How Can I Manage Azure Costs After Inheriting This Responsibility?

Start by looking into Azure reservations; they're a great way to save money on services you know you'll use for a while. But first, check if you have any unused resources or old projects that can be shut down. Often, previous teams leave behind resources that just sit there, costing money. Identifying those can be your best bet for quick savings.

Azure's cost management can be a bit overwhelming. Here's a simple approach: identify your top three cost drivers using the cost analysis feature, then check their utilization. Are they over or underused? If you find low utilization, consider scaling down or even shutting them down. And yes, always talk to the resource owners before making big changes to avoid unexpected downtime.

I can help you with that! I offer assessments that can identify significant savings opportunities, often around 30%. Just drop me a message if you're interested! Also, be cautious when implementing changes based on recommendations without checking first—it can lead to service disruptions.

Consider reaching out to your Microsoft reps; they can often set up a session to help you understand Azure's cost management tools better. Also, getting in touch with service owners is crucial—ask them if resources can be turned off when not in use. For longer-term resources, reservations can be a big help, just make sure you're clear on the requirements.

You're right to be cautious about making changes without understanding the system. It might help if you get the app teams' managers involved—if they know that reducing costs is a priority, they may be more willing to collaborate. Also, gather data on your subscriptions to see where the money is going. Sometimes, just visualizing expenses can reveal trends or areas to target for cuts.