Shravan Suthar - PeerSpot reviewer
Principal Developer at Bioclinica
Real User
Offers the ability to drill down to the regional and resource level and good resource management
Pros and Cons
  • "The resource forecasting feature is invaluable. Secondly, the ability to drill down to the regional and resource level is incredibly helpful for pinpointing where my costs are accruing."
  • "Improved integration with other solutions could definitely be beneficial."

What is our primary use case?

I mainly use it for insights. It's about managing the cost of our resources and how to optimize where we can downsize or right-size resources.

It's mostly about analytics, and this is the first use case. Technically, there are multiple projects, like data integration, data cleansing, and maintaining data quality. There are a few of the underlying use cases. But the topmost or very first use case is analytics.

We have a dedicated cost management team to optimize costs.

How has it helped my organization?

Management would be difficult because right now I'm having one of the projects. And for that project, we are consuming multiple other services. There are storage, pipelines, multiple data functions, and Azure functions. So, the solution is made above multiple Azure components. And there are multiple environments. Like the development environment, the staging, and the production environment. 

Even in production, we have beta and alpha. So it's too much of resources, and it's difficult to manually go through each and every resource every time and try to see where we are hitting the cost and where we can reduce the cost. So that's where the cost management comes in to achieve.

Azure Cost Management actually helps an organization primarily for cost forecasting. For example, I have a budget in mind for this year. Azure Cost Management includes a feature called resource forecasting. Based on current resource usage and projected demand (including any buffer you add for your projects), you can estimate your expected costs for next year. This information helps you build budgets for future periods. So, budgeting tools are very helpful in this regard.

Before we formally adopted Cost Management, based on current consumption, we estimated costs for development and user acceptance testing. These estimates were surprisingly accurate, around 90%. Without a tool like this, manual forecasting could lead to missed savings or even overspending.

What is most valuable?

There are many features in Azure Cost Management that are most effective in tracking and reducing cloud costs. The resource forecasting feature is invaluable. Secondly, the ability to drill down to the regional and resource level is incredibly helpful for pinpointing where my costs are accruing. 

What needs improvement?

Improved integration with other solutions could definitely be beneficial.

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For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using it for more than five years now. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the stability a seven out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

There are around a thousand end users using this solution in my organization. 

I would rate the scalability a six out of ten. We have limited features. So, I have neutral views on scalability. 

How are customer service and support?

So, my feedback for customer service and support isn't specific to Cost Management, but for other resources like Power BI and Azure App Services, support can be slow. In some cases, I expect a quick turnaround. 

We might need to repeat information when switching agents. So, this can be a continuous cycle. I spend extra time explaining things on each call. So, there's room for improvement.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We use AWS and some Google Cloud servers.

What about the implementation team?

The vendor handles maintenance and troubleshooting.

My team has twelve members who handle things like advertisement, deployment, and cloud resource management.

However, there are different teams and people as it varies from project to project. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Compared to competitors, it's cost-effective. I would rate the pricing a seven out of ten, with ten being expensive. 

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I would rate the solution an eight out of ten. I would recommend using this product to others. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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ElsayedAboelnaga - PeerSpot reviewer
System Engineer at Target
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
A secure and powerful solution to manage cost and control budget
Pros and Cons
  • "We use the solution as a cost management tool to control the budget. It is easy to mange costs with the product."
  • "The tool's pricing should be made cheaper."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution as a cost management tool to control the budget. It is easy to mange costs with the product. 

What needs improvement?

The tool's pricing should be made cheaper. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the tool for one year. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The tool is scalable. 

How are customer service and support?

The product's support is fast. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The tool's pricing is yearly. 

What other advice do I have?

We require three or more admins to manage the tool.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Azure Cost Management
April 2024
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MohamedShedeed - PeerSpot reviewer
Cloud specialist at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
A free solution offered to Azure cloud customers via the Azure portal
Pros and Cons
  • "Billing management is self-explanatory. There isn't a specific feature that stands out, but it's a fundamental aspect that needs to be present."
  • "There are significant issues with Power BI integration at the moment, particularly with built-in applications for course management. Multiple features don't allow for efficient report generation. This is one primary concern. The second issue relates to reporting, even when using Power BI templates for course management. There are problems with data import that require manual entry. So, these are the two main challenges I'm currently facing. Another matter to consider is the removal of the markup option for partners. I'm not sure if it will be added back, but it used to allow marking up Azure usage for enterprise customers. I'm uncertain if there's an alternative way to achieve the same function. Partners need to mark up services when selling to customers, and it's currently unavailable for some products or services."

