Azure Subscription FAQ

Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform that provides servers, storage, databases, networking, analytics and a broad set of application services over the Internet. View Microsoft’s What is Cloud Computing? page and What is Azure? page to learn more. 

ITS strongly encourages a free, on-boarding consultation for new Azure subscriptions. Contact us at ITS-CloudServices@mail.wvu.edu to schedule an appointment.

Please review the information below before submitting a request.

How are Azure subscription costs determined and billed? 

With Azure, you only pay for what you use. As you create and use Azure resources, you’re charged for the resources. Costs can accrue quickly without proper analysis and monitoring. You can view usage information on the Azure Cost Management + Billing dashboard.

WVU licenses Microsoft software, including access to Azure, through an Enterprise Agreement (EA). The EA offers built in savings on Azure charges. WVU receives one bill monthly for all Azure charges. ITS Software Licensing Information Center (SLIC) will send you an order confirmation for your portion.

Use the Azure Pricing Calculator to estimate the cost for Azure products. Discuss your project with ITS Cloud and Virtualization Services.

Can I store sensitive data using my Azure subscription? 

No data that the University considers Sensitive Data can be stored in Azure, including PHI, PII, and covered financial information. For more information, review the Sensitive Data Policy.

How do I request a consultation for an Azure subscription? 

ITS Cloud and Virtualization Services (CVS) strongly encourages a free, on-board consultation for new subscriptions. Contact us at ITS-CloudServices@mail.wvu.edu to schedule an appointment.

During this meeting CVS will:

• Review your project request.

• Decide whether the initiative is suited for cloud.

• Identify resources and expertise available, internal or external.

• Discuss high-level design.

• Discuss billing models and the billing process.

• Review roles and responsibilities.

• Recommend Cloud Practitioner training for account owner and technical contact.

After the meeting, CVS will provide a preliminary cost estimate based on the Azure Pricing Calculator.

After you’ve been using Azure for a few months, CVS will, on request, conduct a follow-up meeting to discuss cost optimization and review services used to ensure a well-designed framework. Additional fees will apply if CVS or a third party is engaged to implement the changes discussed.

How do I request an Azure subscription? 

1. Visit the Azure Subscription Request page.

   1. Provide the information required in the boxes with the red asterisks (*) next to them.

   2. Add any additional information, if needed.

   3. Review the Sensitive Data Practices and Storage FAQ article and then select either Yes, if your data is sensitive, or No, if it is not.

   4. Read the Azure Subscription Agreement thoroughly and then select Yes to agree.

   5. Click Request.

2. Information Security Services (ISS) will review the request with the technical contact listed. Once Information Security Services approves, the request is sent to Cloud and Virtualization Services to be processed. 

3. Software Licensing Information Center (SLIC) will contact you for funding information if it was not provided in the initial ticket request.

4. You will be notified when your Azure access is ready.

How do I get my funding information? 

If you are unsure of your funding information, please check with your supervisor or Shared Services.

How do I access my Azure subscription? 

Use your WVU Login and Duo to sign into the Azure Portal at portal.azure.com.

How can I give other users/groups access to my Azure subscription? 

You can use Azure granular IAM permissions to provide specific access to your environment. 

1. Click on the Azure resource you wish to modify, select Access control (IAM), then click Add. 

2. Select the Role and click Assign access to Azure AD user, group, or application. 

3. Enter the name of the user or group that should have access to the resource, then click Save. 

4. You should only give the access required for the user or group to perform their job. 

Learn more about Azure Access Control (IAM).

How can I have a donation of Azure credits applied to my subscription? 

Contact ITS Software Licensing Information Center (SLIC) at software@mail.wvu.edu.

Where can I find training and support? 

You can create and manage support requests in the Azure portal. View Microsoft's Azure support request page for instructions.

Visit the links below for more information on using Azure: 

• Microsoft Learn

• Get started with Azure