Jul 12, 2024

Azure service life cycle – Azure Service-Level Agreements

Azure service life cycle

The service life cycle defines how each Azure service that’s introduced is released and made available.

New Azure services are introduced through preview services; these preview services are not provided with an SLA or support during the preview (unless there’s an explicit service exception).

The service life cycle and the services you can access are as follows:

Development: Not available to the public
Private preview: Available only to a selected audience
Public preview: Available to all customers
General availability (GA): Available to all customers

Preview services can be accessed from the Azure portal; you can get the latest updates on services and their statuses from the following URLs:

Some preview services are subject to additional terms; you can find this information by going to the Supplemental Terms of Use for Microsoft Azure Previews at https://azure.microsoft.com/support/legal/preview-supplemental-terms.

While you can use a preview service in production, you should fully evaluate this decision so that you are aware of any limitations of the service and the impact it may have on operations.

You can view the latest Azure updates at https://azure.microsoft.com/updates. Here, you can filter to show updates that are available in preview or development.

You can keep up to date with the latest service announcements from the Microsoft Azure blog announcements page at https://azure.microsoft.com/blog/topics/announcements.

In this section, we looked at the service life cycle in Azure. In the next section, we will look at a thought exercise to conclude this chapter.

Thought exercise

Returning to our digital company, MilesBetter Pizza, they have encountered some service availability issues over the last few months. They have noticed that their services have different SLAs, and they need to ensure that, in total, they always meet a target total of 99.9%. However, they are unsure how to calculate and achieve this.

First, the team at MilesBetter needs to understand the concept of a composite SLA; as we learned earlier in this chapter, this means that when you combine services, the overall SLA is lower than the individual highest SLA on one of the services. This is because each service that you add increases the probability of failure and increases complexity. The following example illustrates how a composite SLA is calculated across the services:

Service 1 = 99.9%
Service 2 = 99.95%
Service 3 = 99.99%
Service 4 = 99.99%

The calculation looks as follows, which shows that the target SLA will not be met:

0.999 x 0.9995 x 0.9999 x 0.99999 = 0.993 = 99.3% total Composite SLA

Therefore, to ensure that they have a total SLA of 99.9%, two of the services must be increased to 99.99% or better, as shown in the following example:

Service 1 = 99.99% (action taken to increase from 99.9%)
Service 2 = 99.99% (action taken to increase from 99.95%)
Service 3 = 99.99%
Service 4 = 99.99%

The calculation looks as follows, which shows that the target SLA of 99.99% will now be met:

0.9999 x 0.9999 x 0.99999 x 0.99999 = 0.999 = 99.9% total SLA

In this section, we looked at the thought exercise for this chapter. In the next section, we will look at the hands-on exercises for this chapter to build on the skills we’ve learned so far.

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Jun 13, 2024

EXP24SX SAS Storage Enclosures – Introduction to Power E1080

1.6.3 EXP24SX SAS Storage Enclosures

If you need more disks than are available with the internal disk bays, you can attach more external disk subsystems, such as an EXP24SX SAS Storage Enclosure (#ESLS).

The EXP24SX drawer is a storage expansion enclosure with 24 2.5-inch SFF SAS bays. It supports up to 24 hot-plug HDDs or SSDs in only 2 EIA of space in a 19-inch rack. The EXP24SX SFF bays use SFF Gen2 (SFF-2) carriers or trays. With AIX/Linux/VIOS, the EXP24SX can be ordered with four sets of 6 bays (mode 4), two sets of 12 bays (mode 2) or one set of 24 bays (mode 1). With IBM i one set of 24 bays (mode 1) is supported. It is possible to change the mode setting in the field by using software commands along with a specifically documented procedure.

The attachment between the EXP24SX drawer and the PCIe Gen 3 SAS adapter is through SAS YO12 or X12 cables. The PCIe Gen 3 SAS adapters support 6 Gb throughput. The EXP24SX drawer can support up to 12 Gb throughput if future SAS adapters support that capability.

