Application Load Balancer (ALB) supports subscription resource plans. After an ALB resource plan takes effect, it automatically offsets the Load Balancer Capacity Unit (LCU) fees and instance fees of ALB. ALB resource plans are more cost-effective than the pay-as-you-go billing method. You can specify the time when you want your resource plans to take effect. ALB resource plans are suitable for enterprises on a fixed budget.
Benefits
Ready to use
When you purchase an ALB resource plan, you can specify the time when the resource plan takes effect. After a resource plan takes effect, Alibaba Cloud automatically uses the resource plan to offset LCU fees and instance fees. You do not need to configure the resource plan.
Multiple sizes
ALB resource plans provide 1,000 to 100,000 LCUs to meet the business requirements of various enterprises. You can purchase multiple ALB resource plans to meet your business requirements.
Cost effective
ALB resource plans are more cost-effective than the pay-as-you-go billing method. ALB resource plans of larger sizes provide LCUs at lower unit prices. You can purchase ALB resource plans to reduce the networking costs of your ALB service.
Regions in which ALB resource plans are available
Area | Region |
Chinese mainland | China (Qingdao), China (Beijing), China (Zhangjiakou), China (Ulanqab), China (Hangzhou), China (Shanghai), China (Shenzhen), China (Chengdu), China (Guangzhou), and China (Heyuan) |
Outside the Chinese mainland | China (Hong Kong), Japan (Tokyo), Singapore, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Indonesia (Jakarta), US (Virginia), US (Silicon Valley), Germany (Frankfurt), UK (London), South Korea (Seoul), Philippines (Manila), Thailand (Bangkok), and SAU (Riyadh - Partner Region) |
Resource plan sizes and pricing
The prices listed in the following table are for reference only. The prices on the buy page shall prevail.
Size | Number of LCUs | Price (USD) |
Mini | 1,000 LCU | 7 |
Small | 10,000 LCU | 69 |
Medium | 50,000 LCU | 340 |
Large | 100,000 LCU | 655 |
Usage rules
Item | Description |
Purchase ALB resource plans |
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Fees that can be offset by ALB resource plans | Instance and LCU fees. Important ALB resource plans cannot be used to offset the Internet data transfer fees of ALB. |
Offset rules |
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FAQ
When does an ALB resource plan take effect?
If you select Immediately after Payment when you purchase an ALB resource plan, the ALB resource plan immediately takes effect after you complete the payment.
If you select Custom when you purchase an ALB resource plan, the ALB resource plan takes effect at the specified time.
Are ALB resource plans applied based on the purchase time?
If you purchase multiple ALB resource plans, ALB preferentially applies the ALB resource with the earliest expiration time.
Can I export the usage details of an ALB resource plan?
Yes, you can export the usage details of an ALB resource plan. You can view various information, such as the ID of the ALB instance to which the resource plan applies, the number of LCUs deducted by time, and the fees that are offset. For more information, see View the usage details of an ALB resource plan.
Can I request a refund after I purchase an ALB resource plan?
No, you cannot request a refund for an ALB resource plan. After an ALB resource plan expires, unused LCUs are automatically cleared. You cannot transfer the unused LCUs to another resource plan.
Are ALB resource plans more cost-effective than the pay-as-you-go billing method of ALB?
Except for the smallest size, ALB resource plans are more cost-effective than the pay-as-you-go billing method. Larger sizes provide LCUs at lower unit prices.
Can I purchase multiple ALB resource plans?
Yes, you can purchase multiple ALB resource plans. The resource plan with the earliest expiration time is preferentially applied.
Do I need to configure an ALB resource plan after I purchase it?
No, you do not need to configure an ALB resource plan after you purchase it. You only need to specify the time when an ALB resource plan takes effect when you purchase the resource plan.
How can I view the information about an ALB resource plan?
You can view the basic information and usage details about a resource plan in the Expenses and Costs console. You can search for resource plans by specifying parameters such as Effective Time and view the remaining LCUs and offset details about resource plans on the Instances page.