What is our primary use case?

Basically, they provide licenses to customers who already have an Azure subscription. They send these licenses to customers based on their needs, either extracting them from the partner center or group management or then delivering them, often through email. Additionally, for the Dental Connection system, APIs support the automated delivery of licenses to customers. On another note, when addressing billing concerns, there are instances where customers claim they've been overcharged by varying amounts, such as a hundred, five hundred, or even a thousand dollars. In such cases, they examine cost management to investigate these charges.

What is most valuable?


Billing management is self-explanatory. There isn't a specific feature that stands out, but it's a fundamental aspect that needs to be present.

What needs improvement?

There are significant issues with Power BI integration at the moment, particularly with built-in applications for course management. Multiple features don't allow for efficient report generation. This is one primary concern. The second issue relates to reporting, even when using Power BI templates for course management. There are problems with data import that require manual entry. So, these are the two main challenges I'm currently facing.

Another matter to consider is the removal of the markup option for partners. I'm not sure if it will be added back, but it used to allow marking up Azure usage for enterprise customers. I'm uncertain if there's an alternative way to achieve the same function. Partners need to mark up services when selling to customers, and it's currently unavailable for some products or services.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Azure Cost Management for quite sometime. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is 10 out of 10.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability is not needed.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is lacking in terms of response time and effectiveness. The response times are quite lengthy, and the support team's ability to address complex issues is questionable. While they may be suitable for straightforward problems, when it comes to more intricate issues, the support often falls short of expectations. This applies across various support levels, including Microsoft Premier, unified support, basic, and standard.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We solely utilize Azure Cost Management for overseeing our Azure services, so we haven't explored any competing solutions.

How was the initial setup?

No custom setup is required for most cases. The only situation where setup may be needed is when working with a Microsoft CSV partner and running automation. In such cases, some configurations may be necessary.

Furthermore, deploying this to Azure Management Services is a straightforward process. It's a built-in feature or service within Azure, so there's no need to go through a separate deployment process. It's readily available with every subscription.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Pricing isn't applicable as it's included with the subscription. It depends on the services used. If you acquire any services on Azure, you pay for the subscription, and the billing or cost management is included for free.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I would rate it 9 out of 10. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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DeepakKumar15 - PeerSpot reviewer
Vice President at MSCI
Real User
The solution should be made cheaper, though it can be used for budgeting purposes in an organization
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Azure Cost Management is cost optimization."
  • "Azure Cost Management should be made cheaper."

What is our primary use case?

We use Azure Cost Management for our budgeting purposes. We have created a policy where we get an alert if a particular resource goes above our budget.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Azure Cost Management is cost optimization.

What needs improvement?

Azure Cost Management should be made cheaper.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Azure Cost Management for around four years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Around 1,000 users use Azure Cost Management in our organization.

How are customer service and support?

Azure Cost Management's technical support team is customer-friendly, but sometimes, they take longer to respond.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We previously used Symantec.

How was the initial setup?

Azure Cost Management's initial setup is straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

We implemented the solution through an in-house team. Azure Cost Management's deployment is very simple and can be deployed in a day.

What other advice do I have?

Azure Cost Management is a cloud-based solution.

Overall, I rate Azure Cost Management a five out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Piravin Kanth Raman - PeerSpot reviewer
Business Analyst at Tata Consultancy
Real User
Top 10
Increased work efficiency, scales well, but forecasting model could improve
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Azure Cost Management are the ability to set standards or tagging policies and initiatives. You can achieve higher cost optimization."
  • "The forecasting model can improve Azure Cost Management."

What is our primary use case?

Azure Cost Management It provides information regarding overall costs and utilization across all Azure services and Azure Marketplace solutions.

How has it helped my organization?

The solution has made our organization more efficient.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Azure Cost Management are the ability to set standards or tagging policies and initiatives. You can achieve higher cost optimization.

What needs improvement?

The forecasting model can improve Azure Cost Management.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Azure Cost Management for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the stability of Azure Cost Management a seven out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Our clientele comprises businesses of various sizes, ranging from small to medium-sized enterprises that may require our solutions for short-term periods, to large corporations like banks.

I rate the scalability of Azure Cost Management an eight out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

We have a technical team and we are providing support to our clients efficiently.

