Cost Optimization

# Azure Cost Optimization

## Quick Reference

| Intent | Workflow | Primary tools | |--------|----------|---------------| | Reduce waste or rightsize | [Optimization](references/optimization.md) | Cost and Resource Graph tools | | Review commitments | [Commitments](references/commitments.md) | `list_benefit_utilization`, `list_reservation_transactions`, `get_benefit_recommendations` |

## When to Use This Skill

Use for waste, rightsizing, and commitments.

## MCP Tools

Use cost and Resource Graph tools for optimization and benefit tools for commitments. Validate queries. Fallback: [API mappings](references/tool-fallback.md).

## Workflow

1. Confirm scope, period, currency, and commitment intent. 2. Load only the matching workflow above. 3. Never transform MCP results in a shell or interpreter; request validated server-side projection, aggregation, or bounded follow-up queries. 4. Separate measured cost, reported savings, and qualitative opportunities. 5. Recommend changes only; do not delete, resize, purchase, or deploy resources.

## Error Handling

| Error | Action | |-------|--------| | Access denied | Name the scope and permission. | | Multiple currencies | Group and report each currency separately. | | Missing evidence | State the gap; do not invent values. | | Server error | Retry once; then report the trace ID. |