Pay as you go licensing for Azure Arc enabled SQL Server is like renting a license – you only pay when you use it. It’s pricier than traditional methods, but great for intermittent workloads, like Black Friday or payrolls. Plus, it’s a lifesaver for older versions with extended security updates. 💰🔒 #CostSavings #SecurityFirstResponder
Learn how to use Azure Arc enabled SQL Server to take advantage of cost-saving options and extended security updates as a service this week on Data Exposed
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This week, we’re joined by Sasha to discuss Azure Arc enabled SQL server and explore the pay-as-you-go option.
Understanding Pay-as-you-go
Exploring the flexible and cost-effective licensing model
Sasha explains that the traditional method of licensing SQL software involves buying a license and software assurance. However, with the pay-as-you-go option, customers only pay for the license when the VM with SQL Server is running and when the SQL instance is active. Although this approach is more flexible, it can be more expensive than the traditional licensing and software assurance. The pay-as-you-go model is especially beneficial for intermittent workloads, allowing users to pay only for the time the software is actively used.
| Licensing Method | Cost Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Traditional | Moderate |
| Pay-as-you-go | Flexible but more expensive |
| Serverless | Conceptually similar but not as gradual as pay-as-you-go |
Cost Optimization
Understanding the cost benefits of pay-as-you-go
A general rule of thumb is that if a workload is used less than 33% of the time, the pay-as-you-go option becomes the most cost-effective choice. This can be especially useful for workloads with intermittent high usage periods, such as Black Friday sales or monthly payrolls. In these scenarios, pay-as-you-go provides the flexibility to reduce costs significantly.
As an example, imagine running payroll intensive applications for just a couple of days in a month. Instead of paying for the entire month's license, pay-as-you-go allows you to pay only for the usage during the intensive periods.
Additional Usage Scenarios
Leveraging pay-as-you-go for extended security updates
Furthermore, pay-as-you-go can serve as a game-changer for customers using older versions of SQL Server that are no longer in the standard support cycle. For instance, for applications running on SQL Server 2012, which is out of standard support, pay-as-you-go provides a way to continue receiving critical updates by including the benefits of software assurance.
| Use Case | Benefit of Pay-as-you-go |
|---|---|
| Legacy SQL Server | Ensuring continued support and extended security updates |
| Temporary Extension | Allowing additional time before migration or upgrade |
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By adopting pay-as-you-go, users can overcome situations where standard software assurance is not in place, providing an avenue to maintain system security while planning for future migrations or upgrades.
In conclusion, Azure Arc enabled SQL Server’s pay-as-you-go option offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness for various usage scenarios. With its unique benefits, it provides a solution for cost optimization while ensuring continued support and security updates for legacy systems.
Key Takeaways
- Pay-as-you-go is a flexible licensing model for Azure Arc enabled SQL Server.
- Workloads with intermittent usage patterns can significantly benefit from the cost savings offered by pay-as-you-go.
- Pay-as-you-go also serves as a solution for extending security updates for legacy SQL Server versions.
Feel free to check out the upcoming blog for more details on these cost-saving options. We look forward to seeing you next time on Data Exposed!
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