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Use resource tags#

Cost Optimization · All resources · 2020_06

Azure resources should be tagged using a standard convention.

Description#

Azure Resource Manager (ARM) supports a flexible tagging model that allows each resource to be tagged. Tags are additional metadata that improves identification of resources and aids lifecycle management.

Azure stores tags as name/ value pairs such as environment = production or costCode = 349921.

A well defined tagging approach improves the management, billing, and automation operations of resources. When planning tags, identify information that is meaningful to business and technical staff.

Azure provides several built-in policies to managed tags. Using these policies help enforce a tagging standard can reduce overall management Resource tags can be inherited from subscriptions or resource groups using Azure Policy.

Recommendation#

Consider tagging resources using a standard convention. Identify mandatory and optional tags then tag all resources and resource groups using this standard.

Also consider using Azure Policy to enforce mandatory tags.

Examples#

Configure with Azure template#

To deploy resource that pass this rule:

  • Set the tags property tags that align to your tagging standard.

For example:

Azure Template snippet
{
  "type": "Microsoft.Resources/resourceGroups",
  "apiVersion": "2022-09-01",
  "name": "[parameters('name')]",
  "location": "[parameters('location')]",
  "tags": {
    "environment": "production",
    "costCode": "349921"
  }
}

Configure with Bicep#

To deploy resource that pass this rule:

  • Set the tags property tags that align to your tagging standard.

For example:

Azure Bicep snippet
resource rg 'Microsoft.Resources/resourceGroups@2022-09-01' = {
  name: name
  location: location
  tags: {
    environment: 'production'
    costCode: '349921'
  }
}

Notes#

Azure Policy includes several built-in policies to enforce tagging such as:

  • Add a tag to resources
  • Add a tag to resource groups
  • Require a tag on resources
  • Require a tag on resource groups
  • Inherit a tag from the resource group
  • Inherit a tag from the resource group if missing
  • Inherit a tag from the subscription

If you find resources that incorrectly report they should be tagged, please let us know by opening an issue.

Last update: 2023-04-20

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