Azure Functions Could Reduce VM Usage Costs

Azure Functions, a service in preview, allows developers to create (typically) small portions of code that are executed in reaction to events or on a schedule while only paying for the compute time used when the code runs. The service could reduce costs when used in place of deployments that require the continuous use of compute resources even as they are idle awaiting an event. Several programming languages and trigger types are supported, so the service could be applicable to many solutions. However, developers should consider application architectural and maintenance requirements when relying on the service.

Several Scenarios but Beware of Overuse

Azure Functions allows code to be run when certain trigger events occur without requiring a virtual machine (VM) to be active at all times waiting for events and incurring charges. The service could be used in scenarios such as the following:

Recurring processes that must be performed by a Web site or service, such as updating databases from remote feeds (for example, from social networking sites) or deleting old log data.