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Microsoft Azure is one of the top market leaders as a private as well as a public cloud vendor. Azure provides access to a wide range of pre-configured services. It allows users to use and pay for the services of their choice. The cloud platform offers an integrated set of IaaS and PaaS capabilities, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, internet of things, security, analytics, and DevOps technologies.
Table of Contents
Microsoft Azure Cloud Services
1. Compute
2. Mobile
3. Storage
4. Machine Learning
5. Internet of Things (IoT)
Microsoft Azure Career Paths and Certifications
1. Fundamental Certifications
2. Associate Certifications
3. Expert Certifications
What is Microsoft Azure?
Previously known as Windows Azure, Microsoft Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform that has been designed to build, test, and deploy applications and services through Microsoft’s data centers. It provides software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and supports a range of different programming languages, tools, and frameworks. The platform provides a range of cloud services, for storage, compute, analytics, as well as networking.
Azure is also AWS’ closest competitor, trailing behind the market leader in terms of adoption. Microsoft has fleshed out its enterprise cloud offerings to compete with the giant. Offering over 600 services in over 15 categories, Azure is quickly catching up to AWS in terms of innovation and market share.
Microsoft Azure Cloud Services
Let’s take a look at the various cloud services Microsoft Azure offers.
1. Compute
Azure’s compute services aim to provide dependable backend infrastructure for companies and enterprises while ensuring uptime and reliability. Using the cloud’s compute services, customers can configure exactly what type of machine they want and deploy them on a wide scale.
These compute services allow a user to deploy and manage containers and virtual machines, allowing for batch data processing methods and easy scaling. The following compute services are a part of Azure’s product portfolio:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Azure offers virtualized workstations and other backend compute infrastructure for companies. These virtual machines allow users to launch general-purpose Microsoft Windows and Linux virtual machines. Requirements, such as storage, networking, and compute power are managed by Microsoft.
Companies can utilize the IaaS offerings of Azure to scale backend operations and execute strategies, such as cloud bursting. This approach allows infrastructure to be purchased and deployed quickly during times of increased load, thus saving infrastructure costs while offering a seamless experience for the end user.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Azure also provides its services to companies that manage an application’s lifecycle. These services aim to optimize processes, such as building, testing, deploying, and updating a cloud application in a timely manner.
Clients can simply host their application on the platform without configuring systems or building infrastructure. They can simply drop their code and deploy the application. Processes like scaling, data management, and analytics are managed by the vendor.
Azure also allows for the high-density hosting of websites, providing developers with the tools to build sites using Python, PHP, ASP.NET, or Node.js.
2. Mobile
With the rising adoption of mobile applications, Azure has started offering services to manage them. When companies sign up for these services, Azure takes care of tasks, such as analytics and distribution. To this end, there are two mobile services that Azure offers.
Mobile Engagement
Azure Mobile Engagement was made available for customers in 2015. It features a suite of options to interact with users as well as to collect analytics. The service collects real-time analytics that highlights user behavior, allowing companies to innovate new features targeted at these behaviors.
The service allows users to manage a mobile campaign, along with personalized recommendations for each user. Moreover, it also offers new options for monetization of mobile applications through user segmentation and in-app messaging options.
HockeyApp
HockeyApp is used for developing and distributing mobile apps. This service offers support for Android, Windows, iOS, and OSX, and comes with a bevy of useful features for customer engagement and application management.
The service offers features, such as live crash reports and in-app feedback from users, allowing app developers to close the loop between an app and its users. Moreover, these features can be easily integrated into existing application lifecycle management tools.
3. Storage
In the age of big data, every enterprise needs a strong storage infrastructure. Azure offers storage services that provide scalable cloud storage and support big data projects. When it comes to Azure’s storage services, there are four primary offerings – Table Storage, Blob Storage, Queue Storage, and File Storage.
Table Storage
Table Storage is a NoSQL non-relational database that allows programs to store structured text in partitioned collections. The service prioritizes the availability of data for apps, while still maintaining flexibility in infrastructure.
Table Storage does not require users to share their databases for additional speed, a process where data is split between multiple servers. It also offers geo-redundancy, along with the capability to store flexible datasets.
Blob Storage
The Azure Blob Storage service allows programs to store unstructured data as blobs. Depending on how often and how differently the data is accessed, Blob allows companies to scale storage infrastructure up and down.
The service also provides security for controlling access to data. It also comes with cloud-standard features, such as configurable geo-redundancy, object mutability, and consistent data across redundant servers.
Queue Storage
Azure’s Queue Service allows programs to communicate asynchronously through messages using queues. The service provides an application programming interface (API) for data access through a queue of messages that denote data access.
