To reduce the cost of an Azure SQL Server VM you intend to run full time for three years, which option should you choose?

Choosing an Azure Reserved VM Instance is the most cost-effective option for running an Azure SQL Server VM continuously for three years. This option allows you to commit to using the VM for a one- or three-year term in exchange for a significant discount over the pay-as-you-go pricing. By reserving the virtual machine instance, you can also ensure that the resources are available when you need them, which is particularly important for workloads that require high availability or consistent performance.

Reserved VM Instances are designed for steady-state workloads, making them ideal for long-term projects where you have predictable usage patterns. This approach not only lowers monthly costs but also simplifies budgeting when you have a long-term usage plan.

In contrast, Azure Spot VMs are suitable for workloads that can tolerate interruptions because they can be evicted when Azure needs the capacity back, making them a less reliable option for consistent use. Azure On-Demand VMs provide flexibility to scale up or down without long-term commitments, but they do not offer the cost savings that a reserved instance provides. Azure Dev/Test Pricing is aimed at development and testing environments and does not apply to production workloads like a continuously running SQL Server VM, which means it won't yield the same savings in a long-term scenario.

Therefore, utilizing