Microsoft Azure Management Portal: Your Gateway to Azure Services

The Microsoft Azure Management Portal is the primary interface for managing and purchasing Azure services. Launched in 2012, it has evolved into a user-friendly platform, with a mobile-optimized version introduced in 2014. This guide covers how to access the Management Portal and navigate its functionalities for efficient service management.

Microsoft Azure - Management Portal

The Management Portal serves as the primary interface for managing all your Azure services. Introduced by Microsoft in 2012, this platform enables users to view, manage, and purchase Azure services. In 2014, a new iteration known as the ‘Azure Preview Portal’ was launched to enhance usability on mobile devices and tablets. While there are some design differences, both portals provide similar functionalities.

Accessing the Management Portal

Go to the Portal:

Open your web browser and navigate to https://manage.windowsazure.com.

Sign In:

Log in with your Hotmail or Live ID. If you do not possess an Azure account, you can sign up for one. Typically, new users are offered a free trial, allowing exploration and application creation using Azure.

Navigating the Management Portal

Main Screen:

Upon logging in, you will encounter a dashboard. If you have not set up any applications yet, your account will appear empty. The left panel organizes various services, while the central section displays all your applications.

Creating a New Application

Start a New Project:

Click on the ‘New’ button located at the bottom left corner of the screen.

Choose What to Create:

A dialog will appear, enabling you to select the type of application or service you wish to create.

Checking Your Credit and Subscriptions

View Credit Details:

Click on ‘Credit’ found in the green block at the top of the screen.

Check Subscription Details:

Select ‘View more details’ to access information regarding your subscription, spending, and data usage.

Spending Limit:

If a spending limit is established, it will display ‘Remove Spending Limit’. If none is set, it will show ‘Set Spending Limit’. You can establish a limit to manage your spending. Reaching this limit will halt your services until you modify the limit.

Account Management:

The green block containing ‘Credit’ will change color as you near your spending limit, calculated based on your average daily expenditure, indicating how many days remain until you reach the limit.

Adding a New Subscription

Access Your Account Settings:

Click on your account email or picture in the upper right corner.

View Your Bill:

Select ‘View my bill’ from the drop-down menu.

Add a Subscription:

On the subsequent screen, click on ‘add subscription’.

Select a Subscription:

Choose the desired subscription from the available list.

Using the Azure Preview Portal

Switch to Preview Portal:

Click on your account email in the top right corner.

Select ‘Switch to Azure Preview Portal’:

This will direct you to a screen optimized for mobile and tablet use, while maintaining all functionalities present in the standard portal.

By following these steps, you will be equipped to efficiently manage your Azure services, whether utilizing the classic or the preview portal.