What is Azure Hybrid Benefit?

Azure Hybrid Benefit (AHB) lets you reuse Windows Server and SQL Server licenses with active Software Assurance on Azure VMs and Azure SQL — without paying for the Windows or SQL component a second time. The Azure VM price drops to the "compute only" rate, saving roughly 40% versus pay-as-you-go.

To use AHB, the license needs an active SA contract or an active subscription, and you toggle the Hybrid Benefit flag on the VM or SQL resource in the Azure portal. Microsoft permits dual-use for 180 days during a cloud migration, so you can keep the on-prem workload running while you cut over.

Still unsure?

Talk to a licensing specialist for a written, signed quote tailored to your environment.