In this episode of 10,000 Feet, we sit down with Azure experts Dan Haussler and Peter Rhodes to tackle one of the biggest challenges in cloud computing: managing costs. They share practical strategies and insider tips to help businesses avoid overspending, from setting up smart budgets to leveraging Azure’s built-in tools and cost-saving programs. Whether you’re new to Azure or managing a complex environment, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples that can save you thousands.

• Why cost optimization matters and how it fits into Microsoft’s Well-Architected Framework.
• Strategic foundations: Writing down a plan, setting cadence, and using tagging for accountability.
• Azure tools you should know: Cost Analysis, Advisor, and Workbooks for quick wins.
• Common pitfalls: Orphaned resources, unmanaged disks, and legacy SKUs.
• Budgeting basics: How to set alerts and guardrails to prevent surprise bills.
• Reserved Instances vs. Savings Plans: Key differences, pros/cons, and flexibility options.
• Right-sizing workloads: Avoiding over-allocation after lift-and-shift migrations.
• Cadence is king: Why regular reviews save money and prevent underutilization.
• CSP advantages: Discounts, advocacy, and faster support for your cloud environment.