Claude Code via Microsoft Azure

What is Claude Code?

Claude Code provides access to Anthropic’s AI models for development work and advanced coding assistance. At KI, the service is currently available through Microsoft Foundry in Azure, within the framework of the Microsoft agreements already held by the university.

GitHub Copilot is also available as a centrally accessible tool that allows you to work with Anthropic’s models in a different way. Claude is one of several model options available there and is also available as a code agent within GitHub’s own tool. You work within GitHub’s interface, and your usage is deducted from your Copilot AI credits.

How it works

To use Claude Code in Azure, you need to:

1. Order a Landing Zone in Azure.
2. Retrieve API keys from Azure.
3. Enter the API keys in the environment where you use Claude Code, for example Visual Studio Code.

The installation is a one-off setup, after which you can use Anthropic’s models in your work.

Costs and budget

Usage is charged based on consumption, known as tokens. The cost per token varies considerably depending on which model you choose, and the cost is charged to the project number specified when ordering a Landing Zone in Azure.

When placing the order, you also specify a monthly budget. The budget acts as a warning threshold, and you will receive email notifications if consumption exceeds the specified level. However, there is no automatic shutdown of the service, which means users must monitor costs carefully themselves.

Important information about data protection

Anthropic’s models are currently only available from the United States. Using Claude Code therefore means that data is transferred to the United States. Read more about data processing at:

Data, privacy, and security for Foundry Models sold by Azure in Microsoft Foundry

Data processed in Microsoft Foundry is stored by Microsoft for up to 30 days in order to detect and manage misuse of the service. The information is then deleted.

Before using the service, it is important to ensure that the information you handle is processed in accordance with KI’s guidelines for information security and data protection.

If Claude Code is used solely for general software development without personal data, there is no need for a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA).

However, if there is a realistic possibility that users may submit patient data, research data or other personal data to the model, the likelihood that a DPIA should be carried out increases.