of dollars per hour for high-performance configurations.
- A standard B2s VM (2 vCPUs, 4 GB RAM) in the US East region might cost approximately $0.0416 per hour.
Networking
- Pricing for Azure Virtual Network starts at $0.01 per hour for a VPN Gateway.
- Data transfer costs vary depending on the region and amount of data transferred.
Databases
- Azure SQL Database pricing starts at approximately $0.0115 per vCore hour for provisioned compute in the US East region.
- Azure Cosmos DB pricing starts at around $0.008 per RU/s (Request Unit per second) per month.
What users say about Microsoft Azure pricing
Rupert
Even in this thrilling ride, there are a few loops and turns. For those new to the platform, the learning curve can feel like navigating a rollercoaster, with some features requiring a bit more handholding. It's a small price to pay for the excitement of exploring the extensive functionalities. Additionally, like any adventure, understanding the pricing structures can sometimes feel like decoding a treasure map. A bit more clarity in communication could make the financial journey even more enjoyable.
Harminder
Ultimately the price of certain services, Microsoft sometimes showcase their ability or usefulness to combat a specific on-premise service or security issue but it almost feels as if you're constantly being guided to use their solution only and at full cost. It's not the simplest infrastructure to add in your own services or link any non-Azure instances without some tinkering.
Kanishk
The problem of buying and maintaining hardware for any IT company is the 90% of the total cost business incurs but with the cloud coming into the market this cost has been reduced to 25% or less and now companies can rent their infrastructures, services, and ready to use operation SaaS products on a minimum price which also works on a pay as you go basis.
Yussef
Sometimes the cost is too high if you need to store a lot of files. Also if you go for the standard SSD and your Virtual Machine will do a lot of write operations the cost can become higher than the same size in premium SSD disks so it's very important to decide on which SKU is the best for you.
Anurag
The intricacy of Microsoft Azure Storage's pricing structure may be simplified even though it is an excellent cloud storage option. It might be challenging to comprehend the numerous storage options and associated expenses, particularly regarding data transport. The user experience would be improved, and better cost estimation would be made possible by simplifying and offering more transparent price plans.
Rupert
Even in this thrilling ride, there are a few loops and turns. For those new to the platform, the learning curve can feel like navigating a rollercoaster, with some features requiring a bit more handholding. It's a small price to pay for the excitement of exploring the extensive functionalities. Additionally, like any adventure, understanding the pricing structures can sometimes feel like decoding a treasure map. A bit more clarity in communication could make the financial journey even more enjoyable.
Yussef
Sometimes the cost is too high if you need to store a lot of files. Also if you go for the standard SSD and your Virtual Machine will do a lot of write operations the cost can become higher than the same size in premium SSD disks so it's very important to decide on which SKU is the best for you.
Harminder
Ultimately the price of certain services, Microsoft sometimes showcase their ability or usefulness to combat a specific on-premise service or security issue but it almost feels as if you're constantly being guided to use their solution only and at full cost. It's not the simplest infrastructure to add in your own services or link any non-Azure instances without some tinkering.
Anurag
The intricacy of Microsoft Azure Storage's pricing structure may be simplified even though it is an excellent cloud storage option. It might be challenging to comprehend the numerous storage options and associated expenses, particularly regarding data transport. The user experience would be improved, and better cost estimation would be made possible by simplifying and offering more transparent price plans.
Kanishk
The problem of buying and maintaining hardware for any IT company is the 90% of the total cost business incurs but with the cloud coming into the market this cost has been reduced to 25% or less and now companies can rent their infrastructures, services, and ready to use operation SaaS products on a minimum price which also works on a pay as you go basis.
FAQ on Microsoft Azure Pricing
What services does Azure provide?
Azure’s set of services is categorized into compute, storage, databases, networking, AI and machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), security, developer tools, and more. Examples include Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Blob Storage, Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Kubernetes Service, etc.
How does Azure pricing work?
Azure operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model, where you pay only for the resources and services you use. Pricing can vary based on factors such as service type, usage (e.g., compute hours, storage size), region, and any additional features or SLAs chosen.
Is there a free trial or free tier for Azure?
Yes, Azure offers a free trial with credits that can be used across various services for a limited time, typically 12 months. Additionally, Azure provides a free tier for many of its services, allowing users to explore and test certain products without incurring costs.
Can Azure be used for hybrid cloud deployments?
Yes, Azure supports hybrid cloud deployments, enabling businesses to integrate on-premises environments with Azure cloud services. Azure offers tools like Azure Arc and Azure Stack for seamless hybrid cloud management and operations.