Microsoft Defender for Cloud: Introduction to Free Trials
The ever-evolving digital ecosystem mandates stringent security practices to safeguard your corporate data. Microsoft’s robust solution to this need is Microsoft Defender for Cloud, formerly known as Azure Security Center. Here, we provide an insightful guide into the free trial offerings across different plans, enabling you to make an informed choice.
Understanding the Plans
The Microsoft Defender for Cloud service offers two primary plans — the free and the standard tier. The free tier provides you with secure score, policy compliance, and making security-related recommendations. As the name suggests, the standard tier is a premium service with an expansive range of advanced features including Just-In-Time (JIT) VM Access, adaptive application controls, and advanced threat protection.
The Free Tier Plan
The Microsoft Defender for Cloud free tier offers you security policy, assessment, and Azure secure score. It also helps identify potential security vulnerabilities and proposes remediation steps for those identified risks. The plan applies to Azure resources, and its services extend for a lifetime with no costs involved.
The Standard Tier Plan
The standard plan, in addition to the benefits offered by the free tier, provides advanced threat protection for networks, applications, and data; adaptive application controls; and the Just-In-Time (JIT) VM Access. This plan covers Azure resources, hybrid resources, as well as some multi-cloud resources. It comes with a free trial of 30 days, post which you can choose to upgrade to a paid model.
Activating the Free Trials
As with most Microsoft Services, activating the Microsoft Defender for Cloud free trial is a breeze. However, to ensure that you make the most out of the trial period, here are some step-by-step instructions and recommendations that you can follow.
Understanding the cost implications post the trial period
While you enjoy a free trial for a period of 30 days in the standard tier, you will be billed starting the 31st day at the standard rates. You should also keep in mind that although the Microsoft Defender for Cloud service protects your Azure and non-Azure resources, the usage of these resources would lead to charges on your bill.
Flexible Subscription Options
A wonderful aspect of Microsoft Defender for Cloud is the flexible subscription options. You get the flexibility to opt for the duration you need and the ability to exchange licenses within your organization. However, it’s crucial to note that the licenses once assigned cannot be transferred to another Azure subscription or directory.
Further information on the topic can be explored at Microsoft’s official page, with the original blog post available here. Technical blogs and additional documentation can be found on the Microsoft Azure Security Center Documentation.
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