Microsoft have revealed that the previously announced end of Azure Compute Reservation exchanges has been postponed “until further notice“. They say:
“You may continue exchanging your compute reservations for different instance series and regions until we notify you again, which will be at least 6 months in advance. In addition, any compute reservations purchased during this extended grace period will retain the right to one more exchange after the grace period ends.”
Microsoft have announced that Azure Container Apps are now eligible for coverage with Azure compute savings plans, receiving discounts of 15% and 17% with the 1 year and 3 year plans respectively.
With savings plans, you commit to an hourly amount of Azure spend (say £5) and then any eligible services you use receive the discounted rate up to that amount. Anything over £5 will be charged at the regular PAYG rate:
Azure Archive Storage is used for less important data, where an organisation is happy to wait – perhaps hours – for access to their data. This means it is significantly cheaper than regular Azure storage.
Microsoft have announced that prices have dropped “by up to 50 percent in some regions” – although they haven’t given more precise info as to what reductions have taken place in what areas. That said, if you’re using this – you should see a reduction in your next cloud bill…or at least that section of it!
Microsoft Windows Azure and the Azure Services Platform is here..the actual name for Red Dog, Strata et al is with us.
LIve Services, .NET Services, SQL Services, Sharepoint Services & Dynamic CRM Services all sit on top of Windows Azure and support the Online versions of Microsoft’s key software including Live, Exchange Online, Sharepoint Online and CRM Online.
The Azure Platform
Azure will enable people to build and use completely new services in the Cloud, at a lower price point than before.
Pay as you grow and reduce costs. Pay for the services you use and reduce the capital costs associated with purchasing hardware and infrastructure. Reduce operational costs by running applications on the services platform and decrease the need for maintaining on-premises infrastructure. Increase business efficiency and agility by dynamically adding and subtracting capacity in real time. Envision building an e-commerce Web site that you can scale at the click of a mouse to meet seasonal demands or spikes in traffic based on sales and promotions. The Azure Services Platform helps reduce IT-related costs, freeing up time and capital to focus on your core business.
I’m really excited about this, both as a Microsoft “Enthusiast”/Fanboy (depending who you ask!) and a Microsoft Partner. I get the impression that Azure is going to take us to some pretty amazing places; as business partners, customers and web users we’re witnessing something special!
A big shout out to Steve Clayton for breaking this news to us 🙂
If you’re a developer and want to try out Azure for yourself, you can register for the Community Technology Preview (CTP) here.
Mary Jo Foley has got a nice breakdown of how Azure is composed. She also mentions that MS have committed to delivering Microsoft Hosted versions of all it’s Enterprise apps; she mentions that she’s heard rumours of ForeFront Online & System Center Online already!
Microsoft are really making a big push on Software+Services and as a Gold Partner actively looking into S+S, these PDC announcements are very interesting.
Cloudy with a chance of Licensing 