The EXP24SX drawer includes redundant AC power supplies and two power cords.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Power E1080 29

Figure 1-10 shows the EXP24SX drawer.

Figure 1-10 EXP24SX drawer

For more information about SAS cabling and cabling configurations at IBM Documentation.

Table 1-19 lists the SFF-2 SSD and HDD feature codes that the Power E1080 supports in the expansion drawer at the time of this writing.

Table 1-19 Supported SFF-2 and HDD feature codes in the expansion drawer

30 IBM Power E1080: Technical Overview and Introduction

Chapter 1. Introduction to Power E1080 31

32 IBM Power E1080: Technical Overview and Introduction

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May 13, 2024

IBM System Storage – Introduction to Power E1080

1.6.4 IBM System Storage

The IBM System Storage Disk Systems products and offerings provide compelling storage solutions with superior value for all levels of business, from entry-level to high-end storage systems.

IBM Storage simplifies data infrastructure by using an underlying software foundation to strengthen and streamline the storage in the hybrid cloud environment, which uses a simplified approach to containerization, management, and data protection. For more information about the various offerings, see this web page.

The following section highlights a few of the offerings.

IBM FlashSystem Family

The IBM FlashSystem® family is a portfolio of cloud-enabled storage systems designed to be easily deployed and quickly scaled to help optimize storage configurations, streamline issue resolution, and lower storage costs.

IBM FlashSystem is built with IBM Spectrum® Virtualize software to help deploy sophisticated hybrid cloud storage solutions, accelerate infrastructure modernization, address security needs, and maximize value by using the power of AI. The products are designed to provide enterprise-grade functions without compromising affordability or performance. They also offer the advantages of end-to-end NVMe, the innovation of IBM FlashCore® technology, and SCM for ultra-low latency. For more information, see this web page.

IBM System Storage DS8000

IBM DS8900F is the next generation of enterprise data systems that are built with the most advanced Power processor technology and feature ultra-low application response times.

Designed for data-intensive and mission-critical workloads, DS8900F adds next-level performance, data protection, resiliency, and availability across hybrid cloud solutions through ultra-low latency, better than seven 9’s (99.99999) availability, transparent cloud, tiering, and advanced data protection against malware and ransomware. This enterprise class storage solution provides superior performance and higher capacity, which enables the consolidation of all mission critical workloads in one place.

IBM DS8900F can provide 100% data encryption at-rest, in-flight and in the cloud. This flexible storage supports IBM Power, IBM Z®, and IBM LinuxONE. For more information, see this web page.

IBM SAN Volume Controller

IBM SAN Volume Controller is an enterprise-class system that consolidates storage from over 500 IBM and third-party storage systems to improve efficiency, simplify management and operations, modernize storage with new capabilities, and enable a common approach to hybrid cloud regardless of storage system type.

IBM SAN Volume Controller provides a complete set of data resilience capabilities with high availability, business continuance, and data security features. Storage supports automated tiering with AI-based IBM Easy Tier® that can help improve performance at a lower cost. For more information, see this web page.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Power E1080 33

1.7 System racks

The Power E1080 server fits a standard 19-inch rack. The server is certified and tested in the IBM Enterprise racks (7965-S42, 7014-T42, 7014-T00, or 7965-94Y). Customers can choose to place the server in other racks if they are confident that those racks have the strength, rigidity, depth, and hole pattern characteristics that are needed. Contact IBM Support to determine whether other racks are suitable.

Order information: It is highly recommended that you order the Power E1080 server with an IBM 42U enterprise rack 7965-S42 feature. This rack provides a more complete and higher quality environment for IBM Manufacturing system assembly and testing, and provides a complete package.

If a system is installed in a rack or cabinet that is not from IBM, ensure that the rack meets the requirements that are described in 1.7.7, “Original equipment manufacturer racks” onpage 41.

