Learn Microsoft Azure through quick byte modules mentioned down in this page itself!
Refer here for the extensive Microsoft Azure Fundamentals course offered by Uplatz:
Course Syllabus – Microsoft Azure
Module 1: Introduction to Microsoft Azure
1. Overview of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure
2. Azure services and regions
3. Azure subscription and billing
4. Azure Resource Manager (ARM) and Azure Portal
5. Azure support and documentation
Module 2: Azure Virtual Machines
1. Introduction to Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)
2. Creating and configuring Azure VMs
3. Managing VM sizes, images, and disks
4. Azure VM networking and connectivity
5. Monitoring and scaling Azure VMs
Module 3: Azure Storage Solutions
1. Overview of Azure storage services
2. Azure Blob storage
3. Azure File storage
4. Azure Table storage
5. Azure Queue storage
5. Data replication and redundancy options
Module 4: Azure Networking
1. Azure Virtual Network (VNet) basics
2. Subnets and IP addressing in Azure
3. Azure VPN Gateway and Azure ExpressRoute
4. Azure Load Balancer and Traffic Manager
5. Azure Application Gateway and Azure Firewall
Module 5: Azure Security
1. Azure identity and access management (IAM)
2. Role-based access control (RBAC) in Azure
3. Azure Security Center and Azure Sentinel
4. Network security in Azure
5. Data encryption and compliance in Azure
Module 6: Azure Platform Services
1. Overview of Azure Platform as a Service (PaaS) offerings
2. Azure App Service for web and mobile applications
3. Azure Functions for serverless computing
4. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) for container orchestration
5. Azure Logic Apps for workflow automation
Module 7: Azure Database Services
1. Azure SQL Database and SQL Server on Azure VMs
2. Azure Cosmos DB for globally distributed databases
3. Azure Database for MySQL and PostgreSQL
4. Azure Redis Cache for in-memory data storage
5. Data migration and replication options
Module 8: Azure Governance
1. Azure Policy for compliance and governance
2. Azure Cost Management and Billing
3. Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates
4. Azure Blueprints for standardized deployments
5. Azure Management Groups and RBAC best practices
Module 9: Azure DevOps and CI/CD
1. Introduction to Azure DevOps
2. Azure Repos for version control
3. Azure Pipelines for CI/CD
4. Azure Artifacts and Azure Test Plans
5. Integrating Azure DevOps with Azure services
Module 10: Azure Monitoring and Management
1. Azure Monitor for logging and monitoring
2. Azure Log Analytics and Azure Metrics
3. Azure Alerts and Azure Automation
4. Application Insights for application performance monitoring
5. Best practices for Azure monitoring and management
Module 1: Introduction to Microsoft Azure
1. Definition of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, allowing users to access resources such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics on-demand.
2. Characteristics of Cloud Computing
(i) On-demand Self-service: Users can provision and manage resources automatically without human intervention.
(ii) Broad Network Access: Services are available over the network and accessible through standard mechanisms.
(iii) Resource Pooling: Resources are shared and dynamically allocated to multiple users based on demand.
(iv) Rapid Elasticity: Resources can be scaled up or down quickly to meet changing workload requirements.
(v) Measured Service: Usage of resources is monitored, controlled, and billed based on consumption.
3. Benefits of Cloud Computing
(i) Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down based on demand.
Cost-effectiveness: Pay only for what you use, reducing upfront infrastructure costs.
(ii) Flexibility: Choose from a variety of services and deployment models to suit specific needs.
(iii) Reliability: Built-in redundancy and high availability ensure reliable service delivery.
(iv) Security: Cloud providers offer robust security measures to protect data and applications.
4. Introduction to Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and services offered by Microsoft, providing a wide range of infrastructure and platform services for building, deploying, and managing applications and services through Microsoft-managed datacenters.
5. History and Evolution of Azure
Azure was first announced in 2008 as “Project Red Dog” and officially launched in 2010 as Windows Azure.
Over the years, Azure has evolved to offer a comprehensive suite of services and solutions, including compute, storage, networking, databases, AI, IoT, and more.
