Azure Hybrid Benefit for Linux
Azure Hybrid Benefit (AHB) for Windows Server and SQL Server is a Software Assurance (SA) benefit that allows you to remove the software rental fees associated with Windows Server or SQL Server Database when applied to licenses that are covered with AHB in Azure.
Microsoft recently brought to market a new AHB offering focusing on Linux and it’s our view that many clients who use Linux do not fully understand this benefit and are missing potential cost savings as a result.
In this post (and accompanying video below), myself and Karl O’Doherty, Principal Microsoft License Consultant at Version 1, will go into more detail on the considerations around the use of AHB and how to take advantage of this benefit when using Linux.
What operating systems does this benefit cover?
Microsoft have been restrictive in terms of the operating systems that this benefit covers. In this particular instance, it’s Red Hat and SUSE Linux customers who deploy their workloads in Azure.
What are the main benefits?
One of the main benefits of using AHB with Linux is cost reduction. As an example, without AHB for Linux, the cost of deploying a VM in Azure running Red Hat Enterprise Linux or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is charged by default as ‘pay as you go’ (PAYG). This fee combines the compute and OS rental costs, however by taking advantage of AHB for Linux, you can waive the OS rental fee allowing you to bring your own OS.
Also, if you are migrating an existing workload that is already licensed on-premises, you are able to bring your existing subscription into Azure rather than go with the PAYG model where you are paying for the subscription whilst maintaining the existing on-premises subscription. You avoid double paying in this scenario.
What about configuration?
There is a configuration process that needs to take place on both the Azure side and the Red Hat or SUSE.
- For Red Hat, you need to register under Red Hat’s cloud access program and for SUSE you need to register your subscriptions under the SUSE customer centre, regardless of whether you purchased this direct from SUSE or from a partner.
- Once registration is complete, you can then convert any existing PAYG workloads to use AHB for Linux and then use ‘bring your own subscription’(BYOS) — this can also be done in the opposite direction by using BYOS and going back to PAYG. This offers a degree of flexibility for configuration.
- AHB for Linux can also be used in conjunction with standard images for Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise OSs from the Azure Marketplace.
The good news is that you can start to use this benefit now if you do not have this enabled and start seeing the cost savings.
What about support?
Support for Red Hat and SUSE needs to be considered carefully given the issues below. From what we understand and what we have seen from Red Hat and SUSE, the way the support model works is as follows:
- If you are adopting a BYOS model and have purchased your subscriptions directly from the vendor, support is from them.
- If you adopt a PAYG model, Azure or Microsoft is your first line of support before you contact Red Hat or SUSE.
This is an important distinction, particularly for critical issues where immediate support is required. We are not saying that Microsoft cannot respond or resolve the issues, however, you might feel it’s more beneficial to go directly to the product vendors.
Additionally, with a PAYG model, you might begin to lose some of the Red Hat or SUSE Account Manager and Technical Support relationships that you have built up over the years as you will not be buying as many subscriptions.
It’s important to understand who is providing your support, how quickly you can access this and what relationships you already have in place so that you do not lose any useful contacts.
Further Information
For more information on this topic, please refer to the links below.
- Microsoft documentation on how Azure Hybrid Benefit for PAYG Marketplace VMs applies for Linux virtual machines.
- Red Hat FAQ & Recommended Practices for Microsoft Azure.
- SUSE on Azure Hybrid Benefit.
As license experts, we are familiar with a wide range of Tier 1 vendor license considerations and cost optimisation opportunities covering a broad range of technology platforms and are happy to help with any license queries you may have. Please go to our website or contact us with any questions.
Watch our short video below to listen to this conversation.
About the Author:
Richard Ojo is a SAM Licensing Consultant here at Version 1.