Responsibility: The customer is responsible for ensuring the installation of the drawer in the preferred rack or cabinet results in a configuration that is stable, serviceable, safe, and compatible with the drawer requirements for power, cooling, cable management, weight, and rail security.

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Apr 13, 2024

New rack considerations – Introduction to Power E1080

1.7.1 New rack considerations

Consider the following points when racks are ordered:

Ê The new IBM Enterprise 42U Slim Rack 7965-S42 offers 42 EIA units (U) of space in a slim footprint.

Ê The 7014-T42, 7014-T00, and 7965-94Y racks are no longer available to purchase with a Power E1080 server. Installing a Power E1080 server in these racks is still supported.

Vertical PDUs: All PDUs that are installed in a rack that contains a Power E1080 server must be installed horizontally to allow for cable routing in the sides of the rack.

1.7.2 IBM Enterprise 42U Slim Rack 7965-S42

The 2.0-meter (79-inch) Model 7965-S42 is compatible with past and present IBM Power servers and provides an excellent 19-inch rack enclosure for your data center. Its 600 mm (23.6 in.) width combined with its 1100 mm (43.3 in.) depth plus its 42 EIA enclosure capacity provides great footprint efficiency for your systems. It can be placed easily on standard

24-inch floor tiles.

Compared to the 7965-94Y Slim Rack, the Enterprise Slim Rack provides extra strength and shipping and installation flexibility.

The 7965-S42 rack includes space for up to four PDUs in side pockets. Extra PDUs beyond four are mounted horizontally and each uses 1U of rack space.

The Enterprise Slim Rack front door, which can be Basic Black/Flat (#ECRM) or High-End appearance (#ECRT) has perforated steel, which provides ventilation, physical security, and visibility of indicator lights in the installed equipment within.

34 IBM Power E1080: Technical Overview and Introduction

Standard is a lock that is identical to the locks in the rear doors. The door (#ECRG) can be hinged on the left or right side.

In addition to the #ECRT door, you can order the #ECRF high-end appearance door (Figure 1-11)

Figure 1-11 The #ECRF and the #ECRT rack doors.

Orientation: #ECRT must not be flipped because the IBM logo would be upside down.

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Mar 13, 2024

AC power distribution unit and rack content – Introduction to Power E1080

1.7.3 AC power distribution unit and rack content

The Power E1080 servers that are integrated into a rack at the factory feature PDUs that are mounted horizontally in the rack. Each PDU takes 1U of space in the rack. Mounting the PDUs vertically in the side of the rack can cause cable routing issues and interfere with optimal service access.

Two possible PDU ratings are supported: 60A/63A (orderable in most countries) and 30A/32A. Consider the following points:

Ê The 60A/63A PDU supports four system node power supplies and one I/O expansion drawer or eight I/O expansion drawers.

Ê The 30A/32A PDU supports two system node power supplies and one I/O expansion drawer or four I/O expansion drawers.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Power E1080 35

Rack-integrated system orders require at least two of #7109, #7188, or #7196.

High-function PDUs provide more electrical power per PDU and offer better “PDU footprint” efficiency. In addition, they are intelligent PDUs that provide insight to power usage by receptacle and remote power on and off capability for easier support by individual receptacle. The new PDUs are orderable as #ECJJ, #ECJL, #ECJN, and #ECJQ.

High-function PDU FCs are listed in Table 1-20.

Table 1-20 Available high-function PDUs

In addition, the following high-function PDUs are available: Ê High Function 9xC19 PDU plus (#ECJJ)

This intelligent, switched 200-240 volt AC PDU includes nine C19 receptacles on the front of the PDU. The PDU is mounted on the rear of the rack, which makes the nine C19 receptacles easily accessible.

Ê High Function 9xC19 PDU plus 3-Phase (#ECJL)

This intelligent, switched 208 volt 3-phase AC PDU includes nine C19 receptacles on the front of the PDU. The PDU is mounted on the rear of the rack, which makes the nine C19 receptacles easily accessible.