The queue service is built on top of the Blob Storage service and allows companies to maintain a relational SQL database in the cloud. This database can then be accessed with a few lines of code, allowing infrastructure to be configured as code.
File Storage
Azure’s File Storage service is one of the simplest services offered on the cloud. It allows companies to sync their data to cloud storage services, offering familiar tools and high performance. It features enterprise-grade encryption for data in transit and at rest, through technologies such as Server Message Block 3.0 and HTTP.
The File Storage service enables storage and accessibility of data stored on the cloud. It is also easily managed without the need to operate the deployment individually, and also features optimizations for speed and flexibility.
4. Machine Learning (ML)
As with any prominent cloud service provider today, Azure offers a variety of services geared towards providing support for machine learning projects. These range from infrastructure to utilities, allowing developers to provision and deploy architecture for ML applications at a moment’s notice. Azure offers a variety of services geared towards use with ML and artificial intelligence (AI). These include:
Machine Learning Studio
Azure’s ML Studio service offers an easy way to access and get started with ML applications. It is a browser-based service that features an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. It stands apart from other applications because it requires no coding whatsoever, allowing developers to bring their ideas to life in minimal time.
It is based on Python, with all parts of the software stack being fully managed by Microsoft. It also features many built-in packages offering interoperability with various languages and custom code. It is usually used in circumstances where fast deployment is of the essence and offers an easy way for companies to adopt AI.
Azure Databricks
Data is one of the most integral parts of managing an ML workflow, and Azure offers a service for this purpose. Azure Databricks is an analytics service featuring integrations with other ML-based Azure services.
Databricks is a big data Apache Spark-based service which allows companies to set up a Spark environment in minutes. It supports popular ML frameworks, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and SciKit Learn, along with languages like Python, R, Scala, and Java.
ONNX
First developed by Microsoft and then open-sourced, ONNX stands for ‘Open Neural Network Exchange Format’. This platform allows for companies to source interchangeable and trainable deep learning models, essentially functioning as an ecosystem to share these models.
ONNX is now being adopted by a variety of companies, including AMD, Facebook, HP, Huawei, Intel, NVIDIA, and many more. Among other things, ONNX allows for hardware optimizations to be more widespread, and models to be extensible across use-cases.
5. Internet of Things (IoT)
Azure also offers various services for companies to enter into the IoT space. These services are useful for enterprises looking to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) strategies into their operations. Mainly, Azure’s IoT services help users in capturing, monitoring, and analyzing IoT data.
Some of these services include:
Azure IoT Hub
Azure IoT Hub allows users to connect, monitor, and manage IoT assets. It focuses on establishing communication between various IoT devices, along with securing information passed on between them. It also offers services for ensuring the security of IoT deployments.
IoT Hub offers per-device authentication, two-way communication between devices and controllers, built-in device management, and integration with other Azure IoT services, such as Event Grid and IoT Edge.
Azure IoT Edge
The Azure IoT Edge service brings together IoT, cloud workloads, and artificial intelligence together. In a nutshell, the service enables cloud intelligence that is deployed locally on IoT edge devices. This usually increases efficiency, as there is lowered latency and improved reliability, depending on the workload.
This service also features the ability to deploy IoT services as containers in Docker, allowing for edge deployments of analytics, AI, and business logic. Companies can also move high-intensity workloads to the edge, with infrastructure being backed up by the cloud service.
Azure IoT Central
The IoT Central service is a SaaS platform where companies can manage their IoT operations at scale. It is easily extendable and offers services to connect and monitor IoT assets. It also provides optimizations for fast and easy deployments, without the need for expertise to operate this service.
It also features close integrations with other Azure services for a comprehensive package. It is also scalable and secure, with pricing options that make it an economical choice for companies looking to deploy IoT.
Apart from these, Azure also offers a range of messaging, media, CDN, developer, and blockchain services.
Learn More: What is AWS: Services, Hosting, Pricing, and CertificationsOpens a new window
Benefits of Azure Cloud
The benefits of choosing Azure cloud are many. Not only is Azure cost-effective, but it is also highly available and scalable. Moreover, since it is a Microsoft product, close integration with Windows and other Microsoft products are present across Azure’s product lineup.
Microsoft claims that over 95% of all Fortune 500 companies use Azure services for mission-critical operations. They also prioritize compliance and offer more than 90 services towards this end.
1. High Availability
The first expectation of any organization today would be a global reach. Many companies rely entirely on centralized data centers. With Microsoft’s global presence, Azure can increase the reach of a company’s infrastructure while offering redundancy across geographies.