6. Key Features of Azure
(i) Scalability: Azure allows you to scale resources horizontally or vertically to meet changing demands.
(ii) Global Reach: Azure operates in over 60 regions worldwide, providing global coverage and compliance with local regulations.
(iii) Hybrid Capabilities: Azure offers seamless integration with on-premises environments, enabling hybrid cloud deployments.
(iv) Security: Azure provides robust security controls and compliance certifications to protect data and applications.
(v) AI and Machine Learning: Azure offers a suite of AI and machine learning services for building intelligent applications.
7. Comparison with other Cloud Service Providers
Azure competes with other major cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Each cloud provider offers unique features, pricing models, and service offerings, making it essential to evaluate based on specific requirements.
8. Azure Services and Solutions
Azure offers a vast array of services and solutions across various categories, including compute, networking, storage, databases, AI, IoT, DevOps, and more.
Common Azure services include Virtual Machines, Azure App Service, Azure Storage, Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Kubernetes Service, and Azure Functions.
9. Exploring Azure Global Infrastructure
Azure operates a global network of datacenters located in over 60 regions worldwide.
Regions are geographically dispersed to ensure high availability, fault tolerance, and compliance with data sovereignty regulations.
10. Understanding Azure Availability Zones and Region Pairs
Azure Availability Zones are physically separate datacenters within an Azure region, providing redundancy and fault tolerance.
Region Pairs are pairs of Azure regions within the same geography, providing data residency and compliance benefits.
11. Factors Influencing Datacenter Selection
Organizations should consider factors such as compliance requirements, latency, data residency, and disaster recovery when selecting Azure datacenters.
12. Introduction to Azure Portal and Management Tools
(i) Overview of Azure Portal
Azure Portal is a web-based management interface for managing Azure resources and services.
Azure Portal provides a unified and customizable dashboard for monitoring, managing, and configuring Azure resources.
(ii) Navigating Azure Portal Interface
Azure Portal features a user-friendly interface with customizable dashboards, resource groups, and service tiles.
Users can navigate through different services, access settings, and view monitoring metrics and logs.
(iii) Introduction to Azure CLI and PowerShell
Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) and PowerShell are command-line tools for managing Azure resources programmatically.
Azure CLI is cross-platform and supports scripting and automation, while PowerShell provides deep integration with Windows environments.
(iv) Overview of Azure Mobile App
Azure Mobile App allows users to monitor and manage Azure resources from mobile devices on-the-go.
The mobile app provides essential features such as monitoring alerts, viewing resource status, and executing commands.
Module 2: Azure Virtual Machines
1. Introduction to Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)
Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) are scalable computing resources offered by Microsoft Azure that enable users to run virtualized instances of servers, desktops, or other operating systems in the cloud. With Azure VMs, users can deploy and manage virtual machines on-demand, without the need to invest in physical hardware.
Key Features and Benefits:
(i) Scalability: Azure VMs can be scaled up or down based on workload requirements, allowing users to adjust compute resources as needed.
(ii) Flexibility: Users have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of VM sizes, operating systems (Windows, Linux), and deployment options (Azure Marketplace images, custom images).
(iii) Integration: Azure VMs seamlessly integrate with other Azure services such as Azure Storage, Azure Networking, and Azure Active Directory, as well as on-premises environments through Azure Hybrid Connections.
2. Creating and Configuring Azure Virtual Machines
(i) Creating Virtual Machines
To create Azure VMs, users can utilize the Azure Portal, Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, or Azure APIs. During the creation process, users specify parameters such as VM size, operating system, disk configuration, networking settings, and administrative credentials.
(ii) Configuring Virtual Machines
Azure VMs can be configured by connecting to them remotely using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for Windows VMs or Secure Shell (SSH) for Linux VMs. Users can then install and configure software applications, manage user accounts and permissions, and customize VM settings such as disk encryption, monitoring agents, and extensions.
3. Managing Azure Virtual Machines
(i) Monitoring and Performance Optimization
Azure provides monitoring capabilities through Azure Monitor, allowing users to track VM performance metrics such as CPU usage, memory utilization, disk I/O, and network throughput. Based on monitoring data, users can optimize VM performance by resizing VMs, adjusting disk configurations, or implementing caching solutions.
