Azure provides multiple virtual machine series with varying performance characteristics and pricing. The D-series, while previously competitive, can now be optimized by upgrading to newer Dav5, Dasv5, or Dadsv5 series machines that offer improved price-performance ratios.
Why This Policy Matters
Upgrading Azure Virtual Machines from older D-series to newer Dav5 series can deliver significant benefits:
- Cost Optimization: Newer AMD EPYC processors provide better performance at lower price points
- Performance Improvements: Modern processor architecture delivers faster compute capabilities
- Energy Efficiency: Latest generation machines consume less power per compute unit
Cost Reduction Potential
Example cost comparison for an East US region deployment:
| VM Series | Configuration | Monthly Cost | Performance Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8as v4 | 8 vCPUs, 32 GB RAM | $280 | Baseline |
| D8s v5 | 8 vCPUs, 32 GB RAM | $251 | 10% Cost Saving |
Potential Annual Savings: For a 10-machine deployment, this could represent approximately $3,500 in annual cost reductions.
Implementation Guide
Infrastructure-as-Code Upgrade Example (Terraform)
# Before (Old Configuration)
resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
vm_size = "Standard_D8as_v4"
# Other configuration remains unchanged
}
# After (Upgraded Configuration)
resource "azurerm_virtual_machine" "example" {
vm_size = "Standard_D8s_v5"
# Other configuration remains unchanged
}Manual Upgrade Steps
- Verify current VM series and specifications
- Select appropriate Dav5 series equivalent
- Create a new VM with updated configuration
- Migrate workloads and data
- Decommission old VM
Best Practices
- Comprehensive Testing: Always validate application compatibility
- Gradual Migration: Upgrade machines in phases
- Performance Monitoring: Track performance metrics post-upgrade
Recommended Tools
- Infracost: Automatically scan infrastructure code for potential cost optimizations
- Azure Cost Management: Analyze historical VM performance and spending
Example Scenarios
Web Application Hosting
A mid-sized web application running on multiple Da series VMs could save 20-30% by upgrading to Dav5 series, with potential performance improvements of 15-25%.
Development and Testing Environments
Development teams can reduce infrastructure costs while maintaining equivalent or improved computational capabilities.
Considerations and Caveats
Potential Limitations
- Application Compatibility: Some legacy applications might require specific testing
- Migration Complexity: Large-scale migrations need careful planning
- Temporary Performance Dips: Initial migration might cause brief service disruptions