Octobits Blog – As we all know, Microsoft Azure Databricks is a great option for big data processing and machine learning.
But we all know how tricky Microsoft Azure Databricks pricing can be, especially with all the different parts and things that affect the overall cost.
So, as the first step on the long and expensive road to big data and analytics, let’s take a closer look at the pricing.
What is Azure Databricks?
Azure Databricks is an analytics platform built on Apache Spark designed to excel in the Microsoft Azure cloud environment.
Apache Spark is well-known for its ability to process huge amounts of data quickly, which is why it’s a favourite in the big data world.
Databricks takes this power and makes it work even better with Azure, giving you a platform that’s not only powerful but also easily connects with other Azure services.
One of the best things about Azure Databricks is how well it works with other Azure services.
For instance, it works perfectly with Azure Synapse Analytics. It also works well with Azure Data Lake Storage and Power BI.
The platform can handle all kinds of data processing, from batch processing to real-time analytics, making it a great tool for all kinds of data-driven tasks.
Its shared workspace lets multiple users work on the same project simultaneously, which is great for getting things done and ensuring everyone is using the latest data and models.
So, what does this mean for you? Simply put, Azure Databricks makes it easy for your teams to build, deploy, and manage data pipelines.
Databricks has got you covered, whether you’re cleaning and transforming data or running complex machine learning models.
Kindly read “A Guide to Not Pay Too Much for Microsoft Azure Active Directory Pricing,” for reference on another Azure product.
Pricing Components of Azure Databricks
Now, let’s zoom in on the specifics of Azure Databricks pricing.
It’s not just a flat fee; Azure Databricks pricing is a multi-faceted equation. It’s a mix of different parts that show how much you’re using the resources.
The main thing that affects your Databricks bill is the computer cost.
This is basically the cost of the virtual machines (VMs) you use to run your Databricks workloads.
It’s measured in Databricks Units (DBUs), which is a clever way to quantify the processing power you use in an hour.
The DBU rate depends on the type and size of the VM instance you choose.
Next up is the storage cost. This is for the costs involved in storing your data in Databricks.
This includes the cost of managed storage, disks attached to your clusters, and any blobs you might be using.
The more data you store, the more this part of your bill will cost you.
And then there’s the networking cost. This is for data transfers between Databricks and other Azure services or external systems.
If you’re moving large volumes of data in and out of Databricks, this cost can really add up.
You might also have to pay for licensing and support. This could mean getting a premium support plan or a licensing agreement that’s just right for you.
Pricing Tiers and Plans
The pricing structure of Databricks is pretty flexible and is based on a pay-as-you-go model, as you can see on the Azure Databricks Pricing web page.
This means you only pay for what you use, calculated by the second.
This payment model means you don’t have to pay anything upfront and you can manage your costs more easily, which is great for start-ups and businesses with lots of ups and downs in their workload.
As mentioned earlier, the main thing you’ll be charged for in Databricks is the Databricks Compute Unit (DBU).
The cost per DBU depends on the type of workload you’re running.
For example, if you’re running an interactive workload, like data science or machine learning, you’ll pay $0.40 per DBU.
On the other hand, workflows for data engineering pipelines start at a lower rate of $0.15 per DBU.
This pricing structure lets you make the most of your budget based on how you use it.
If you have a predictable workload, Databricks can offer you a discount if you commit to using a certain amount of their services.
You can get a good deal by committing to a certain level of usage upfront. This is cheaper than paying as you go.
The bigger your usage commitment, the bigger your discount.
This can be a great way for businesses with a lot of consistent Databricks usage to save money.
It’s also worth thinking about the different customer success offerings, like training, support and professional services.
These offerings can help you get the most out of your Databricks investment by making sure everything goes smoothly and that you can keep making improvements.
Factors Influencing Databricks Pricing
There are a few things that can affect the price you pay for Databricks. The main thing to think about is what kind of work you’re doing.
As mentioned earlier, different workloads have different DBU rates.
So, when you get in touch with a Databricks sales rep, you’ll get a breakdown of the starting prices for different types of workloads, like workflows and streaming, data warehousing, data science, and generative AI and machine learning.
Another important thing to think about is the compute resources you use.
Databricks lets you pick from a range of instance types, each with different features and price tags.
Azure Databricks is designed to work perfectly with Azure, and it easily connects with lots of different Azure services.
This means you can use the scalability and flexibility of the Azure cloud platform to your advantage.
Where you deploy your Databricks workspace can also affect the price.
Cloud providers often have different pricing structures for different regions, based on things like infrastructure costs and demand.
Finally, the pricing plan you choose – whether you want to pay as you go or get a discount for committing to use a certain amount – will have a big impact on your overall costs.
So, it’s definitely worth talking to a Databricks sales rep to get the full pricing details and make sure you’re on the right plan for your needs.
You might find it helpful to read “Cheat Sheet to Microsoft Azure Cloud Pricing & It’s Cost Management Tool.”
How Do I Check My Azure Databricks Price?
There are a few handy Azure tools and features you can use to monitor your Databricks costs.
The Azure Pricing Calculator is a great tool for estimating costs based on different workloads and instance types.
You can use this calculator to enter your own usage scenarios and get a detailed breakdown of the costs involved.
Furthermore, Azure Cost Management and Billing gives you a clear picture of your spending so you can keep track of and analyse your costs.
You can also tag your Databricks resources to make sure you’re charging the right people for the right things, which helps you manage your money better.
If you want to get into the details of your costs, you can ask the system for info from the system.billing.list_prices table in Databricks to see what prices you’ve paid in the past.
This feature lets you do in-depth cost analyses and tweak your configurations to get better performance and cost efficiency.
But what if you’re looking for more than just cost estimates?
What if you could get expert help with choosing and managing the right Azure plan and getting it up and running without hassle?
With Octobits, you can track your Databricks usage in real time, identify cost-saving opportunities, and receive actionable recommendations to optimise your spending.
We don’t just monitor; we analyse costs in detail, implement tailored solutions, and provide ongoing support.
And yes, as with other businesses, we know you need transparency, and we provide it. You can try Octobits for free until December 2024 and see the difference for yourself.
Or, if you’re ready for a coffee (or tea), let’s have a one-on-one meeting. We are ready to discuss your specific Databricks challenges.
In Closing
Azure Databricks pricing can seem complex at first, but it’s not rocket science. You need to understand the different pricing factors and how they impact your costs.
Therefore, you will require data from Octobits as a SaaS management platform.
With data from Octobits, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Azure Databricks pricing.