(ii) Backup and Disaster Recovery
Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery offer comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solutions for Azure VMs. Users can configure backup policies to schedule regular backups of VM data and applications, as well as implement site-to-site or site-to-Azure replication for disaster recovery purposes.
(iii) Security Best Practices
To enhance VM security, users can implement network security groups (NSGs) to control inbound and outbound traffic to VMs, enable encryption for data-at-rest and data-in-transit, and enforce access controls using Azure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). Azure Security Center provides continuous monitoring and threat detection capabilities to respond to security threats.
4. Scaling and High Availability
(i) Scaling Virtual Machines
Azure VMs can be scaled vertically by resizing VMs to higher or lower compute sizes, or horizontally by deploying multiple VM instances using Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets. Automation tools such as Azure Automation and Azure Functions can be used to automate scaling operations based on predefined triggers or performance thresholds.
(ii) High Availability and Fault Tolerance
Azure offers built-in high availability features such as Availability Sets and Virtual Machine Scale Sets to ensure VMs remain available and resilient to failures. Availability Sets distribute VM instances across fault domains and update domains to minimize downtime during planned or unplanned maintenance events, while Virtual Machine Scale Sets automatically scale VM instances based on demand to maintain performance and availability.
5. Advanced Topics and Best Practices
(i) Custom Images and Templates
Users can create custom VM images and templates based on their specific requirements and configurations, allowing for standardized deployments and streamlined provisioning processes. Custom images can be created using tools such as Azure Image Builder or third-party image management solutions.
(ii) Cost Management and Optimization
To optimize VM costs, users can implement cost management strategies such as rightsizing VMs to match workload requirements, leveraging Azure Hybrid Benefit to bring existing on-premises licenses to Azure VMs, and utilizing Azure Reserved VM Instances for discounted pricing. Azure Cost Management + Billing provides insights and recommendations for optimizing VM usage and reducing costs.
(iii) Case Studies and Real-World Examples
Exploring real-world scenarios and case studies of Azure Virtual Machine deployments can provide valuable insights into best practices, lessons learned, and successful implementation strategies. Learning from the experiences of others can help users make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls when deploying and managing Azure VMs.
Module 3: Azure Storage Solutions
1. Overview of Azure Storage Services
Azure Storage is a scalable, secure, and highly available cloud storage solution offered by Microsoft Azure.
It provides a range of storage services tailored to different use cases, including Blob Storage, File Storage, Queue Storage, and Table Storage.
Key Features and Benefits:
(i) Scalability: Azure Storage scales dynamically to accommodate growing data requirements.
(ii) Durability: Data stored in Azure Storage is replicated across multiple datacenters to ensure high availability and durability.
(iii) Security: Azure Storage offers robust security features such as encryption, access controls, and role-based access control (RBAC).
(iv) Integration: Azure Storage seamlessly integrates with other Azure services and on-premises environments, facilitating data management and application development.
2. Azure Blob Storage
Azure Blob Storage is designed for storing large amounts of unstructured data, such as images, videos, documents, and log files.
It offers different types of blobs, including Block blobs for general-purpose storage, Page blobs for random access to files, and Append blobs for appending data to existing blobs.
Blob Storage is commonly used for media streaming, backup and archiving, data lakes, and content delivery.
Best practices include organizing blobs into containers, setting appropriate access permissions, and implementing encryption for data security.
3. Azure File Storage
Azure File Storage provides fully managed file shares in the cloud, accessible via the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.
It enables organizations to create shared file systems for applications, users, and virtual machines running in Azure or on-premises.
File Storage is ideal for scenarios requiring shared access to files across multiple VMs or applications, such as shared application data, user home directories, and configuration files.
Best practices include securing file shares with access control lists (ACLs), implementing encryption at rest, and monitoring file share usage.
4. Azure Queue Storage
Azure Queue Storage provides a scalable message-queuing service for building distributed applications.
It enables decoupling of application components, asynchronous processing, and reliable messaging between components.
