Azure Hybrid Benefit is a powerful cost-saving program from Microsoft that allows you to get more value from your existing Windows Server, SQL Server, and Linux software investments when migrating to the cloud. By applying your on-premises licenses to Azure, you can save up to 85% over standard pay-as-you-go rates and seamlessly extend your hybrid infrastructure.

Here’s how Azure Hybrid Benefit can benefit your organization:

1. Save Up to 85% on Azure Costs With Azure Hybrid Benefit, you can use your existing Windows Server and SQL Server licenses to run virtual machines in Azure at a substantially reduced rate. This can translate to significant cost savings, especially for resource-intensive workloads like database servers.

2. Leverage Hybrid Flexibility Azure Hybrid Benefit provides 180 days of dual-use rights, allowing you to run your Windows Server and SQL Server licenses on-premises and in Azure concurrently. This gives you the flexibility to migrate workloads at your own pace without disrupting your operations.

3. Modernize with Azure SQL and Azure Arc Azure Hybrid Benefit can be used with Azure SQL Managed Instance and Azure SQL Database, enabling you to modernize your SQL Server deployments in the cloud. You can also use your existing SQL Server licenses to deploy Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server Managed Instances.

4. Simplify Compliance and Licensing Azure Hybrid Benefit helps you meet compliance requirements by providing unlimited virtualization on Azure Dedicated Hosts and the Azure VMware Solution. This simplifies your licensing management and ensures you’re properly licensed for your cloud-based workloads.

To get started with Azure Hybrid Benefit, you’ll first need to ensure your on-premises Windows Server, SQL Server, and Linux subscriptions are eligible. Then, you can follow the steps to enable the Azure Hybrid Benefit within your Azure VMware Solution environment.

By leveraging Azure Hybrid Benefit, you can maximize the value of your existing software investments while seamlessly extending your infrastructure to the cloud. This can lead to significant cost savings, increased flexibility, and a more streamlined licensing management experience.

Source: Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server, SQL Server, and Linux subscriptions