Azure - How SQL Server billing works when VM is deallocated

Question

We have configured a Windows VM with the following configuration on Azure.

VM[Standard DS2 v2 (2 cores, 7 GB memory)]
SQL Server Enterprise Edition.

Let's say, I stop the VM (deallocated). I understand that I don't need to pay for the Compute hours. However, I would have to pay for the storage, IPAddress etc. My Question is, Do I need to pay for SQL Server? If Yes, then, Is there a way that I can skip those SQL Server costs?

Thanks, Prawin

Deepak Kaushik · Answer

Considering below explanation We would NOT CHARGE even for the license (sql server) if the VM is stopped. If the status says “Stopped (Deallocated)” you’re not being billed. If it says “Stopped Allocated” you’re still being billed for allocated virtual cores (not the software license itself) https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/virtual-machines/#Sql -DK

Praveen Kumar Sreeram · Answer

Hi Bhushan It looks like this is a bit tricky. All the softwares installed in the VM will not be charged when you stop (Deallocate) the VM. However if the instance contains SQL Server we will be charged for SQL Server separate irrespective of whether the VM is running or not. The documentation seems to be not clear. Please have a look at the response from Azure Customer Service below.

Bhushan Gawale · Answer

That is strange and doesn't seem inline with what documentation says but MS support is the official channel for answer so learnt something new today. Thanks for sharing it Praveen.

Praveen Kumar Sreeram · Answer

Thanks for your time over the call It was a pleasure assisting you on this request. A Brief summary of the case: · Issue: You had query about SQL Virtual machine pricing. · Resolution : I spoke to you on call and explained that for SQL license the charges are and the windows VM which it runs on charges are different and when VM is in de-allocated status only VM charges are stopped but you will be still charged for the SQL license. As per your confirmation I will archive this case. Please feel free to write back to me if you have any question on this case. Regards (Looks like the Image clarity is not good. So Pasting the plain text so that it is readable)

Bhushan Gawale · Answer

If you are using standard marketplace image containing SQL Server for your VM then you will be charged per minute basis as long as your VM is up and running. Per minute charges include your windows server licensing cost + compute cost + SQL Server licensing cost and so if your VM is in de-allocated state then you wont be paying any of the cost mentioned above however as you said you will be charged for other azure resources like storage PIP etc. You can read details of how azure pricing works here - https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/pricing/details/virtual-machines/#Sql