Queue Storage is commonly used for tasks such as task distribution, workload balancing, and event-driven processing.
Best practices include implementing retry policies, setting appropriate time-to-live (TTL) values, and monitoring queue metrics for performance optimization.
5. Azure Table Storage
Azure Table Storage is a NoSQL data store for storing structured data in the form of tables.
It offers schema-less storage, enabling flexible data modeling and easy scalability.
Table Storage is suitable for storing semi-structured data, such as IoT telemetry, user profiles, and metadata.
Best practices include designing efficient partition keys and row keys, optimizing query performance, and leveraging secondary indexes for query flexibility.
6. Advanced Storage Topics
(i) Data Encryption
Azure Storage offers encryption capabilities for data-at-rest and data-in-transit, ensuring data security and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Users can encrypt data using Azure-managed keys or customer-managed keys stored in Azure Key Vault.
(ii) Data Replication and Redundancy
Azure Storage replicates data across multiple datacenters within the same region or across different regions, ensuring high availability and fault tolerance.
Users can choose between replication options such as locally redundant storage (LRS), geo-redundant storage (GRS), and zone-redundant storage (ZRS) based on their availability and durability requirements.
(iii) Access Controls and Authorization
Azure Storage provides granular access controls and authorization mechanisms to secure access to data and resources.
Users can define access policies, manage access keys, and implement role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict access to authorized users and applications.
Module 4: Azure Networking
1. Introduction to Azure Networking
Azure Networking provides a range of services and features for building and managing network infrastructures in the cloud.
Key components include Azure Virtual Network (VNet), Subnets, Network Security Groups (NSGs), and Azure VPN Gateway.
Azure Networking enables organizations to establish secure, scalable, and interconnected network architectures for their applications and services.
Use cases include hybrid cloud connectivity, virtual private networks (VPNs), application load balancing, and network security.
2. Azure Virtual Network (VNet)
Azure Virtual Network (VNet) is a foundational networking service that allows users to create isolated network environments in Azure.
It enables segmentation of resources, IP address management, and connectivity to on-premises networks and the internet.
Users can create VNets using Azure Portal, Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, or Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates.
Configuration options include defining IP address ranges, configuring DNS settings, and implementing custom routing tables.
3. Subnets and Network Security Groups (NSGs)
Subnets are subdivisions of a VNet that enable further segmentation and organization of resources.
Users can create subnets within a VNet and assign resources to specific subnets based on their functional requirements.
Network Security Groups (NSGs) are security groups that allow or deny traffic to and from Azure resources based on user-defined rules.
Users can create NSGs to control inbound and outbound traffic at the subnet or individual resource level.
4. Azure VPN Gateway
Azure VPN Gateway is a virtual network gateway service that enables secure communication between Azure VNets and on-premises networks.
It supports site-to-site VPN, point-to-site VPN, and ExpressRoute connections.
Users can configure Azure VPN Gateway to establish secure connections using Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) VPN or Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) VPN.
Connectivity options include connecting to on-premises networks, remote user access, and hybrid cloud scenarios.
5. Advanced Networking Features
(i) Azure ExpressRoute
Azure ExpressRoute provides private, dedicated network connections between Azure datacenters and on-premises infrastructure.
It offers higher reliability, lower latency, and increased security compared to internet-based connections.
(ii) Azure Load Balancer
Azure Load Balancer distributes incoming traffic across multiple virtual machines or instances to ensure high availability and scalability.
It supports both internal and external load balancing for various types of applications and services.
6. Network Security and Monitoring
Implementing network security best practices such as implementing firewalls, encryption, access controls, and intrusion detection systems (IDS).
Monitoring network traffic, performance metrics, and security events using Azure Monitor and Azure Security Center.
Module 5: Azure Security
1. Introduction to Azure Security
Azure Security provides a comprehensive suite of services and features for protecting data, applications, and infrastructure in the cloud.
Key components include Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), Azure Security Center, Azure Key Vault, Azure Identity Protection, and Azure Firewall.
Azure Security follows core principles such as defense-in-depth, least privilege, encryption, and continuous monitoring.
