User Story

In order to use azure cloud ressources

we need to use the Microsoft identity to create an azure account

while we currently cannot create anything

Acceptance criteria:

• when I log in into portal.azure.com and try to create new ressources or services this will create a new ressource (and no longer see an error text)

create a free account

after log in into https://portal.azure.com you can see the dashboard and even see ressources which can be created - but trying to create will only show a text that an azure account is required to proceed.

So you may want to click on “create storage” to see the text and being led to the start of the account creation procedure -

click “Start free” (1)

manage cookies

Before we can launch the “account creation” procedure we need to finish the cookie dialog (set our preferences).

click “manage cookies”

cookie details

Never ever click “accept all” -

always get into the details and make sure everything is switched off / disabled (at least “marketing”)

click “save changes” to proceed

start free

That’s a nice offer to provide useful “forever free” services

now click on “start free” (1)

your profile: name

collecting information for your profile is straight forward - I haven’t tried this route but recommend not to fake your name as it may block the completion of this procedure when data is cross checked with your credit card information

use your Microsoft identity which you created in the other user story

your profile: phone

provide a phone number which is actively checked

“Text me” is a good method to check the phone number is correct - note the phone number must belong to the selected country - as of this writing there is no option to add a different country prefix

phone number verification

when selecting “text me” another input field is shown

wait for the code to be received and enter it here

credit card verification

unfortunately there are only very limited options for credit card providers. Microsoft does also not allow “debit card” being used here even if these are from the shown providers - and error message will appear. It was possible in the past but not any more.

entering credit card information is pretty straight forwad

Invoice address

again - country is already selected - now complete the address details

and complete the creation process with “Sign Up” (6)

Warning

According to Microsoft documentation multiple azure accounts can use the same credit card -

but the welcome credit for the first month and 12 months period for services is only provided once.

check and confirm

click on the subscription icon to check your subscription details - this indicates that the azure account was created successfully

Note: This subscription is limited to a 12 month time period and then being removed if you decide NOT to migrate into a pay-as-you-go offering.

When you come closer to the end of that period you will receive a number of emails reminding you to upgrade now - you have to read these emails very carefully because it is made very easy to click “upgrade” while it is less easier to find the “I want to stay on free” option.

However, the 25+ always forever free services will remain (tested!)

check credit

if this is your first Azure account you should also see a confirmation for our credit (USD 200 equals approx EUR 170)

note: this is only for one month (unfortunately) - unused credit will disappear after this period