# Connecting to Microsoft Azure
There are several ways to connect your Azure accounts to Cloud Ctrl. The method you choose depends on your Azure agreement type. For all modern Azure agreements, we strongly recommend using Cost Management Exports.
# Recommended Method: Cost Management Exports
This is the preferred and most modern method for all customers, including:
- Enterprise Agreement (EA)
- Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA)
- Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG)
- Microsoft Partner Agreement
This method involves setting up a recurring export of your cost and usage data to an Azure Storage Account. Cloud Ctrl then securely ingests the detailed billing data from that storage account.
Benefits:
- Provides the most comprehensive cost and usage data.
- Includes detailed amortization data for reservations and savings plans.
- Fully supported and recommended by Microsoft and Cloud Ctrl.
Proceed to Cost Management Exports Setup Guide »
# Legacy Connection Methods
The following methods are considered legacy. They are not recommended for new connections and should only be used if the Cost Management Exports method is not available for your account type.
# Azure Resource Manager (ARM)
This was the original method for connecting PAYG or other accounts. It uses an App Registration with Reader permissions to gather basic resource metadata. This method is still actively supported, but the APIs it leverages are going to be phased out in the fullness of time.
View legacy ARM connection guide »
# Enterprise Agreement (EA) Billing API
This method connects to the legacy EA Billing API. It provides less detailed data than Cost Management Exports and does not support modern features like amortized costs.