Best practices include implementing strong authentication, access controls, encryption, and threat detection to mitigate security risks.
2. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
Azure Active Directory is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service, providing single sign-on (SSO) and centralized user management.
It enables users to authenticate and access resources across Azure, Microsoft 365, and other cloud services.
Users can configure Azure AD tenants, create user accounts, groups, and roles, and define access policies and permissions.
Integration options include synchronizing on-premises Active Directory with Azure AD using Azure AD Connect.
3. Azure Security Center
Azure Security Center is a unified security management service that provides advanced threat protection across hybrid cloud workloads.
It offers security posture assessment, threat detection, security policy management, and remediation recommendations.
Users can configure security policies, enable security recommendations, and monitor security alerts and events.
Integration with Azure Monitor and Azure Sentinel allows for centralized security monitoring and incident response.
4. Azure Key Vault
Azure Key Vault is a cloud-based service for managing cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates used by cloud applications and services.
It provides centralized key management, secure storage, and access control for sensitive data.
Users can create and manage keys, secrets, and certificates within Azure Key Vault, and define access policies and permissions.
Integration with Azure services and applications allows for seamless encryption and decryption of data.
5. Azure Identity Protection
Azure Identity Protection is a threat detection service that analyzes user sign-in and authentication patterns to identify and mitigate security risks.
It provides risk-based conditional access policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) enforcement to protect against identity-based attacks.
Users can configure risk policies, define risk levels, and enforce adaptive access controls based on user risk scores.
Integration with Azure AD and Azure Security Center enables automated remediation of high-risk events and suspicious activities.
6. Azure Firewall
Azure Firewall is a managed network security service that provides stateful firewalling and threat intelligence-based filtering for virtual networks.
It protects network traffic between Azure VNets, on-premises networks, and the internet.
Users can configure network rules, application rules, and threat intelligence settings to control inbound and outbound traffic.
Integration with Azure Monitor and Azure Security Center allows for centralized logging, monitoring, and analysis of firewall activity.
Module 6: Azure Platform Services
1. Overview of Azure Platform as a Service (PaaS) Offerings
(i) Introduction to PaaS
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides a platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without the complexity of infrastructure management.
PaaS abstracts away the underlying hardware, operating systems, and networking infrastructure, allowing developers to focus solely on application development and deployment.
(ii) Benefits of PaaS
a) Reduced time-to-market: PaaS accelerates application development by providing pre-configured development environments and built-in services.
b) Scalability: PaaS platforms automatically scale resources.
c) Reduced operational overhead: PaaS providers handle infrastructure maintenance tasks such as security updates, patching, and backups.
(iii) Azure PaaS Offerings
Azure offers a wide range of PaaS services to support application development and deployment needs.
Key Azure PaaS offerings include Azure App Service, Azure Functions, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and Azure Logic Apps.
2. Azure App Service for Web and Mobile Applications
(i) Introduction to Azure App Service
Azure App Service is a fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web & mobile applications.
It supports multiple programming languages and frameworks – .NET, Java, Node.js, Python, and PHP.
(ii) Features of Azure App Service
a) Web Apps: Host and scale web applications.
b) Mobile Apps: Build and deploy mobile applications for iOS, Android, and Windows.
c) API Apps: Create and publish APIs for integration with other services.
d) Logic Apps: Automate workflows and integrate services without writing code.
(iii) Deployment and Scaling
Azure App Service supports continuous deployment with integration with Azure DevOps, GitHub, and other version control systems.
Automatic scaling ensures that resources are dynamically provisioned based on application demand.
3. Azure Functions for Serverless Computing
(i) Introduction to Azure Functions
Azure Functions is a serverless compute service that allows developers to run event-driven code without managing infrastructure.
Functions can be triggered by events from various Azure services or external sources.
(ii) Key Features of Azure Functions
a) Multiple language support: Azure Functions supports languages such as C#, JavaScript, Python, and Java.
b) Pay-per-execution pricing model: Developers only pay for the resources consumed during function execution.
c) Scalability: Functions automatically scale based on workload demand.
