Microsoft Azure Configuration
This section covers signing up for an Azure account, creating an IoT Central application, adding and connecting your OSS devices, importing a data template, and creating a view to visualize your data. Parts of the process will require the OSS Companion app.
Azure Terminology & Concepts
You'll encounter various Azure-specific terms while setting up your OSS device on Azure. Below are brief explanations of key terms.
Azure Portal
A web-based, unified console where users can manage Azure services and resources.
Azure Central Applications
A managed IoT application platform that simplifies the development of IoT solutions.
Resource Group
A container that holds related Azure resources.
Custom Application
A type of IoT Central application where users can set custom settings and templates.
Region
The geographical location where Azure resources are hosted.
IoT Central Application URL
The web address associated with a specific IoT Central application.
ID Scope
A unique identifier that helps connect devices to the IoT Central Application.
Device ID
A unique identifier for each IoT device connected to the IoT Central Application.
Primary Key
A secure key used to authenticate and connect devices to the IoT Central Application.
Device Templates
A model that defines a device's capabilities, telemetry, and properties.
Views
Custom visual representations of device data within IoT Central.
Telemetry & Property
The core difference between Azure IoT telemetry and properties is that telemetry sends real-time, dynamic data from devices to the cloud (e.g., sensor readings). In contrast, properties represent the device's state or configuration, which can be read or written. Telemetry is transient for monitoring, whereas properties are persistent.