How was the initial setup?

Understanding how to fully take advantage of Azure Cost Management saving recommendations is not a simple task. This is because the cloud provider offers its own pricing structure, and there are also other native solutions available. To truly comprehend why some people are unable to realize the cost savings offered by Azure, a business analysis is necessary. Primary research is needed to identify the pain points within the market.

Each deployment has to be customized to match the customer's needs and requirements. There can be many challenges. Overall, the implementation is complex.

I rate the initial setup of Azure Cost Management a seven out of ten.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I rate the price of Azure Cost Management an eight out of ten.

What other advice do I have?

I would advise others who want to use Azure Cost Management to read the documentation.

I rate Azure Cost Management a six out of ten.

I gave my rating of six out of ten because there are plenty of other similar solutions on the market.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Amro Saleh - PeerSpot reviewer
System Engineer at Arab Bank
Real User
Top 10
Notifies once budget threshold crosses and helps with reporting
Pros and Cons
  • "The tool helps with budgeting and reporting. It notifies us whenever we cross the threshold."
  • "Azure Cost Management needs to improve scalability."

What is our primary use case?

We use the product for cost analysis. 

What is most valuable?

The tool helps with budgeting and reporting. It notifies us whenever we cross the threshold.

What needs improvement?

Azure Cost Management needs to improve scalability. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the product for two years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate Azure Cost Management's stability a ten out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the solution's scalability a ten out of ten. My company has 10-20 users. 

How are customer service and support?

Microsoft's support is helpful. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

Azure Cost Management is a cloud solution and doesn't require installation. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Azure Cost Management comes as a part of other solutions. You need to pay as per your requirement based on the pay-as-you-go model. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate the solution a nine out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Kelvin Agaje - PeerSpot reviewer
Information Technology Security Manager at Lotus Beta Analytics
Real User
A solution to manage costs and services but have slower support response
Pros and Cons
  • "It has predictive analysis. It can forecast based on the costs associated with the particular architecture and how often they use it, estimating how much they'll spend."
  • "The response time of customer support can be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use Azure Cost Management to oversee the costs for customers and to manage the managed service.

How has it helped my organization?

The solution helps us ensure that every customer has projects they can work with monthly. We use it to ensure that the services they consume don't exceed what they can afford to pay each month.

Also, it has predictive analysis. It can forecast based on the costs associated with the particular architecture and how often they use it, estimating how much they'll spend. It streamlines the process instead of calculating manually.

What is most valuable?

You can quickly access the platform based on our organization's setup and start monitoring and optimizing costs for every customer since the exchange rate is quite high. It help customers stay within budget and manage their annual budgets. Whatever they decide to spend for that year on a particular service, it ensure it doesn't exceed. It assist in managing costs to maintain their loyalty.

Once a customer reaches a certain threshold, the tool inform them about the costs, letting them know they're about to exceed their threshold and offer options to either reduce consumption.

What needs improvement?

The response time of customer support can be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Azure Cost Management for 3 months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is stable.

I rate the solution's stability a 7 out of 10.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution’s scalability is good.

20-30 users are using this solution.

I rate the solution's scalability a 7 out of 10.

How are customer service and support?

Customer support is helpful.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We have used Rapid7 before.

What other advice do I have?

There are 30 engineers for the solution's deployment and maintenance in our organization. 

 Overall, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
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Jaime López - PeerSpot reviewer
Solution Architect at Avanade
MSP
Top 20
A cloud solution for application development with pay-as-you-go pricing

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution to develop different personal solutions.

What is most valuable?

Azure Cost Management has its conciseness and clear visibility. Having all resource costs in one place makes it incredibly easy to identify the biggest spenders, whether a specific resource or an entire resource group. This centralized view is crucial for understanding my service configurations and making informed decisions about cost optimization, like scaling down or even turning off services.

What needs improvement?

We were using Microsoft 365 earlier. We recently started using Azure and its pay-as-you-go model. It is powerful and wonderful because it allows you to test different services without spending so much, but the cost could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Azure Cost Management for less than a year. We are using the latest version of the solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the solution’s stability a ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

20 users are using this solution.

How are customer service and support?

Customer support is enough with the information available. They also provide help guides, forums on the portal, and other resources that Microsoft provides.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Azure Cost Management is a cost-effective solution. It's more valuable than the cost.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Updated: April 2024
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Download our free Azure Cost Management Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.