(iii) Creating and Deploying Azure Functions
Functions can be created and deployed using the Azure portal, Visual Studio, Azure CLI, or Azure Functions Core Tools.
Integration with Azure services such as Azure Blob Storage, Azure Cosmos DB, and Azure Event Hubs.
4. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) for Container Orchestration
(i) Introduction to Kubernetes and AKS
Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) simplifies Kubernetes cluster management on Azure.
(ii) Deploying Containerized Applications to AKS
AKS clusters can be created and managed using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or Azure Resource Manager templates.
Containerized applications can be deployed to AKS using Kubernetes manifests or Helm charts.
(iii) Monitoring and Scaling with AKS
AKS provides built-in monitoring and logging capabilities for monitoring cluster health and application performance.
Horizontal and vertical scaling options enable efficient resource utilization based on application demand.
5. Azure Logic Apps for Workflow Automation
(i) Introduction to Logic Apps
Azure Logic Apps is a cloud-based service for automating workflows and integrating services.
Logic Apps use a visual designer for creating workflows using triggers and actions.
(ii) Creating and Configuring Logic Apps
Logic Apps workflows can be created and configured using the Azure portal or Visual Studio.
Connectors provide integration with various Azure services, SaaS applications, and on-premises systems.
(iii) Error Handling and Logic within Logic Apps
Logic Apps support error handling, retries, and custom logic using expressions and workflow control actions.
Versioning and deployment management ensure consistency and reliability of Logic Apps workflows.
Module 7: Azure Database Services
1. Introduction to Azure Database Services
Azure Database Services offer managed database solutions in the cloud, eliminating the need for managing infrastructure and providing scalable, highly available, and secure database solutions for various workload requirements.
2. Managed Database Services Overview
Managed database services abstract the complexities of database management, including provisioning, patching, backups, and high availability, allowing users to focus on application development rather than infrastructure maintenance.
3. Benefits of Azure Database Services
(i) Scalability: Azure Database Services can scale resources dynamically to handle varying workload demands without downtime.
(ii) High Availability: Built-in redundancy and automated failover mechanisms ensure high availability and reliability of databases.
(iii) Security: Azure Database Services offer robust security features, including encryption at rest and in transit, role-based access control (RBAC), and threat detection.
(iv) Cost Efficiency: Pay-as-you-go pricing models and automated resource management help optimize costs and minimize operational expenses.
4. Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database service that offers built-in intelligence, security, and performance tuning capabilities.
(i) Provisioning Azure SQL Database
a) Azure Portal: Create Azure SQL Database instances using the Azure Portal with guided configuration options.
b) Azure CLI: Use the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) to provision Azure SQL Database instances programmatically.
(ii) Configuration and Management
a) Database Settings: Configure database parameters, including pricing tier, compute and storage options, and performance settings.
b) Security Features: Implement security best practices, such as firewall rules, encryption, and auditing, to protect Azure SQL Database instances.
c) Performance Tuning: Optimize database performance through index optimization, query tuning, and resource scaling.
(iii) Monitoring and Maintenance
a) Performance Monitoring: Utilize Azure Monitor and Query Performance Insights to monitor database performance and identify performance bottlenecks.
b) Automated Maintenance: Schedule automated backups, maintenance tasks, and updates to ensure database health and reliability.
(iv) Backup and Restore
a) Backup Strategies: Implement backup and restore strategies, including full, differential, and transaction log backups, to protect data against loss.
b) Point-in-Time Restore: Perform point-in-time restores to recover databases to a specific point in time in case of data corruption or accidental deletions.
5. Azure Cosmos DB
Azure Cosmos DB is a globally distributed, multi-model database service designed for building highly responsive and scalable applications.
(i) Creating Cosmos DB Accounts
a) Account Creation: Create Azure Cosmos DB accounts to host databases in different API models, including SQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Gremlin, and Table APIs.
b) Data Modeling: Define data models and partitioning strategies to optimize data distribution and query performance.
(ii) Configuration and Optimization
a) Consistency Levels: Configure consistency levels to balance data consistency and availability based on application requirements.
b) Indexing: Create and manage indexing policies to optimize query performance and minimize latency.
c) Partitioning: Distribute data across partitions to achieve horizontal scalability and improve throughput.
