How to Create a Microsoft Azure Account and Azure OpenAI Service Subscription

Microsoft Azure provides a powerful cloud platform for developers and businesses, offering access to advanced AI services like Azure OpenAI. This guide will help you set up an Azure account and subscribe to the Azure OpenAI Service, allowing you to use models such as GPT-4, DALL-E, and more.

Step 1: Create a Microsoft Azure Account

Visit the Azure Portal

1. Go to Azure Portal and click Start free.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account (Outlook, Hotmail) or create a new one.

Provide Account Details

• Enter your email, phone number, and password.
• Verify your identity via SMS or email.

Add Payment Information

• Azure’s free tier includes a $200 credit for 30 days and access to popular services.
• A credit/debit card is required for identity verification, but you won’t be charged unless you upgrade.

Complete Registration

• Agree to the terms and submit your details.
• Your Azure portal will open automatically.

Step 2: Apply for Azure OpenAI Service Access

Azure OpenAI is a restricted service requiring approval for responsible use.

Submit an Access Request

1. Visit the Azure OpenAI Access Request page.
2. Sign in with your Azure account.
3. Complete the application form by providing details about your organization, use case, and preferred region.
4. Microsoft typically reviews applications within 10 business days.

Step 3: Create an Azure OpenAI Resource

Once your request is approved:

Log into Azure Portal

1. Go to Azure Portal.
2. Click Create a resource and search for Azure OpenAI.
3. Select Create.

Configure Your Resource

• Choose your subscription and select a region (e.g., East US).
• Assign a resource group.
• Name your resource (e.g., MyOpenAI).
• Select a pricing tier (e.g., S0 Pay-as-you-go).
• Click Create and wait for deployment (1–5 minutes).

Step 4: Retrieve API Keys and Endpoint

Access Your Resource

1. In the Azure portal, go to All Resources and select your OpenAI service.
2. Navigate to Resource Management > Keys and Endpoint.

Secure Your Credentials

• API Key: Required for authentication.
• Endpoint URL: The base URL for the service (e.g., https://myopenai.openai.azure.com/).

⚠ Store your credentials securely—never expose them in client-side code.

Step 5: Start Building with Azure OpenAI

Use your API keys to integrate AI capabilities into applications:

Azure OpenAI Studio

A low-code interface for testing and deploying models.

APIs/SDKs

Supports Python, C#, and REST API integration.

Example: Chat Completion with Python

import openai  

openai.api_key = "YOUR_API_KEY"  
openai.api_base = "YOUR_ENDPOINT"  
openai.api_version = "2023-05-15"  

response = openai.ChatCompletion.create(  
    engine="gpt-4",  
    messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello, AI!"}]  
)  
print(response.choices[0].message.content)  

Best Practices & Troubleshooting

✅ Cost Management: Set spending limits in Cost Management + Billing.

✅ Regional Availability: Ensure OpenAI is available in your selected region.

✅ Security: Use Azure Key Vault to manage API keys securely.

✅ Delays: If OpenAI service isn’t visible, check subscription approval and region settings.

Conclusion

Azure OpenAI Service enables businesses and developers to leverage advanced AI models with enterprise-grade security. By following these steps, you can start innovating with GPT-4, Codex, and DALL-E. Experiment, scale responsibly, and explore new possibilities!

For additional support, refer to Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI documentation or connect with the developer community on forums like Stack Overflow.