Step 1. Set Up an Azure Account
Requirement: Azure account.
- Login into portal.azure.com.
- Sign in with your existing Microsoft account or create a new one.
Step 2. Apply for Access to Azure OpenAI Service
Note. Azure OpenAI Service isn’t available to all users by default. Microsoft requires businesses and developers to request access due to the nature of OpenAI models.
Step 3. Create the Azure OpenAI Resource
After receiving access, you’ll need to create a resource for the Azure OpenAI Service in your portal.
- Log in to your Azure portal and click on Create a Resource.
- In the navigation bar, type Azure OpenAI and select the service from the results.
- Click on Create, and in the configuration window.
- Choose a subscription plan.
- Select a resource group (or create a new one).
- Pick a Region (e.g., East US or West Europe).
- Name your resource and click Review + Create.
Step 4. Obtain API Keys and Endpoints
Once the resource is successfully deployed.
You’ll need the API keys and endpoints to integrate OpenAI models.
- Go to your newly created OpenAI resource in the portal.
- Click on the Keys and Endpoint section from the left-hand menu.
- Copy the provided API key and endpoint URL. These credentials are essential for using the OpenAI service in your applications.
Step 5. Access the Models
Azure OpenAI Service gives you access to powerful AI models such as GPT-4 and Codex. You can either test these models directly in the Azure portal or integrate them into your applications.
1. Using the Azure OpenAI Playground.
- Navigate to your OpenAI resource and select the Explore or Playground option.
- Use the interface to experiment with prompts and responses to see how the models behave.
2. Using the API or SDK: You can connect OpenAI to your application via REST API or programming languages like Python, .NET, or Node.js.
Before fully deploying your solution, test to ensure it meets your requirements. Use the Playground or write test scripts in your preferred programming language.
Step 6. Monitor and Optimize
Azure offers tools for monitoring and optimizing the usage of your OpenAI resource.
- Use Azure Monitor to track performance and resource utilization.
- If you anticipate higher demand, scale up your resources from the Azure portal.
Conclusion
Connecting OpenAI with Azure is a strategic step toward leveraging cutting-edge AI technology. By following this article, you can seamlessly integrate OpenAI's capabilities into your existing workflows or applications. Whether you’re building intelligent chatbots, automating workflows, or generating insights from data, Azure OpenAI Service provides a reliable and scalable platform to bring your vision to life.