Your Free Azure Credits Are Running Out —5 Steps to Keep Scaling Affordably

Free Cloud Credits Are Startups' Best Route to Growth—Until They Run Out

For startups, free cloud credits are like rocket fuel: they provide the launchpad to build, test, and gain traction without upfront costs. Whether it’s Microsoft’s Azure credits or similar offers, these free resources give startups the ability to scale quickly without worrying about their cloud expenses. However, as every startup knows, nothing lasts forever. And when those credits expire, reality hits: cloud expenses climb fast, and without a plan, those costs can cut deep into your budget.

That’s why planning ahead and partnering with the right cloud solutions provider is key to ensuring a smooth transition when your free credits run out.

How Microsoft’s Startup Success Program Works

Microsoft’s Startup Success Program is designed to support early-stage startups by offering:

🔑 $1,000 to $150,000 in Azure credits, depending on your startup’s stage and eligibility.
🔑 Access to a broad range of Azure services, including compute, AI/ML, storage, databases, and security.
🔑 Additional benefits like technical guidance, networking opportunities, and GTM support.

What Can Free Azure Credits Be Used For?

Many startups misunderstand what these credits cover. Here’s a breakdown of how you can (and can’t) use them:

✅ Compute & Infrastructure – Run virtual machines (VMs), scale with Kubernetes, and deploy containerized applications.
✅ AI & Machine Learning – Train models with Azure AI, run OpenAI services, and leverage cognitive APIs.
✅ Data & Analytics – Use Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, and Synapse Analytics for managing and analyzing data.
✅ Security & Identity – Implement Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and Active Directory for secure authentication and threat protection.
✅ Networking & Storage – Set up Azure Blob Storage, CDN, VPN gateways, and DNS services.

🚫 What You CAN’T Use Free Credits For:

❌ Third-party marketplace services – Credits generally don’t apply to software purchases from the Azure Marketplace.
❌ Support Plans – Premier, Unified, or Standard support plans must be paid separately.
❌ Certain Enterprise Agreements (EA) – If your company already has an enterprise contract with Microsoft, credits may not be stackable.
❌ Overages & Committed Use Discounts – If you exceed your credits or sign up for reserved instance plans, you may start paying out-of-pocket.

5 Steps to Keep Scaling Affordably After Your Free Credits Run Out

1️⃣ Monitor Your Burn Rate – Track your credit usage in the Azure Portal so you know when to act.

2️⃣ Engage a CSP Early – Working with Alta Cloud ensures a seamless transition and better pricing before your credits expire.

3️⃣ Optimize Your Setup – Before becoming a paying customer, rightsize your workloads and streamline your infrastructure.

4️⃣ Enroll in Incentive Programs – We help you secure reserved instance discounts, long-term savings plans, and other perks to control costs.

5️⃣ Get Expert Guidance – Don’t do this alone—Alta Cloud ensures your cloud strategy is built for scale and sustainability.

Why Work with AltaCloud?

Cloud costs don’t have to be a surprise. Alta Cloud ensures you stay ahead of the transition and lock in the best rates.

🎯 Exclusive Partner Discounts – Move from free credits to discounted, partner-level pricing, so you never overpay.

🎯 Cost Optimization & Smart Scaling – Our Cloud GTM Program gives you a proven strategy to optimize infrastructure, reduce waste, and keep costs under control.

🎯 Flexible Billing & Expert Support – No more surprises—we help you navigate Azure’s pricing, contracts, and commitment models for maximum savings.

🎯 Additional Incentives & Growth Funding – Beyond discounts, we connect you to cloud funding, co-sell programs, and rebate opportunities to keep your growth on track.

The Bottom Line?

Free credits get you started. A smart cloud strategy keeps you growing.

Partnering with Alta Cloud ensures you transition smoothly, pay less, and scale faster—without financial shocks.

Don’t wait until your credits run out. Secure the best cloud pricing today.