Cloud Computing allows businesses to use computing resources efficiently without the cost of running unutilized server capacity and the task of building data centers. It has changed the nature and scope of IT service delivery.
Azure is Microsoft's evolving cloud platform. IT professionals who want to work with Azure need proper training and certifications.
Azure for IT Professionals
Azure is a very powerful, complex and huge platform and IT professionals need to continue developing their skills with the changing industry. Azure certifications support ongoing skill development and they let you showcase your specializations to the potential employers.
What is Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Azure is a blend of PaaS(Platform as a Service) & IaaS(Infrastructure as a Service). It brings together different cloud computing services, proprietary Microsoft services, and various open technology.
Azure offers a large number of interoperable cloud computing services and charges according to consumption instead of reserved capacity. It allows business to effectively utilize human capital as it significantly reduces the burden of administering different technologies such as Active Directory, SharePoint, and Windows Server.
Azure Learning Paths
Microsoft On-Demand(MOD) courses allow you to learn at your pace and schedule through tutorials that combine text, video, and hands-on-labs. Hands-on labs allow you to practice with cloud services in a live environment.
Microsoft Virtual Academy(MVA) allow you to learn from the experts. You can stay updated about the latest developments and gain the knowledge you need for success.
There are seven different learning paths and each one of them let you specialize according to your knowledge, skills, and experience.
- Administrator - You learn how to administer commonly used Azure components and services.
- Stack Operator - You learn about the architecture of Azure Stack and discover the tools to build hybrid applications.
- Solution Architect - You learn about the Azure Solution and how you can implement the required services and features.
- Node.js Developer - It lets you learn everything you need to build and deploy node.js web applications on Azure.
- .NET Developer - You learn how to build and deploy .NET web applications on Azure.
- AI Developer - You learn the fundamentals of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence services offered by Microsoft. You learn how to build applications using these services.
- AWS Professional - AWS professionals learn about the Azure architecture, development, and operations.
Azure Certification Exams
Azure certification paths are modular and they are perfectly suitable for Microsoft Server's core infrastructure skills.
MCSA(Microsoft Certified Solution Associate) - Cloud
To become an MCSA, you have to pass two examinations. You have to demonstrate your cloud administration capabilities. Here is a list of Exams.
Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions(Exam 70-532)
This exam is suitable for professionals who want to enhance their skills in programming, designing, automation and Azure administration.
Parts Of Exam -
- Azure Resource Manager Virtual Machines
- Storage & Data Strategy
- Network Services and Azure Compute
- Web & Mobile Services.
Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions(Exam 70-533)
Candidates gain experience by monitoring and implementing and cloud and hybrid solutions. They also learn about supporting application lifecycle management.
Parts Of Exam -
- Design & Implement Azure App Service Apps
- Create & Manage Azure Resource Manager Virtual-Machine
- Design & Implement A Storage Strategy
- Implementing Virtual Networks
- Design & Deploy ARM Templates
- Manage Azure Security & Recovery
- Manage Azure Operations
- Manage Azure Identities
Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions(Exam 70-534)
This exam allows the professionals to validate their Azure Solutions design skills.
Parts of Exam -
- Design ARM(Azure Resource Manager) Networking
- Secure Resources
- Designing Application Storage & Data Access Strategy
- Designing Advanced Applications
- Designing Azure Web & Mobile Apps
- Designing Management, Monitoring & Business continuity strategies.
- Architecting an Azure Compute Infrastructure
Designing & Implementing Cloud-Data Platform Solutions(Exam 70-441)
With this exam, professionals can validate their design and implementation skills of Microsoft data platform solutions.
Parts of Exam
- Design & Implement Database Solutions for SQL & Azure SQL.
- Design & Implement Security
- Designing for High Availability and Disaster Recovery
- Monitoring & Managing Database Implementations.
Designing & Implementing Big-Data Analytics Solutions(Exam 70-475)
Data scientists, architects, developers, and managers can take this exam
Parts of Exam -
- Big Data Batch Processing & Interactive Solutions
- Big-Data Real-Time Processing Solutions
- End-To-End Cloud Analytics Solutions
To learn the fundamentals, professionals can begin with exam 70-533.
To Sum Up
Once you complete an Azure certification, you should not stop learning. Cloud is evolving rapidly and professionals need to be aware of existing trends. Azure certifications let you adapt according to the changing industry demands