# Get started with Arm-based cloud instances

## In this learning path

- [Introduction](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/csp/)
- [Getting Started with AWS](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/csp/aws/)
- [Getting Started with Microsoft Azure](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/csp/azure/)
- [Getting Started with Google Cloud Platform](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/csp/google/)
- [Getting Started with Oracle OCI](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/csp/oci/)
- [Getting Started with Alibaba Cloud Services](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/csp/alibaba/)
- [Next Steps](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/csp/_next-steps/)

## About this Learning Path

| Skill level:          | Introductory      |
|-----------------------|-------------------|
| Reading time:         | 15 min            |
| Last updated:         | 31 Jul 2026       |

| Author:              | Ronan Synnott, Arm [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/ronansynnott)  |
|-----------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Arm IP:              | [Neoverse](https://support.arm.com/?tab=compute-ip&Product%20Type=Infrastructure%20Processors) |
| Tags:                | [Containers and Virtualization](https://learn.arm.com/tag/containers-and-virtualization), [AWS](https://learn.arm.com/tag/aws), [Microsoft Azure](https://learn.arm.com/tag/microsoft-azure), [Google Cloud](https://learn.arm.com/tag/google-cloud), [Oracle](https://learn.arm.com/tag/oracle), [Linux](https://learn.arm.com/tag/linux) |

### Who is this for?
This is an introductory topic for software developers who are new to Arm-based cloud instances.

### What will you learn?
Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:
- Start an Arm-based instance in the cloud
- Verify that the instance is using the Arm architecture

### Prerequisites
Before starting, you will need the following:
- An account with your preferred cloud service provider.

### Summary
You’ll launch Arm-based virtual machines (VMs) across major cloud providers and verify that each uses an Arm processor. You’ll use each provider’s console to choose an appropriate family and instance type, including Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs or Ampere, Google Cloud Axion C4A, Oracle Cloud Ampere, and Alibaba Cloud Arm-based Elastic Compute Service (ECS) options. By the end, you’ll recognize the instance details that confirm an Arm deployment.

### Frequently asked questions
<details>
<summary>Which option identifies an Arm-based VM on my cloud provider?</summary>
On AWS, select Graviton-based EC2 instance types. On Azure, choose Cobalt 100-based or Ampere VMs. On Google Cloud, use the Axion C4A series. On Oracle Cloud and Alibaba Cloud, choose Ampere- or Arm-based ECS options.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Where do I select the Arm series on Google Cloud, and which machine type does this guide use?</summary>
In the Google Cloud Console, select **Compute Engine**, **VM Instances**, and **Create**. Set **Series** to **C4A**, then choose the `c4a-standard-4` machine type with four vCPUs and 16 GB of memory.
</details>

<details>
<summary>How do I confirm the instance is running on Arm after creation?</summary>
Check the instance details in your cloud console and confirm the processor family or machine type matches the Arm option you selected, such as Graviton, Cobalt 100, C4A, or Ampere. If it shows a different family, return to the creation settings and choose the Arm series.
</details>

<details>
<summary>On Microsoft Azure, should I choose Cobalt 100 or Ampere?</summary>
Both are Arm-based VM generations on Azure. The latest generation is Cobalt 100, while the previous generation is Ampere; choose the one that fits your needs.
</details>

<details>
<summary>What should I expect to see once provisioning finishes, and what should I verify before continuing?</summary>
The new VM appears in the provider console with a running status. Verify the machine type or series reflects the Arm-based family you selected before proceeding.
</details>