Create a Dedicated Storage Account
Before configuring Azure Cost Management Exports, you'll need a storage account where Azure will save the export files. Cloud Ctrl will read from this storage account to import your cost data.
Why a Dedicated Storage Account?
We recommend creating a new storage account specifically for cost exports rather than using an existing one. This:
- Isolates permissions — Cloud Ctrl only needs access to cost data, not other organisation resources
- Simplifies security reviews — clear separation of billing data from operational data
- Avoids accidental access — no risk of granting broader permissions than intended
Step 1. Create the Storage Account
- Sign in to the Azure Portal
- Navigate to Storage accounts → + Create
- Configure with the following recommended settings:
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Resource Group | Create new or use an existing billing/finance resource group |
| Storage account name | e.g. costexports or {company}billingexports |
| Region | Same region as your primary workloads |
| Performance | Standard |
| Redundancy | Locally-redundant storage (LRS) is sufficient |
- Click Review + create, then Create
📖 For detailed instructions, see Microsoft's guide to creating a storage account →
Step 2. Note the Storage Account Name
Once created, record the Storage Account name. You'll need it for:
- Step 6 of the Application Registration — granting Cloud Ctrl read access
- Configuring Cost Management Exports — specifying where Azure saves the export files
- Connecting in Cloud Ctrl — entering the storage account details
What's Next
Continue to Application Registration & Permissions →