This means that the adaptability of Azure is not dependent on location. Azure is present in 54 geographical regions; which Microsoft claims is more than any other cloud provider on the market. With data centers located across the world, Microsoft Azure guarantees 99.95% uptime for maximum reliability.
2. Security
Microsoft Azure was designed with a focus on security based on the standard security model to detect, assess, diagnose, stabilize, and close. The company claims that they spend $1 billion every year to protect their services from cybersecurity threats.
Azure is equipped with multi-level protection to protect data from ever-emerging security threats. The Azure environment is protected with a range of tools, such as Advanced Threat Analytics, Threat Intelligence, and Azure Information Protection. The platform offers increased protection with the help of user-friendly measures, such as app passwords and multi-factor authentication.
3. Cost-Efficient
Similar to other cloud services, using Azure allows companies to save on infrastructure costs. Where companies previously paid upfront for server-grade infrastructure, Azure offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model.
This model allows small and mid-sized businesses to manage their IT budgets more efficiently by letting them purchase only the services they require. Microsoft Azure also allows companies to save on infrastructure costs by allowing them to launch customer apps as well as business apps in the cloud itself.
4. Scalable
Owing to the large amount of backing architecture that Azure offers, companies can scale their infrastructure up and down as they require. For scaling up, they do not need to pay upfront for new services or products. For scaling down, companies do not incur losses when selling hardware.
This makes it very easy to scale compute power up or down with the help of Microsoft Azure. Thanks to this scalability, businesses have the advantage of being flexible to pay for only the services that were used.
5. Privacy and Compliance
The data stored on Microsoft Azure is compliant with data regulations. The cloud platform is built, keeping in mind the security and privacy demands of organizations today. Moreover, the platform has over 90 compliance offerings, with certifications such as CSA, PCI, FedRamp, Hitrust, and many more.
It is one of the most comprehensive cloud compliance coverages, with Microsoft claiming to offer more compliance than any other cloud service provider.
Microsoft Azure Career Paths and Certifications
Considering the popularity and benefits of Microsoft Azure, companies are always on the lookout for skilled professionals in the field. Let’s take a look at the various options aspiring professionals have when considering Microsoft Azure as their career path.
Microsoft Azure Career Paths
1. Fundamental Certifications
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals – Exam AZ-900
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam is meant for professionals who do not have a technical background to form a foundation in the basics of Azure. The course can also be opted by candidates with a technical background who require validation for their knowledge about cloud services and how those services are provided with Microsoft Azure.
Although the exam doesn’t require candidates to have technical IT experience, general IT knowledge can prove to be beneficial. This exam can be taken as a first step to learn about Azure’s cloud services. However, the exam is not a prerequisite for other Azure certifications.
2. Associate Certifications
Microsoft Azure Administrator – Exam AZ-103, Role: Azure Administrator
Candidates appearing for this exam will become Azure Administrators. These professionals are responsible for managing a variety of cloud services, including security, storage, networking, as well as compute cloud capabilities. They have a complete understanding of each service across the IT lifecycle and are also responsible for infrastructure services, environments, and applications.
Candidates appearing for the Microsoft Azure Administrator exam are expected to be proficient in Azure Portal, ARM templates, PowerShell, the Command Line Interface, operating systems, storage structures, networking, virtualization, and cloud infrastructure.
Microsoft Azure Security Technologies – Exam AZ-500, Role: Azure Security Engineer
Candidates appearing for the Microsoft Azure Security Technologies exam are Microsoft Azure Security Engineers who are responsible for maintaining the security posture, implementing security controls, managing identity and access, and protecting applications, data, and networks.
They are also responsible for identifying and remediating vulnerabilities with the help of security tools. Aspirants are expected to have strong scripting and automation skills, as well as a deep understanding of virtualization, networking, and cloud N-tier architecture. It is beneficial if candidates are familiar with Azure’s products and services and cloud capabilities.
Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution – Exam AI-100, Role: Azure AI Enginee
The Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution exam is beneficial for professionals who are responsible for analyzing requirements for cloud-based AI solutions and recommending the appropriate technologies and tools.
Candidates appearing for this exam are expected to be familiar with the various components of the Microsoft Azure AI portfolio, its open-source technologies and frameworks, and available options for data storage. They are also required to be familiar with the basics of data privacy and data ethics.
Implementing an Azure Data Solution – Exam DP-200, Role: Azure Data Engineer
Candidates appearing for the Implementing an Azure Data Solution exam are Azure data engineers who ingest, transform, and egress data from multiple sources using a range of tools.
These professionals work with business stakeholders on a day-to-day basis to identify data requirements. They are also responsible for implementing the monitoring, management, privacy, and security of data using Azure’s products and services.
Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure – Exam DP-100, Role: Azure Data Engineer
Candidates appearing for the Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure exam are responsible for applying data exploration techniques to gain valuable insights. They should be capable of using machine learning techniques to evaluate, train, and deploy AI models.
Professionals appearing for this exam are also expected to be familiar with natural language processing, predictive analytics, and computer vision. Some background in statistics, mathematics, and computer science can prove beneficial for aspirants taking this exam.
Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure – Exam AZ-203, Role: Azure Developer
Candidates appearing for the Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure will work as Azure Developers who will be responsible for designing and building cloud solutions. These professionals are involved in all development phases from solution design to deployment to testing and maintenance.
Candidates taking the exam are expected to be proficient in developing apps and services with the help of Azure tools. It’s a prerequisite to have at least a year of experience in developing solutions for all phases of software development.
Learn More: Building a Cloud Technology Career: Career Paths and CertificationsOpens a new window
3. Expert Certifications
Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions – Exam AZ-400, Role: Azure DevOps Engineer
Candidates appearing for the Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions exam are DevOps professionals who are responsible for streamlining delivery by optimizing processes. They implement strategies for application code and infrastructure, which enables continuous testing, delivery, integration, and monitoring.
Professionals appearing for this exam are expected to be proficient with Agile practices, Azure administration, and Azure development. Azure DevOps professionals should be able to implement DevOps practices for compliance, version control, configuration management, and infrastructure as code, using Azure technologies.
Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies – Exam AZ-300, Role: Azure Architect
Candidates appearing for the Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies exam are Azure Solution Architects who advise stakeholders on a day-to-day basis and translate business requirements into secure and reliable solutions.
Candidates appearing for this exam are expected to have a good understanding of IT operations, such as identity, security, networking, virtualization, data management, budgeting, business continuity, disaster recovery, and governance. Candidates are also required to be proficient in Azure administration, DevOps, and Azure development.
4. Others
Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification Transition – Exam AZ-102, Role: Azure Administrator
The Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification Transition certification is meant for professionals who are aspiring to become an Azure Administrator. However, it’s necessary that the candidates appearing for this exam have already appeared for Exam 533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions.
Candidates appearing for this exam should have proficiency in using the Command Line Interface and PowerShell. They are also required to be familiar with ARM templates, Azure Portal, virtualization, operating systems, networking, cloud infrastructure, and storage structures. The course is ideal for Azure Administrators who manage a range of cloud services, including compute, storage, networking, and security.
Microsoft Azure Architect Design – Exam AZ-301, Role: Azure Architect
The Microsoft Azure Architect Design exam is meant for the Azure Architect role. Professionals appearing for this exam are Azure Solution Architects who have advanced experience across the various aspects of IT operations.
It’s important that candidates have a deep understanding of how decisions in each area affect an overall solution. Candidates are expected to be proficient in Azure administration, Azure development, and DevOps.
Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Certification Transition – Exam AZ-302, Role: Azure Architect
The Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Certification Transition exam is meant for Azure Architects with the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. This exam can only be taken by those professionals who have taken Exam 535 and have the Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions certification.
Candidates appearing for this exam are expected to be proficient in DevOps, Azure administration, and Azure development.
When discussing the ideal pathway for beginners, Chris SmithOpens a new window , VP, cloud architecture, Unitas GlobalOpens a new window , says, “Beginners to AWS certifications should find a computer-based training provider like Cloud Guru or CBT Nuggets where they can subscribe to professional quality training on AWS and other technology topics and work through learning at their own pace.
Most of these online training providers will allow you to work through hands-on training as you watch and learn from their portals. It is also crucial to work through practice exams of the certification exams that the person is trying to pass. You never want to go into an exam not having at least a general idea of what is going to be asked in the exam and how it is going to be organized.
Once you have watched some of the training videos, it is important to create an account, either trial or not, to be able to begin to work through the AWS portal on your own. This will allow you to build and dismantle environments on demand. Although one should be careful doing this as not to rack up a lot of charges.â€
He further adds, “The best way to choose a certification is to answer the following questions:
- What is my career interest?
- What would I like to build my expertise in?
- What certifications does my organization need?
One can then begin to look at what certifications are offered by the vendor and then choose accordingly.
Almost every provider, i.e., Microsoft, Amazon, Google, have sites that clearly explain the certifications in-depth, including what is proven by successful completion of the certification. Based on this information, any professional should be able to tell which certifications matter to them.â€
An Azure Certificate is sure to help you get noticed among other interviewees. It’s a great way to validate your Azure skills with industry-recognized certifications. The right certification enables you to develop and polish your skills as well as to get hired more easily.
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