Ê High Function 12xC13 PDU plus (#ECJN)

This intelligent, switched 200-240 volt AC PDU includes 12 C13 receptacles on the front of the PDU. The PDU is mounted on the rear of the rack, which makes the 12 C13 receptacles easily accessible.

Ê High Function 12xC13 PDU plus 3-Phase (#ECJQ)

This intelligent, switched 208 volt 3-phase AC PDU includes 12 C13 receptacles on the front of the PDU. The PDU is mounted on the rear of the rack, which makes the 12 C13 receptacles easily accessible.

Two or more additional PDUs can be installed horizontally in the rear of the rack. Mounting PDUs horizontally uses 1U per PDU and reduces the space that is available for other racked components. When mounting PDUs horizontally, the preferred approach is to use fillers in the EIA units that are occupied by these PDUs to facilitate proper air-flow and ventilation in the rack.

Each PDU requires one PDU-to-wall power cord. Various power cord features are available for various countries and applications by varying the PDU-to-wall power cord, which must be ordered separately.

Each power cord provides the unique design characteristics for the specific power requirements. To match new power requirements and save previous investments, these power cords can be requested with an initial order of the rack or with a later upgrade of the rack features.

36 IBM Power E1080: Technical Overview and Introduction

Table 1-21 lists the available wall power cord options for the 7188 and High Function PDUs and iPDU features, which must be ordered separately.

Table 1-21 Wall power cord options for the PDU and iPDU features

Notes: Ensure that the suitable power cord feature is configured to support the power that is being supplied. Based on the power cord that is used, the PDU can supply 4.8 – 19.2 kVA. The power of all the drawers that are plugged into the PDU must not exceed the power cord limitation.

o better enable electrical redundancy, each CEC has four power supplies that must be connected to separate PDUs, which are not included in the base order.

For maximum availability, a preferred approach is to connect power cords from the same system to two separate PDUs in the rack, and to connect each PDU to independent power sources.

For more information about power requirements of and the power cord for the 7965-94Y rack, see IBM Documentation.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Power E1080 37

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Feb 13, 2024

PDU connection limits – Introduction to Power E1080

1.7.4 PDU connection limits

Two possible PDU ratings are supported: 60/63 amps and 30/32 amps. The PDU rating is determined by the power cord that is used to connect the PDU to the electrical supply. The number of system nodes and I/O expansion drawers that are supported by each power cord are listed in Table 1-22.

Table 1-22 Maximum supported enclosures by power cord

1.7.5 Rack-mounting rules

Consider the following primary rules when you mount the system into a rack: Ê For rack stability, start filling the rack from the bottom.

Ê IBM recommends the use of an IBM approved lift tool for installation of systems into any IBM or non-IBM rack.

Ê IBM does not support installation of the server nodes higher than the 29U position.

Ê Any remaining space in the rack can be used to install other systems or peripheral devices. Ensure that the maximum permissible weight of the rack is not exceeded and the installation rules for these devices are followed.

Ê Before placing the system into the service position, follow the rack manufacturer’s safety instructions regarding rack stability.

38 IBM Power E1080: Technical Overview and Introduction

1.7.6 Useful rack additions

This section highlights several rack addition solutions for IBM Power rack-based systems.

IBM System Storage 7226 Model 1U3 Multi-Media Enclosure

The IBM System Storage 7226 Model 1U3 Multi-Media Enclosure can accommodate up to two tape drives, two RDX removable disk drive docking stations, or up to four DVD-RAM drives.

The IBM System Storage 7226 Multi-Media Enclosure supports LTO Ultrium and DAT160 Tape technology, DVD-RAM, and RDX removable storage requirements on the following IBM systems:

Ê IBM POWER6 processor-based systems Ê IBM POWER7 processor-based systems Ê IBM POWER8® processor-based systems Ê IBM POWER9 processor-based systems Ê IBM Power10 processor-based systems

The IBM System Storage 7226 Multi-Media Enclosure offers an expansive list of drive feature options, as listed in Table 1-23.

