cost-optimization

Azure Cost Optimization is what consultants promise before they discover that "right-sizing VMs" breaks production applications and "removing unused resources" violates change control policies. In regulated enterprises, cost optimization isn't about finding waste—it's about negotiating acceptable risk levels with teams who operate 24/7 services under strict SLAs. The consultant approach assumes you can just resize resources. Enterprise reality requires change windows, performance testing, and rollback procedures. Effective cost optimization means understanding business context that Azure Advisor ignores. That "idle" VM handles batch processing every Friday night. That "oversized" SQL database supports quarterly close. That "unused" storage account contains audit logs required for SOC 2 compliance. Real optimization requires building business intelligence on top of Azure's technical recommendations—correlating Advisor suggestions with application SLAs, change control processes, and compliance requirements. You'll save money through reserved instances, Azure Hybrid Benefit, and architectural improvements—not by blindly implementing Advisor recommendations.