Seems that Azure Stack GA might just hit a public release anytime now (I recently mentioned in a previous post that August 2017 was a realistic date) since Microsoft just published a new paper confirming the final pricing for Azure Stack and answering some rumors like a disconnected a fixed fee mode.

Update: Azure Stack has been released in GA (General Availability) with updated features, Azure Stack Development Kit free download and more: “Azure Stack Is Here! Development Kit (Single-Node) Free Download Available and More“.

Azure Stack Final Pricing

So, the numbers are here in the pay-as-you-go model (or pay-as-you-use as MS is referring in Azure Stack). And as we all thought, Azure Stack consumption model is going to be cheaper for obvious reasons than Azure. Here are the details:

It is important to remember that after GA there will be available more features than the ones listed in the table above. For more information, check the following article: “Azure Stack: What should we expect for General Availability (GA)”.

Post-GA features:

Update: Azure Stack has been released in GA (General Availability) with updated features, Azure Stack Development Kit free download and more: “Azure Stack Is Here! Development Kit (Single-Node) Free Download Available and More“.

Azure Stack and Licensing

As we reviewed earlier, you will be able to use existing licenses in your organization to apply in Azure Stack. For example, if you already own Windows Server or SQL licenses from a Windows Enterprise Agreement (EA), can be applied to the Azure Stack environment.

Here’s a quick reference about using a Windows Server virtual machine in Azure Stack:

• In case you are using an existing license, you will only pay for the “Base Virtual Machine” fee ($0.008/vCPU/hour).
• If you don’t have (or don’t want to use) existing licenses, you will pay for the “Windows Server virtual machine” fee ($0.046/vCPU/hour).

For SQL Server, the “bring your own license” will be the only option available.

Azure Stack Disconnected and Fixed Fee Model

One of the rumors I shared a couple of months ago was the “disconnected” and fixed fee option for Azure Stack, to include those scenarios with no public internet connection to be integrated with the Azure Stack platform. And the answer is yes, the disconnected and fixed fee option will be available.

Licensing for this model will be based on physical cores available in Azure Stack and with a fixed fee per year basis.

Here are some important takeaways from this model:

• You can only use existing Windows and SQL licenses in this scenario.
• It is only available for purchase with an Enterprise Agreement (EA).

Azure Stack Support Model

It was also confirmed a previous announcement I made regarding the support model available in Azure Stack considering the Integrated Systems. There will be two support contracts: One for Microsoft and one for the Integrated System providing the hardware.

• When support assistance is needed, customers can call the Integrated System or Microsoft. A consistent support experience no matter who you contact for support will be delivered.
• Each Integrated System will have their own support contract, different from Microsoft’s support.
• The Integrated Systems will have different levels of support, as they have right now for their hardware solutions.
• Coordinated escalation and resolution process.
• Hardware solutions support will be provided by the Integrated System and the cloud services support delivered by Microsoft.

Update: Azure Stack has been released in GA (General Availability) with updated features, Azure Stack Development Kit free download and more: “Azure Stack Is Here! Development Kit (Single-Node) Free Download Available and More“.