Table 1-23 Supported drive features for the 7226-1U3

The following options are available:

Ê LTO Ultrium 6 Half-High 2.5 TB SAS and FC Tape Drive: With a data transfer rate up to 320 MBps (assuming a 2.5:1 compression), the LTO Ultrium 6 drive is read/write compatible with LTO Ultrium 6 and 5 media, and read-only compatibility with LTO Ultrium 4. By using data compression, an LTO-6 cartridge can store up to 6.25 TB of data.

Ê The LTO Ultrium 7 drive offers a data rate of up to 300 MBps with compression. It also provides read/write compatibility with Ultrium 7 and Ultrium 6 media formats, and

read-only compatibility with Ultrium 5 media formats. By using data compression, an LTO-7 cartridge can store up to 15TB of data.

Ê The LTO Ultrium 8 drive offers a data rate of up to 300 MBps with compression. It also provides read/write compatibility with Ultrium 8 and Ultrium 7 media formats. It is not read or write compatible with other Ultrium media formats. By using data compression, an LTO-8 cartridge can store up to 30 TB of data.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Power E1080 39

Ê DVD-RAM: The 9.4 GB SAS Slim Optical Drive with an SAS and USB interface option is compatible with most standard DVD disks.

Ê RDX removable disk drives: The RDX USB docking station is compatible with most RDX removable disk drive cartridges when it is used in the same OS. The 7226 offers the following RDX removable drive capacity options:

– 500 GB (#1107)

– 1.0 TB (#EU01)

– 2.0 TB (#EU2T)

Removable RDX drives are in a rugged cartridge that inserts in to an RDX removable (USB) disk docking station (#1103 or #EU03). RDX drives are compatible with docking stations, which are installed internally in POWER8, POWER9, and Power10 processor-based servers, where applicable. Figure 1-12 shows the IBM System Storage 7226 Multi-Media Enclosure.

Figure 1-12 IBM System Storage 7226 Multi-Media Enclosure

The IBM System Storage 7226 Multi-Media Enclosure offers a customer-replaceable unit (CRU) maintenance service to help make the installation or replacement of new drives efficient. Other 7226 components also are designed for CRU maintenance.

The IBM System Storage 7226 Multi-Media Enclosure is compatible with most POWER8, POWER9, and Power10 processor-based systems that offer current level AIX, IBM i, and Linux operating systems.

Unsupported: IBM i does not support 7226 USB devices.

For a complete list of host software versions and release levels that support the IBM System Storage 7226 Multi-Media Enclosure, see System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC).

Note: Any of the existing 7216-1U2, 7216-1U3, and 7214-1U2 multimedia drawers are also supported.

Flat panel display options

The IBM 7316 Model TF5 is a rack-mountable flat panel console kit that can also be configured with the tray pulled forward and the monitor folded up, which provides full viewing and keying capability for the HMC operator.

The Model TF5 is a follow-on product to the Model TF4 and offers the following features:

Ê A slim, sleek, and lightweight monitor design that occupies only 1U (1.75 in.) in a 19-inch standard rack

Ê A 18.5-inch (409.8 mm x 230.4 mm) flat panel TFT monitor with truly accurate images and virtually no distortion40 IBM Power E1080: Technical Overview and Introduction

Ê The ability to mount the IBM Travel Keyboard in the 7316-TF5 rack keyboard tray

Ê Support for the IBM 1×8 Rack Console Switch (#4283) IBM Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) switches

The #4283 is a 1×8 Console Switch that fits in the 1U space behind the TF5 It is a

CAT5-based switch. It contains eight analog rack interface (ARI) ports for connecting PS/2 or USB console switch cables. It supports chaining of servers that use an IBM Conversion Options switch cable (#4269). This feature provides four cables that connect a KVM switch to a system, or can be used in a daisy-chain scenario to connect up to 128 systems to a single KVM switch. It also supports server-side USB attachments

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Jan 13, 2024

Original equipment manufacturer racks – Introduction to Power E1080

1.7.7 Original equipment manufacturer racks

The system can be installed in a suitable OEM rack if that the rack conforms to the EIA-310-D standard for 19-inch racks. This standard is published by the Electrical Industries Alliance. For more information, see IBM Documentation.

