Azure Licensing: One Phrase, Many Meanings

• Azure licensing is a multifaceted, complex process involving multiple roles within an organization.
• Understanding the licensing steps can help clarify who needs to be involved when and how to research for more information.
• Addressing the steps with the right mix of purchasing, careful deployment, and cost management expertise can help avoid and contain service costs.

Adopting Azure requires an organization to take multiple steps that could each be considered to fall into the concept of “Azure licensing.” Because of the numerous potential meanings of this term, breaking up each of the tasks and clarifying what is meant by Azure licensing can expedite conversations between customers, partners, and Microsoft and ensure the right people are involved at each step.

Definitions Are Key to Effective Licensing Conversations

To effectively manage Azure from a technical and licensing/cost perspective, each of these steps should be understood by the right players in each area:

• Azure prepayment—agreeing