Reservation scope option is missing from Azure VM RI Optimizer
Article ID: 446497
Updated On:
Products
Issue/Introduction
When using the Azure VM RI Optimizer tool, the Reservation Scope selection tile (which allows users to toggle between Single and Shared subscription scopes) is missing for channel customers under a partner.
Cause
This occurs when the customer’s billing profile is managed at the partner level.
By default, when billing is configured at the partner level, the CloudHealth platform lacks full visibility into all subscriptions under that billing account. To prevent "risky" or inaccurate Reserved Instance (RI) recommendations that might not apply correctly to the customer's specific usage, the tool intentionally hides the reservation scope selector by design.
Resolution
Option 1: Enable Shared Scope in the RI Optimizer
To make the Reservation Scope field visible in the RI Optimizer, you must assign the Billing Account Reader role to the configured Azure Service Principal.
In the Azure Portal, locate the relevant Billing Account under Cost Management + Billing.
Assign the Billing Account Reader role to the CloudHealth Service Principal.
For step-by-step instructions, refer to the documentation: Configuring Microsoft Customer Agreement: Step 3 - Add Service Principal as the Billing Account Reader.
⚠️ Important Note on Data Duplication:
Assigning the Service Principal as a Billing Account Reader may occasionally lead to cost data duplication in the customer tenant. If you observe duplicated cost metrics after making this change, please open a ticket with Broadcom Support for assistance.
Option 2: Alternative Reports (Workaround)
If you prefer not to modify permissions at the Billing Account level, you can review similar profile usage and reservation data using alternative reports:
FlexReports: Useful for reviewing granular usage data (refer to Viewing Azure Cost Data by Billing Profile).
VM Underutilized RIs Report: Allows you to evaluate unused or underutilized reservations across your environment.
Note on FlexReports Visibility: Unused reservations may not appear in FlexReports at the end-customer scope if the underlying dataset is restricted to customer-visible resources. In these cases, unused reservation metrics remain accessible at the partner tenant level.
Additional Information
Related Documentation:
Need Assistance?
If you encounter data duplication or need help configuring Azure roles for CloudHealth, please open a case via the Broadcom Support Portal.
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