Microsoft Azure (commonly known as Azure) is a robust cloud platform by Microsoft, which is similar to Google Cloud by Google and Amazon web services(AWS) by Amazon. This platform relieves us from concerns about hardware requirements or server maintenance, as everything can be managed in the cloud. We would just need to focus on building solutions, deploying applications, etc., on Azure.
This platform gives us access to the various Microsoft tools and services with which we can host simple websites to even run complex applications. It offers more than 200 cloud services and counting which are used by developers and businesses across the world.
Why to use Azure?
In comparison to other cloud technologies, Azure gives us the upper hand because of its user-friendly nature. However, it depends entirely on the user’s requirements and purpose to choose a specific cloud platform. Each cloud platform has its own perks. Here are a few reasons why you might use Azure services:
- User-friendly nature: Azure is known for its simplicity in comparison to other cloud services like AWS which is famous for its complexity and huge documentation, whereas Azure uses technologies that are already accustomed by users like Windows, and Active Directory, such that the transition to cloud won’t make much difference.
- Easy Integration with Microsoft Products: If your organization/business is already using the products of microsoft, it would be easier to integrate them with the cloud as Azure provides this compatibility and support. Azure can also be integrated well with the famous developer tools like Visual Studio Code and Github. This makes the work of developer easier.
- Boost to On-Premises Infrastructure: If an organization already has its own servers and is planning to use both on-premises and cloud services, it is easy for them to enhance their resources by simply connecting to the cloud, hence giving a hybrid cloud capability.
- Enterprise-Focused Services: There are special services and tools offered especially designed for big tech companies. For example, Azure Active Directory helps in the access management of the company’s resources and Azure Site Recovery for disaster recovery planning.
- Data Security in Cloud: As users we store our data on cloud, it is obvious to worry about the data stored and unauthorised access. Azure Active Directory (one of Azure service) provides solution to this problem by its using multifactor authentication and other security measures. This is one of many Azure security features.
- Steps to Create a Free Azure Account
Azure offers free tier services which are absolutely free for 12 months. After the term, you would be charged by the flexible payment option called “pay-as-you-go” model, which means we need to pay only for the resources we use. Hence, the process would require credit/debit card details furthur.
Note: If you are a student and don’t have a credit card, then you can register using your student email ID.
Step 1: Go the the official of Microsoft Azure website- https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/free, click on ‘Start Free’.
Step 2: Sign-in/Sign-up for a Microsoft account using an email address and password.
Step 3: You’ll be redirected to the Azure Sign-up page. Enter the necessary details like name, email, phone number and verify your phone number by clicking Text Me/ Call Me option and enter the verification code received.
Note: You should use the same email address for Azure sign-up and for the Microsoft account.
Step 4: Enter your address, state and postal code. Now, check the terms and conditions and click on ‘Next‘.
Step 5: Fill the credit/debit card details for identity verification where you would be charged Rs 2 for verification.
Step 6: Check the Terms and Conditions, now click ‘Sign Up’.
Step 7: You are now done with creating account. Now, click on ‘Go to the portal’.
Congratulations, your free Azure account has been successfully created. If you have exhausted your free credit then you have to move to the ‘Pay as you go’ subscription policy, where you would be charged according to the resources used.
FAQs On Azure Free Account
1. Do I Need A Credit Card To Create An Azure Free Account?
Yes, even for a free account the Azure needs your credit card details. But, if you are creating a student account, the details won’t be necessary.
2. Do I Need To Pay To Use The Services?
No, starting is free and you won’t be charged. You also a get a USD 200 credit when you create account, with which you may try services which aren’t in the free list. After exhausting the free limit, you may move to ‘pay-as-you-go’ pricing.
3. How Long Does The Azure Free Account Last?
The duration of an Azure Free Account typically lasts for 12 months, offering you free Azure services during this period.
4. How Do I Get Services For Free?
As long as you are using the resources under the monthly limit of free resources, you won’t be charged.
5. What Services Are Available For Free?
There are around 55 services which are always free. Few services are free for only specified months (12 months for new customers), after which we need to pay to use them.
6. How Do I Cancel My Azure Free Account?
To cancel your Azure Free Account, you can log in to the Azure portal, go to your account settings, and follow the cancellation instructions provided there.