Azure Cost Optimizer

Quick Start

Analyze Azure costs and implement optimization strategies to reduce spending while maintaining performance.

Instructions

Step 1: Analyze current costs

# View cost analysis
az cost-management query \
  --type Usage \
  --dataset-aggregation name="PreTaxCost" function="Sum" \
  --dataset-grouping name="ResourceGroup" type="Dimension"

# View costs by service
az cost-management query \
  --type Usage \
  --dataset-grouping name="ServiceName" type="Dimension"

Step 2: Identify optimization opportunities

Check for unused resources:

• Unattached disks
• Idle virtual machines
• Unused public IPs
• Orphaned network interfaces

Review resource utilization:

• VM CPU and memory usage
• Database DTU utilization
• Storage account access patterns
• Network bandwidth usage

Step 3: Implement cost-saving measures

Reserved Instances:

• 1-year or 3-year commitments
• Up to 72% savings vs pay-as-you-go
• Recommended for stable workloads

Azure Hybrid Benefit:

• Use existing Windows Server licenses
• Use existing SQL Server licenses
• Significant cost savings

Rightsizing:

• Downsize overprovisioned VMs
• Adjust database tiers
• Optimize storage tiers

Spot VMs:

• Up to 90% savings
• Suitable for interruptible workloads
• Batch processing, dev/test

Advanced

For detailed information, see:

• [Pricing Models](reference/pricing-models.md) - Azure pricing tiers and models
• [Reserved Instances](reference/reserved-instances.md) - RI recommendations and strategies
• [Rightsizing](reference/rightsizing.md) - VM and resource sizing guidance