Updated: November 14, 2025 (February 6, 2024)

Azure Licensing

Before joining Directions on Microsoft, Rob worked at Microsoft for 14 years where he designed technologies for Microsoft products and... more

Directions reports and resources for understanding Azure licensing, such as the Azure Hybrid Benefit, which allows customers to apply Windows Server and SQL Server licenses with Software Assurance (SA) to reduce the cost of using that software in Azure services.

Latest Rules

Use the Directions Licensing Reference Set to review the latest rules and rights for Azure licensing.

Azure Licensing: One Phrase, Many Meanings

May 31, 2023

Azure licensing is a multifaceted, complex process involving multiple roles within an organization, and understanding the steps can help clarify who needs to be involved when and how to research for more information.

Kit: Azure Hybrid Benefit

Feb. 6, 2024

An SA benefit specific to core licenses for Windows Server and SQL Server that waives certain Azure-related fees for comparable workloads hosted in Azure.

Purchasing Strategies

Reports to help plan strategies for licensing Azure. Rule changes affect some of these strategies, so review the latest rules before

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