how to sign up with archera.md
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How to Sign Up with Archera
Getting started with Archera is straightforward and designed to have you optimizing costs within minutes. Follow this guide to set up your account and begin your cloud cost optimization journey.
Prerequisites
Before getting started, ensure you have:
| Cloud Account Access | |
| Account Permissions | |
| - Cloud account with billing access (AWS, Azure, or GCP) | |
| - Ability to create necessary integrations | |
| - Cost and usage data access | |
| Cost Visibility Setup | |
| Cost Management Tools | |
| - AWS: Cost and Usage Reports (CUR) configured | |
| - Azure: Cost Management + Billing enabled | |
| - GCP: Billing export configured | |
| - Basic understanding of your spending patterns | |
| Basic Understanding | |
| Cloud Knowledge | |
| - Familiarity with your cloud services | |
| - Understanding of your workload patterns | |
| - Desire to optimize cloud costs | |
| Baseline Analysis | |
| Current State Knowledge | |
| - Knowledge of top spending services | |
| - Understanding of usage patterns | |
| - Existing cost monitoring practices |
Step 1: Create Your Archera Account
Navigate to Archera
Go to app.archera.ai and click “Sign Up” to create your account
Provide Account Details
Enter your email, create a password, and provide basic organization information
Verify Your Email
Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link
Complete Profile Setup
Add your name, role, and organization details to complete your profile
Step 2: Connect Your Cloud Provider
Once your account is created, you’ll need to connect your cloud environment. Archera supports AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Cloud Provider Integration
Archera uses secure, native integration methods for each cloud provider:
AWS Integration
CloudFormation Deployment:
- Launch CloudFormation Stack: Pre-configured template for secure integration
- IAM Role Creation: Read-only role for cost analysis
- Minimal Permissions: Only cost optimization permissions
- No Infrastructure Access: Never accesses running workloads
Azure Integration
Service Principal Setup:
- App Registration: Create service principal in Azure AD
- Reader Permissions: Billing and cost management access
- Secure Connection: OAuth-based authentication
- Cost Data Only: No access to operational resources
Google Cloud Integration
Service Account Configuration:
- Service Account: Create dedicated service account
- Billing Permissions: Cloud billing and asset inventory access
- JSON Key: Secure key-based authentication
- Read-Only Access: No modification permissions
What Archera Accesses
Required Data Access:
- Cost and Usage Data: To analyze spending patterns
- Resource Information: To recommend appropriate commitments
- Billing Information: To calculate potential savings
What Archera NEVER Accesses:
- Your application data or workloads
- Running instances or services
- Security configurations
- Any operational infrastructure
Connection Process
Select Cloud Provider
Choose your cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) from the integration options
Follow Provider Instructions
Each provider has specific integration steps guided by the platform
Review Permissions
Review the access permissions that will be granted
Complete Integration
Confirm the connection and verify successful integration
Step 3: Initial Cost Analysis
After connecting your cloud account, Archera will begin analyzing your usage:
Data Processing Timeline
| Initial Connection | 5-10 Minutes |
| - Account connection verification | |
| - Basic cost data import | |
| - Infrastructure discovery | |
| Full Platform Access | 24-48 Hours |
| - Historical usage analysis | |
| - Savings opportunity identification | |
| - Complete platform functionality unlocked |
What You’ll See First
Once initial processing completes, you’ll have access to:
- Immediate Savings Analysis: Quick wins for covering on-demand usage with short-term commitments
- Commitment Planner: Three default strategies (Recommended, Balanced, High Savings)
- Cost Dashboard: Overview of your current spending and optimization opportunities
Step 4: Explore Your Savings Opportunities
Immediate Savings Analysis
Your first view will show immediate opportunities to cover on-demand usage with 30-day commitments:
- Stop the Bleeding: Identify on-demand resources that should have commitments
- Quick Implementation: Apply 30-day commitments for immediate savings
- Risk-Free Start: Begin optimization without long-term commitments
Commitment Planner
Explore three pre-configured commitment strategies:
Recommended Plan
Focus: Maximum flexibility with immediate savings
- Primarily 30-day guaranteed commitments
- Lowest risk, moderate savings
- Perfect for getting started
Balanced Plan
Focus: Optimal balance of savings and flexibility
- All reservable services included
- Mix of 30-day and 1-year commitments
- Most popular choice for ongoing optimization
High Savings Plan
Focus: Maximum cost reduction
- 3-year commitments with upfront payments
- Highest savings potential
- Reduced flexibility, maximum discounts
Step 5: Implement Your First Plan
Applying a Commitment Plan
Select Your Strategy
Choose from Recommended, Balanced, or High Savings plans
Review Details
Click “View Details” to see specific commitments and covered infrastructure
Customize if Needed
Edit individual line items or create custom plans as desired
Apply Plan
Click “Apply Plan” to implement your chosen strategy and start saving
Setting Up Automation (Optional)
Enable automation policies for hands-off optimization:
- Configure Thresholds: Set minimum savings amounts to trigger automation
- Choose Cadence: Select weekly, monthly, or quarterly evaluation
- Monitor Performance: Track automated savings and adjust as needed
- Maintain Control: Cancel or modify policies anytime
Step 6: Ongoing Management
Platform Features
Once you’re up and running, take advantage of:
| Custom Plan Creation | Build Your Own Strategy |
| - Create plans tailored to your needs | |
| - Mix commitment types and terms | |
| - Save and share plans with your team | |
| Performance Monitoring | Track Your Success |
| - Monitor utilization and savings | |
| - View breakeven timelines | |
| - Analyze coverage across services | |
| Team Collaboration | Multi-User Support |
| - Invite team members | |
| - Set permissions and roles | |
| - Share plans and reports | |
| API Integration | Programmatic Access |
| - REST API for custom integrations | |
| - Export data for reporting | |
| - Automate workflows |
Best Practices
- Start Small: Begin with 30-day commitments to understand the platform
- Monitor Regularly: Review savings and utilization weekly
- Use Automation: Enable policies once comfortable with manual optimization
- Plan Ahead: Consider business changes when selecting commitment terms
Security and Compliance
Archera maintains enterprise-grade security:
- SOC 2 Type II Compliance: Audited security controls and processes
- Least Privilege Access: Minimal required permissions for cost optimization
- No Data Storage: Cost data processed in real-time, not stored
- Encryption: All data transmitted using industry-standard encryption
Free Platform: Archera’s platform is completely free to use. Connection is purely to access billing data for accurate recommendations. There are no hidden fees, and you keep 100% of your optimized savings. Full platform access is available 24-48 hours after connecting your cloud account.