The IBM Documentation provides the general rack specifications, including the following information:

Ê The rack or cabinet must meet the EIA Standard EIA-310-D for 19-inch racks that was published August 24, 1992. The EIA-310-D standard specifies internal dimensions, for example, the width of the rack opening (width of the chassis), the width of the module mounting flanges, and the mounting hole spacing.

Ê The front rack opening must be a minimum of 450 mm (17.72 in.) wide, and the

rail-mounting holes must be 465 mm plus or minus 1.6 mm (18.3 in. plus or minus 0.06 in.) apart on center (horizontal width between vertical columns of holes on the two

front-mounting flanges and on the two rear-mounting flanges). Figure 1-13 is a top view showing the rack specification dimensions.

Figure 1-13 Rack specifications (top-down view)

Ê The vertical distance between mounting holes must consist of sets of three holes that are spaced (from bottom to top) 15.9 mm (0.625 in.), 15.9 mm (0.625 in.), and 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) on center, which makes each three-hole set of vertical hole spacing 44.45 mm

(1.75 in.) apart on center.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Power E1080 41

Figure 1-14 shows the vertical distances between the mounting holes.

Figure1–14 Vertical distances between mounting holes

Ê The following rack hole sizes are supported for racks where IBM hardware is mounted:

– 7.1 mm (0.28 in.) plus or minus 0.1 mm (round) – 9.5 mm (0.37 in.) plus or minus 0.1 mm (square)

The rack or cabinet must be capable of supporting an average load of 20 kg (44 lb.) of product weight per EIA unit. For example, a four EIA drawer has a maximum drawer weight of 80 kg (176 lb.).

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Dec 12, 2023

Microsoft Privacy Statement – Azure Privacy and Compliance

Microsoft Privacy Statement

The Microsoft Privacy Statement contains details about how each Microsoft service interacts with your data. It covers how this personal data is collected, the purpose it serves, and how it is used. The Microsoft Privacy Statement extends across all products and services, such as Windows, M365, Azure, and Xbox; across all operating environments such as the cloud and on-premises; and all markets such as commercial, academic, consumer, and so on.

The Microsoft Privacy Statement can be accessed from https://privacy.microsoft.com/privacystatement:

Figure 10.4 – Microsoft Privacy Statement

In this section, we looked at the Microsoft Privacy Statement and what information it contains. The following section will look at the Microsoft Product Terms site.

The Product Terms site

The Products Terms site is an online portal containing the legal agreement and licensing terms and conditions that an organization must comply with through Microsoft commercial licensing programs.

The site covers all products and services; that is, Software and Online Services; these were previously available as separate resources and have now been combined into a single unified online resource.

The Product Terms site can be accessed from https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/terms:

Figure 10.5 – Microsoft Product Terms site

In this section, we looked at the Product Terms site. The following section looks at the Data Protection Addendum.

Data Protection Addendum

The Data Protection Addendum (DPA) is an addendum to the Product Terms site we looked at in the previous section. It defines the data processing and security terms for any Online Services an organization subscribes to under the Product Terms site.

The current and archived versions of the addendum can be downloaded from the Product Terms site and can also be accessed from https://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/DocumentSearch.aspx:

Figure 10.6 – Data Protection Addendum

In this section, we looked at the DPA for subscribed Online Services. The following section looks at the Azure compliance documentation.

