Microsoft Azure is a public cloud computing platform that offers a variety of services, including compute, analytics, storage, and networking. Businesses can use these services to build and scale new applications or run existing ones in the cloud. Azure helps organizations meet their goals by offering tools that support various industries, such as e-commerce and finance. It's compatible with open-source technologies, giving users the flexibility to work with their preferred tools.

Azure provides four types of cloud computing models: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), software as a service (SaaS), and serverless computing. With its wide range of services, Azure is used for diverse purposes, including running virtual machines or containers to host infrastructure components like DNS servers, Windows Server services (such as IIS), or third-party applications. Azure also supports operating systems like Linux.

Another common use of Azure is hosting databases in the cloud. It offers serverless relational databases like Azure SQL and non-relational options such as NoSQL. Additionally, many organizations use Azure for backup, disaster recovery, and long-term data storage to meet retention requirements.

The cloud market is experiencing strong growth, and Microsoft Azure is a leading player in this space. This course provides practical experience to help you manage Azure workloads, positioning you for roles in the expanding cloud industry. It also prepares you for the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam. Upon completion, you'll be qualified for roles such as Azure Administrator, AI Engineer, Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Database Administrator, Developer, and Security Engineer.

Skills Gained

You will:

• Learn the basics of cloud computing and Azure, including subscriptions and accounts.
• Understand the benefits of cloud services, different cloud models, and key Azure architecture concepts and terminology.
• Explore core services available in Microsoft Azure.
• Learn about Azure's wide range of tools and core solutions.
• Understand Azure’s security and network features to keep cloud resources safe and trusted.
• Examine identity, governance, privacy, and compliance features to secure cloud access and adhere to regulatory standards.
• Discover cost factors, tools for estimating and managing cloud expenses, and how Azure’s SLAs influence design decisions.

Module 1: Cloud Concepts

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Lessons:

• Introduction to Azure fundamentals
• Key Azure concepts
• Core Azure architectural components

After completing this module, you will:

• Understand the benefits of cloud computing with Azure, including time and cost savings.
• Explain high availability, scalability, elasticity, agility, and disaster recovery.
• Describe Azure architecture components like subscriptions, management groups, and resources.
• Summarize geographic concepts such as Azure regions, region pairs, and availability zones.

Module 2: Azure Architecture and Services

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Lessons:

• Overview of Azure compute services
• Overview of Azure networking services
• Overview of Azure storage services
• Overview of Azure database and analytics services

After completing this module, you will:

• Understand Azure services, including compute, network, storage, and databases.
• Identify virtualization options such as Azure VMs, Azure Container Instances, and Kubernetes.
• Compare Azure database services like Azure Cosmos DB, Azure SQL, and MySQL.
• Explore networking tools like Virtual Networks, VPN Gateways, and ExpressRoute.
• Understand Azure storage options, including Blob Storage, Disk Storage, and File Storage.

Module 3: Core Solutions and Management Tools

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Lessons:

• Select the right AI service for your needs
• Choose tools to build better solutions
• Choose monitoring services for visibility and issue mitigation
• Tools for managing and configuring Azure environments
• Select Azure serverless technology for your needs
• Choose the best Azure IoT service for your application

After completing this module, you will:

• Pick the right Azure AI service for different business challenges.
• Choose suitable software development tools and services.
• Identify the right monitoring services for various scenarios.
• Select appropriate Azure management tools for technical needs.
• Choose serverless computing technology for specific use cases.
• Identify the right Azure IoT services for your application.

Module 4: General Security and Network Security Features

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Lessons:

• Protect against Azure security threats
• Secure Azure network connections

After completing this module, you will:

• Improve your security posture using Azure Security Center.
• Gather and analyze security data with Microsoft Sentinel.
• Manage physical servers for Azure VMs.
• Understand defense-in-depth security layers.
• Control network traffic with Azure Firewall and network security groups.
• Use Azure DDoS Protection to guard against attacks.

Module 5: Identity, Governance, Privacy, and Compliance Features

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Lessons:

• Secure application access with Azure identity services
• Develop a cloud governance strategy
• Review Azure’s privacy, compliance, and data protection standards

After completing this module, you will:

• Understand authentication vs. authorization.
• Use Microsoft Entra ID for identity and access management.
• Implement single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and Conditional Access.
• Make cloud environment decisions using the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF).
• Control access with role-based access control (RBAC).
• Apply resource locks and tags.
• Use Azure Policy and Azure Blueprints for governance.
• Learn about Azure’s compliance offerings and regulatory standards.

Module 6: Cost Management and Service Level Agreements

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Lessons:

• Plan and manage Azure costs
• Review SLAs and the Azure service lifecycle

After completing this module, you will:

• Use the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator.
• Explore Azure pricing and cost estimation tools.
• Identify cost factors and best practices for cost management.
• Understand service-level agreements (SLAs) and their importance.
• Combine SLAs for composite reliability and review service lifecycles.

This course covers essential Azure concepts, including:

• Cloud fundamentals
• Cloud types: Public, Private, and Hybrid
• Azure service models: IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS
• Core Azure services, solutions, and management tools
• Security, compliance, privacy, and trust within Azure
• Azure pricing structures and service level agreements
• Understanding legacy and modern life cycles