How to Create an Azure Storage Account with Azure Resource Manager (ARM)
Have you ever wanted a simple, streamlined way to create Azure Storage Accounts without getting tangled in code? Well, I've got great news! You can use the power of Azure Resource Manager (ARM) right within the Azure Portal, no coding expertise is required.
In this beginner-friendly guide, I'll walk you through creating storage accounts using ARM's visual interface. We'll uncover the benefits of ARM, the simple steps involved, and why this approach is perfect for those who prefer a no-code experience. Let's dive in and unlock the full potential of Azure Storage!
What is Azure Resource Manager (ARM)?
ARM directs the creation and management of your resources, ensuring they work together seamlessly. While you might not see it directly, ARM is working in the background whenever you interact with Azure resources.
Benefits of Using ARM
Track Your Changes: ARM maintains a history of every action, simplifying troubleshooting and rollbacks.
Consistent Deployments: Ensure your storage accounts are created with the same settings every time.
Automation: Automate the creation process for efficiency.
Blueprint Your Infrastructure: ARM templates serve as blueprints, enabling you to easily recreate your storage account setup.
Steps to Create a Storage Account with ARM (No Code Needed!)
Let's break down the steps to create an Azure Storage Account using ARM in the Azure portal, in more detail:
Step 1: Navigate to the Azure Portal
Log into your Azure account.
In the search bar at the top, type "Deploy a custom template" and select it from the results.
Step 2: Start with a Quickstart Template
On the "Custom Deployment" page, you'll have two options:
Build your own template in the editor: This is the option we'll use, as it allows for customization without coding.
Load file: This option is for uploading pre-existing ARM templates (JSON files).
Click on "Build your own template in the editor."
Step 3: Choose Your Template
- You'll see a list of quickstart templates. Search for "storage account" and select the template that best fits your needs.
- Tip: The "Storage account with file shares" template is a good starting point for most users.
Step 4: Customize Your Storage Account (Visually!)
The template editor will load a visual representation of your storage account. It's broken down into sections:
Basics:
Subscription: The Azure subscription where you want to create the account.
Resource group: The logical container for your storage account (you can create a new one or use an existing one).
Region: The geographic location where your data will be stored.
Step 5: Review and Deploy
Once you're satisfied with your configuration, click the "Review + Create" button at the bottom.
Azure will validate your template. If there are any errors, you'll see messages indicating what needs to be fixed.
When the validation passes, click "Create" to start the deployment.
Monitoring Your Deployment
You'll be taken to a deployment overview page where you can track the progress.
Once the deployment is complete, you can view your newly created storage account by selecting “Go to resource group.
Tips for Success:
Start Simple: Don't over complicate your first storage account. You can always add more features later.
Explore Options: Play around with the different settings to see how they affect your storage account.
Personal Insights
Visual Approach: You don't need to write or understand any code to create your storage account with ARM.
Guided Experience: The Azure Portal provides an intuitive interface to customize your storage account settings.
Same Benefits: You still get all the benefits of ARM, like change tracking, consistency, and automation.
Perfect for Beginners: This method is ideal for those who are new to ARM and prefer a visual approach.
Leveraging ARM for storage account creation gives you greater control and flexibility, without the need to dive into code. It's a fantastic way to streamline your cloud infrastructure management, regardless of your technical expertise!
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