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Sep 12, 2023

Reducing and controlling costs – Azure Cost Planning and Management

Reducing and controlling costs

The following are some of the ways we can reduce and control costs:

Optimize resources: This is an operational activity. Its purpose is to identify any resources that are not used and can be deleted, any resources that can be right-sized onto more cost-optimal resource types or sizes, and identifying any resources that don’t need to be running 24/7 and that could be shut down or paused to avoid costs. Any resources running on IaaS should be evaluated to see whether they can be moved to PaaS, serverless, or SaaS. Azure Advisor is an essential tool for this activity; tags should also be used to identify costs owners.
Azure hybrid benefit: This is a licensing benefit and allows an organization to maximize any investment in existing on-premises Software Assurance (SA)-enabled Windows Server or SQL licenses (or eligible subscription-based licenses); this removes the need to license and pay with the Pay as You Go (PAYG) model. For a VM, this does not discount or remove the compute costs or any storage or networking costs; you are still liable for those and need to factor this into the total operating costs of a VM.
Azure reservations: This is a resource benefit and acts as a billing discount mechanism to reduce PAYG consumption charges. It does this by allowing you to commit to paying for an amount of capacity for a fixed term at a discounted rate than you would pay for on the PAYG consumption rate. Reservations are available for a range of resources, such as VMs; they make the most sense and are best used where the workloads must run for long periods or 24/7, where costs are usually reduced by shutting down the VMs to save costs and this is no longer possible. For a VM, this does not apply a discount, remove the software license costs, or any storage or networking costs; you are still liable for those and need to factor this into the total operating costs of a VM.
Spot pricing: This is a resource benefit and allows an organization to make considerable savings based on the ability to take advantage of unused capacity. This is best used for workloads that don’t need a specific period in which they must run. This could be tested/dev, analytics, machine learning, batch processes, rendering, and so on.

In this section, we looked at how to reduce and control costs. In the next section, we will look at Azure Cost Management.

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Sep 12, 2023

Factors that affect costs – Azure Cost Planning and Management

Factors that affect costs

Each Azure consumption (usage)-based service has one or more usage meters that define the price rate and unit of cost. Depending on the service, there will be different units of costs.

Billing is performed monthly for each subscription based on resource consumption that’s collected from individual meters for that subscription. This means that every month, you may receive a different invoice based on a different set of costs incurred; maybe you consumed more on one resources meter, less on another, and created new resources that created costs against another meter.

The following are primary factors that can affect costs:

Purchasing model: The costs for resources may differ, depending on your purchase model. You can either purchase your Azure directly from Microsoft or through a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP): https://azure.microsoft.com/pricing/purchase-options.
Resource type: The costs are specific to your resources; each resource has a billing meter and cost unit. For example, data storage and data transfer will have a unit of billing of GB/month, a VM or Azure SQL database will have a unit of billing of 1 hour, and a premium SSD managed disk will have a unit of billing of 1/month. Storage accounts can charge for any read and write operations unless you’re using Premium, in which case these charges are not applicable. It is important to understand the billing units for each resource you create.
Location: The costs will vary between Azure regions.
Usage period: Some resources, such as VMs, can be shut down (de-allocated) to prevent running costs; two identical VMs running for different running hours will have different costs. You would continue to pay for storage costs, but you wouldn’t pay for data transfer costs while the VM is not passing network traffic. It is also worth noting that services such as Azure AD Domain Services, Azure Bastion, and the Azure VPN gateway service, once created, will still be billed even if they are not used; the only way to prevent costs for these services is to delete them.
Network traffic: Ingress data transfer (data entering or incoming) for an Azure Region or between resources within the same region is always free, but egress data transfer (data leaving or outgoing) from a region is billed at a per-GB unit; this is irrespective of the fact that this is internet traffic or that the region is using a VPN or ExpressRoute circuit.

Note that some resource types are free and have no billing meter or cost implications. The following are some examples of resources that can be created or enabled with no costs. Likewise, removing any of these will not reduce your costs or the invoice you receive:

User accounts or groups
Resource groups
Virtual networks
Virtual network peering
Network interfaces
Network security groups
Availability sets

It is important to understand what resources have cost implications and what resources don’t. In this section, we looked at factors that affect costs. In the next section, we’ll look at how to reduce costs.

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