Extensions to the Azure reservation exchange policy
3 minute read
Kelsey Smith
February 16th, 2024
Microsoft have recently announced new extensions to the Azure reservation exchange policy. You will now be able to make changes to your account until the 1st July 2024.
Update: As per 22nd May 2024, Microsoft has announced that it is extending the grace period until further notice. This means that deprecation is no longer happening as per 1st July 2024, so you have more time to consider your options and continue exchanging compute reservations for different instance series and regions until the further notice. Furthermore, if you purchase compute reservations during this extended grace period, you will now have the rights to one more exchange after the grace period ends.
This gives you a further opportunity to maximise your reservation discounts and take the opportunity to upgrade and/ or change your current compute. Microsoft will give at least six months’ notice in advance if the grace period comes back into place.
Remember, our Azure Cost Optimisation Services provide all of the necessary support and guidance to navigate these changes
A grace period has been put in place to give those who need to exchange Azure compute reservations (Azure Reserved Virtual Machine Instances, Azure Dedicated Host reservations, and Azure App Services reservations only) time to exchange before deprecation.
Azure reservations provide flexibility to help you meet your ideal needs, budgets, and comprehensiveness. Reservations are interchangeable with each other, which means that you can exchange several compute reservations with each other all at once.
It was previously announced that the ability to exchange Azure compute reservations would come to an end on the 1st January 2024. Now that this date has been extended to 1st July 2024, you have additional time to compile your resources and put necessary plans in place. Compute reservations bought prior to the end date will reserve the right to exchange one more time after the end of the grace period.
If you have a type of Azure reservation that isn’t Azure Reserved Virtual Machine Instances, Azure Dedicated Host reservations, or Azure App Services reservations, then this policy change doesn’t affect you.
Next steps
If you have any Azure reservation purchases that you need to exchange after the 1st July 2024, the exchange will be processed as a cancellation, refund, or new purchase. It’s important to note that if needed, you can trade in the reservation for a savings plan at any time.
Without the ability to exchange reservations, you might find your organisation with increased costs, a less efficient cloud environment, and poor resource allocation.
Introducing Managed Cost Management and Optimisation for Azure
Managed Cost Management and Optimisation for Azure is an all-in-one solution to managing your Azure estate. As changes like this occur, it’s vital to stay on top of optimising your cloud environment to improve resource allocation and reduce costs.
The Managed Cost Management and Optimisation for Azure service promotes collaboration between teams, using the combined skills to gain more financial and operational control over your environment. The service identifies any cost saving opportunities, taking changes like the grace period for reservation exchange into account.
By implementing Managed Cost Management and Optimisation for Azure, you will handle these changes with ease.
Managed Cloud Operations for Azure
If you’re looking for a solution to manage the entirety of your Azure environment, ensuring costs are optimised while exploring new Azure features, Managed Cloud Operations for Azure is for you.
Our managed services are handled in-house, providing 24×7 operations and regular reviews to ensure you’re getting the most out of your Azure environments. Our specialists will also guide you through changes made by Microsoft, enabling your team to do what they do best without worrying about keeping on top of updates and changes.
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Unsure what service is right for you? Talk to one of our specialists today to find the best solution for your organisation.
About the author
Kelsey joined Phoenix in 2022 as the Content and Social Media Apprentice, working closely with the Marketing Team to develop her skills in digital marketing. Kelsey’s passion lies in content creation, which is reflected in her contributions across all areas of the business, from external and internal campaigns to our social media accounts.
Kelsey is not only keen to learn about marketing, but also the challenges organisations face and how Phoenix helps them overcome these.