Azure & DevOps Podcast

Greg Leonardo: Optimizing Cloud Budgets in Azure - Episode 282

Jan 29, 2024

Greg Leonardo, Cloud Architect, discusses optimizing Azure budgets. Importance of architectural optimization and continued evolution of technology. Azure services and pricing calculator challenges. Problems with present-day containers. The benefits of the cloud and leveraging workforce experience.

41:25

Creator website

Episode guests

Greg Leonardo

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

When planning Azure application architecture, consider the cost implications and align with cost-effective options.

Properly assessing application requirements and understanding specific dependencies is crucial for successful cloud migration and cost optimization.

Deep dives

Optimizing Azure budgets in the cloud

When planning out the architecture of an application in Azure, it is important to consider the cost implications of the different services and resources. While there are tools like the Azure pricing calculator to estimate costs, it is not an exact science and requires careful analysis. Some services, like Document DB, can be surprisingly expensive if not properly managed. One approach to cost optimization is starting with serverless and scaling up to VMs if needed. It's important to understand the scope of responsibility for different services and make sure your application architecture aligns with the most cost-effective options. Additionally, considering the workforce and available skills is crucial. It may be necessary to cross-train developers in operational tasks or have competent personnel to ensure effective cost management. The goal is to find a balance between innovative use of new technologies and leveraging proven, cost-effective solutions.

Introduction

3min

Optimizing Azure Budgets and Managing Costs

9min

The Evolution of Roles, Technology, and Optimization in Cloud Computing

5min

Optimizing Azure Usage for Small and Midsize Companies

3min

Considering Workforce Experience and Technology Stacks for Application Development

3min

Understanding the Cost of Databases in Azure

18min

Greg is a Cloud Architect that assists organizations with cloud adoption and innovation and is currently a Cloud Architect and the owner of Webonology. He has been working in the IT industry since his time in the military and is a developer, teacher, speaker, and early adopter. Greg has worked in many facets of IT throughout his career and is currently the president of TampaDev, a community meetup that runs #TampaCC and various technology events throughout Tampa. Greg holds a certification as a Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and Microsoft Certified Trainer, and is an Azure MVP.

Topics of Discussion:

[3:49] What has been Greg’s secret sauce to success? Helping others.

[4:53] Optimizing Azure budgets.

[7:12] The cloud shines in replatforming or rehosting.

[9:12] To Greg, a lot of the cost optimization really focuses on architectural optimization.

[13:58] The importance of looking at evolution and realizing that technology doesn’t stop at the cloud.

[18:35] Don’t blame technology for your shortcomings.

[23:31] Azure services surprise people with their cost, and the need to go into things with eyes wide open.

[29:21] The problem with the pricing calculator.

[35:47] The two-fold problem with present-day containers.

[37:02] Privatized workloads.

[40:08] How the cloud can make our lives easier and enhance what we are already doing.