Azure Account Sign-Up
The first step is to set up your Azure account. Microsoft has a lot of ways for you to get started. This includes a free trial, Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) benefits/credits, BizSpark benefits for start-ups, monthly credits for Microsoft Partners, pay-as-you-go options, spending limits, prepackaged deals, Enterprise Agreements, and more. You will want to visit http://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/ for details.
To get started, you will want to sign up for Azure using a Microsoft Live ID. If you have an MSDN subscription, you will want to use the same Live ID associated with your subscription to set up your Azure account. If you have a work or school account, you will want to sign in with that ID. Signing in with the right account ensures that you have access to your Azure benefits.
If you do not have an MSDN subscription or want to create a new account, you can sign up for Azure from the website (azure.microsoft.com) by clicking Free Trial or Buy Now. First, you log in with an existing Live ID (or create a new Live ID account). Next, you sign up for your Azure account using your Live ID. Figure 12.1 shows the sign-in process for setting up a free trial account. The free trial does require a credit card to set up. However, this is for verification purposes only. The account automatically expires and has a spending limit of zero (unless you change these options).
Once signed up, you have the option to go to get started with a few video tutorials or go directly to the management portal. When you hit the management portal for the first time, the Azure site will walk you through the basics. More on the management portal later in this chapter.
You can also access a usage a billing summary page for your account directly from the management portal. Figure 12.2 shows the billing summary information for a newly created, free trial account. From here you can see your usage and upgrade your account if necessary. You can also change subscription details, cancel your subscription, modify your payment method, and more. Notice the Portal link in the upper-right corner. This links you back to the Azure management portal for configuring your services.
FIGURE 12.2 The Azure account summary screen allows basic account management tasks and provides billing information.