(iii) Data Migration and Replication
a) Data Migration Tools: Use Azure Data Migration Service, Azure Cosmos DB Data Migration Tool, or third-party tools to migrate data to Azure Cosmos DB.
b) Replication: Replicate data across Azure regions to achieve global distribution and ensure data availability and resiliency.
(iv) Integration with Applications
a) SDKs and APIs: Integrate Azure Cosmos DB with applications using SDKs and APIs available for various programming languages and platforms.
b) Event-Driven Architecture: Implement event-driven architectures with Azure Functions and Azure Cosmos DB change feed to react to database changes in real-time.
6. Azure Database for MySQL
Azure Database for MySQL is a fully managed MySQL database service that provides high availability, security, and scalability.
(i) Provisioning MySQL Instances
a) Instance Creation: Deploy Azure Database for MySQL instances using the Azure Portal, Azure CLI, or Azure Resource Manager templates.
b) Configuration Options: Specify parameters such as server version, compute size, storage type, and networking settings during instance creation.
(ii) Security and Compliance
a) Network Security: Configure firewall rules and virtual network integration to control access to Azure Database for MySQL instances.
b) Data Encryption: Enable encryption at rest and in transit to protect data privacy and meet compliance requirements.
(iii) Performance Optimization
a) Query Performance: Optimize query performance through index optimization, query caching, and query tuning techniques.
b) Resource Scaling: Dynamically scale compute and storage resources to handle workload fluctuations and maintain performance levels.
(iv) Monitoring and Troubleshooting
a) Performance Monitoring: Monitor database performance using Azure Monitor metrics and query performance insights.
b) Alerting: Set up alerts & notifications to proactively identify and address performance issues or resource constraints.
7. Azure Database for PostgreSQL
Azure Database for PostgreSQL is a managed PostgreSQL database service that offers high availability, security, and performance.
(i) PostgreSQL Instance Deployment
a) Instance Creation: Provision Azure Database for PostgreSQL instances using the Azure Portal, Azure CLI, or ARM templates.
b) Configuration Options: Customize database parameters, including server version, compute size, storage type, and networking settings.
(ii) Security Features
a) Authentication and Authorization: Implement role-based access control (RBAC) and authentication mechanisms to secure access to Azure Database for PostgreSQL instances.
b) Data Protection: Enable encryption at rest and in transit to protect data integrity and confidentiality.
(iii) Performance Tuning
a) Query Optimization: Optimize query performance by analyzing execution plans, creating indexes, and tuning database parameters.
b) Resource Scaling: Scale compute and storage resources vertically or horizontally to accommodate growing workloads and maintain performance.
(iv) Monitoring and Diagnostics
a) Metrics and Logs: Monitor database health and performance using Azure Monitor metrics and PostgreSQL logs.
b) Diagnostic Tools: Utilize built-in diagnostic tools, such as pg_stat_statements and pg_stat_activity, to troubleshoot performance issues and identify bottlenecks.
8. Azure Database Migration Service
Azure Database Migration Service simplifies the process of migrating on-premises databases to Azure.
(i) Migration Planning and Assessment
a) Assessment Tools: Use Azure Database Migration Service and Azure Migrate tools to assess database readiness and compatibility with Azure.
b) Migration Strategy: Develop a migration strategy based on assessment findings, including migration scope, timeline, and resource requirements.
(ii) Database Migration
a) Source and Target Setup: Configure source and target environments, including connectivity settings and migration agent deployment.
b) Data Replication: Migrate data from source databases to target databases using online or offline migration methods with minimal downtime.
(iii) Monitoring and Troubleshooting
a) Migration Monitoring: Monitor migration progress and status using Azure Database Migration Service monitoring tools.
b) Troubleshooting: Address migration errors and issues using built-in diagnostic tools and support resources provided by Azure.
(iv) Post-Migration Validation
a) Data Validation: Verify data integrity and consistency post-migration using validation scripts and comparison tools.
b) Performance Optimization: Fine-tune database configurations and indexes to optimize performance and resource utilization in the Azure environment.
