Are you overspending in Azure without realizing it?

In this episode of The Microsoft Playbook, we break down one of the most common (and costly) challenges in the cloud: Azure sprawl and how it silently drives up your monthly bill.

Joined by Heath Madison, Senior Director of Professional Services, we explore real-world examples of cloud waste, including a case where a company reduced an Azure service from $125,000/month to just $800/month without sacrificing performance.

You’ll learn why Azure costs spiral out of control, why native tools only tell part of the story, and how organizations consistently uncover 20–30% savings in annual Azure spend.

Whether you're already in Azure or planning your cloud strategy, this episode will help you think more strategically about cost, governance, and long-term optimization.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

00:13 – What is Azure sprawl?

01:00 – How cloud convenience leads to overspending

02:07 – Real-world example: $125K vs $800 ExpressRoute

03:28 – Why optimization isn’t a one-time fix

03:59 – What Azure Cost Management tools provide

04:44 – The limits of automated recommendations

05:44 – Why strategy matters in rightsizing

06:08 – How Trusted Advisors help control costs

06:56 – Catching unexpected Azure spend spikes

07:11 – Typical savings: 20–30% in Azure spend

07:43 – Eliminating orphaned and unused resources

08:00 – Why security matters in cloud optimization

08:28 – Governance and operational excellence

08:42 – Why Microsoft relies on partners

09:23 – What makes TrustedTech different

10:27 – Outro

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