Track Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) in Cloud Cost Optimization

This article explains how to track Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) agreements in Flexera One Cloud Cost Optimization (CCO) using Cost Plans. It also describes configuration requirements, forecasting considerations, and known limitations.

What is MACC?

Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) is a spend-based commitment where you agree to spend a minimum amount on eligible Azure services over a defined period, typically one or three years. In return, Microsoft provides discounted unit pricing.

MACC is measured based on actual eligible consumption spend over time. It is not a prepaid balance or credit pool.

MACC is a contractual agreement, not a pricing mechanism. Discounts are applied separately through methods such as enterprise agreements (EA), negotiated rates, reservations, or savings plans.

Can Flexera One track MACC?

Yes. You can track MACC in Cloud Cost Optimization using a Cost Plan.

CCO does not include a dedicated MACC object. However, Cost Plans provide enough functionality to monitor consumption progress against your commitment. This approach is intended for visibility and guidance only, not for contractual tracking or as a system of record.

Recommended configuration using Cost Plans

Cost plan setup

Create a Cost Plan to represent your MACC agreement. CCO automatically populates actual spend based on the filters you define.

Duration limitations

• A Cost Plan can run for a maximum of 24 months.
• One-year MACC agreements fit within this limit.
• For agreements longer than 24 months (for example, three years), create multiple Cost Plans, typically one per year.

Forecasts follow the same limitation and cannot extend beyond two years from the start date.

Budget configuration

Set the Cost Plan budget as a monthly value.

• Use an evenly distributed monthly budget (annual commitment ÷ 12).
• Adjust values manually if your agreement is front-loaded or back-loaded.

This lets CCO display monthly progress and variance against the committed amount.

Cloud and service filters (critical)

Accurate tracking depends on filtering only MACC-eligible Azure services.

Recommended filters:

• Cloud vendor: Microsoft
• Cloud platform: Azure
• Services: Only include services eligible under your MACC agreement.

IMPORTANT: Flexera does not maintain a list of MACC-eligible services. Validate service eligibility using your Microsoft agreement or confirmation from Microsoft.

Actuals and progress tracking

After configuration:

• CCO automatically calculates actual spend based on your filters.
• The Cost Plan shows progress against your defined budget.

You may see a red indicator when actual spend exceeds the evenly distributed budget for the reporting period. This behavior is expected.

This indicator:

• Shows a variance from the planned budget for the period.
• Does not indicate a MACC breach or failure.
• May indicate faster progress toward meeting your commitment.

Forecasting MACC consumption

Use the Forecast feature to estimate future spend and:

• Predict when your MACC commitment may be reached.
• Support proactive consumption planning.

Forecast accuracy depends on factors such as historical stability, seasonality, and service filtering. Treat forecasts as directional guidance.

Known limitations and considerations

• Cloud Cost Optimization does not provide a dedicated MACC dashboard.
• Accurate tracking depends on correct service filtering and customer validation of MACC-eligible services.
• Multi-year MACC agreements require multiple Cost Plans.
• Red budget indicators show variance from the planned budget and do not necessarily indicate a commitment shortfall or contract issue.