Unlock Savings: Inside Microsoft’s Latest Cost Management Updates

Key Points

• Microsoft Copilot in Azure is now generally available, making it easier to understand and manage cloud costs with AI-powered insights.
• Enhanced Exports are now generally available, allowing for more efficient and secure export of cost and usage data, including support for FOCUS and multiple file formats.
• New cost-saving opportunities are available, including AKS cost recommendations, Autoscale for Azure Cosmos DB, and VM Hibernation on GPU VMs, to help users optimize their cloud spending.

Microsoft Unveils Latest Cost Management Updates for Azure Users

In a recent update, Microsoft announced significant enhancements to its Microsoft Cost Management tools, designed to help users optimize their cloud spending. Whether you’re a student, startup, or large enterprise, managing financial constraints is crucial, and these updates aim to provide clearer insights and more opportunities for savings.

Microsoft Copilot in Azure Now Generally Available

One of the major updates is the general availability of Microsoft Copilot in Azure. This AI-powered tool simplifies cost analysis by enabling users to ask natural language questions about their expenses. Copilot provides detailed breakdowns of costs by service, resource, or time period, eliminating the need for manual data sifting. For example, users can ask, "Can you provide me with a breakdown of my top 5 subscriptions with the highest cost for this month?" and receive a prompt, actionable response with a direct link to Cost Analysis for further investigation. This feature is particularly important for Windows Azure users, as it integrates seamlessly with the Azure platform, offering personalized recommendations for right-sizing resources and identifying underutilized services.

Enhanced Exports Streamline Data Management

The Enhanced Exports feature is also now generally available across all clouds and regions. This update addresses user feedback, introducing support for additional datasets, such as price sheets and reservation details. A key highlight is the integration with FOCUS (FinOps Open Cost and Usage Specification), which standardizes cost data across providers and reduces storage needs by combining actual and amortized costs. Users can now export data in CSV or Parquet formats with compression, and enjoy enterprise-grade security features, including the ability to export to storage accounts behind firewalls. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for Microsoft’s enterprise clients, as it ensures secure and efficient data handling, aligning with Microsoft’s commitment to robust security and compliance.

New Ways to Save in the Microsoft Cloud

The update also introduces new cost-saving opportunities:

• Generally available: AKS cost recommendations in Azure Advisor, helping users optimize Kubernetes spending.
• Generally available: Autoscale for vCore-based Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Generally available: VM Hibernation on GPU VMs, reducing costs for idle GPU resources, a significant advantage for Windows-based virtual machine users.

Learning and Support Resources

To facilitate adoption of these updates, Microsoft has released new video tutorials and documentation updates. The videos cover topics such as creating budgets and alerts, exporting cost data, and managing reservations. Users are encouraged to explore these resources and provide feedback through GitHub, contributing to the continuous improvement of Microsoft Cost Management tools.

As Microsoft continues to innovate in cloud cost management, users can expect more updates and features in the coming months. Stay informed about the latest developments and explore how these tools can help you do more with less in the Microsoft Cloud.

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