Module 8: Azure Governance
1. Azure Policy for Compliance and Governance
(i) Overview of Azure Policy
Azure Policy is a service in Azure that you can use to create, assign, and manage policies. These policies enforce different rules and effects over resources so that those resources stay compliant with your corporate standards and service level agreements.
(ii) Implementing Azure Policy
To implement Azure Policy, you define a policy and assign it to a scope of resources. The policy definition describes the conditions under which the policy is enforced, and the effect is the action that takes place when the conditions are met.
(iii) Monitoring and Reporting
Azure Policy provides built-in monitoring and reporting capabilities to help you assess the compliance of your resources. You can view compliance results, remediate non-compliant resources, and generate compliance reports.
2. Azure Cost Management and Billing
(i) Introduction to Cost Management
Azure Cost Management and Billing provides tools and capabilities to monitor, analyze, and optimize your Azure spending. You can track your cloud usage, set budgets, and receive alerts to control costs effectively.
(ii) Cost Analysis and Optimization
With cost analysis tools, you can analyze your spending trends, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize resource utilization. By setting up budgets and alerts, you can monitor your spending and take corrective actions as needed.
3. Azure Resource Manager (ARM) Templates
(i) Overview of ARM Templates
Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates are JSON files that define the resources you need for your solution. These templates enable you to deploy and manage your infrastructure as code.
(ii) Template Authoring and Deployment
You can author ARM templates to automate the deployment and configuration of Azure resources. Once authored, you can deploy these templates using Azure CLI, PowerShell, Azure Portal, or Azure DevOps pipelines.
(iii) Best Practices and Governance
It’s essential to follow best practices when authoring ARM templates, such as versioning, testing, and managing templates in source control repositories. Additionally, you can enforce governance controls using ARM templates in conjunction with Azure Policy and Azure Blueprints.
4. Azure Blueprints for Standardized Deployments
(i) Introduction to Azure Blueprints
Azure Blueprints allow you to define a repeatable set of Azure resources that adhere to organizational standards, security controls, and compliance requirements. You can create and manage blueprints to enforce governance policies and standards across your environment.
(ii) Blueprint Authoring and Management
You can author and manage Azure Blueprints to define the structure, policies, and configurations for your environments. These blueprints can then be assigned to subscriptions and resource groups to ensure consistent deployments.
(iii) Lifecycle Management and Compliance
To maintain compliance and manage changes, implement versioning, change management, and lifecycle management practices for Azure Blueprints. Monitoring compliance with blueprint assignments and auditing changes ensures the integrity of your deployments.
5. Azure Management Groups and RBAC Best Practices
(i) Introduction to Management Groups
Azure Management Groups provide a level of scope above subscriptions to organize resources and apply governance controls at scale. You can create and manage management groups to enforce policies, standards, and RBAC across your Azure environments.
(ii) Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
RBAC enables you to grant permissions to Azure resources based on predefined roles and responsibilities. By designing RBAC roles and role assignments, you can enforce the principle of least privilege and ensure security and compliance.
(iii) Governance and Compliance
By leveraging Azure Policy and Azure Blueprints with Azure Management Groups, you can enforce governance policies and standards across your organization. Monitoring and auditing access control changes and compliance with governance policies ensures the integrity & security of your Azure environments.
Module 9: Azure DevOps and CI/CD
1. Introduction to Azure DevOps
Azure DevOps is a comprehensive suite of tools that facilitates agile planning, version control, build automation, release management, and collaboration for software development teams.
Key Features & Capabilities:
a) Agile Planning: Plan and track work using backlogs, boards, and dashboards.
b) Version Control: Manage source code repositories with Git or Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC) using Azure Repos.
c) Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Automate build, test, and deployment processes with Azure Pipelines.
d) Collaboration: Enable collaboration among team members with features like wikis, dashboards, and integrations.
2. Azure Repos for Version Control
Azure Repos is a version control system that provides Git repositories for source code management. It offers features such as branching, merging, pull requests, and code reviews to facilitate collaboration and code management.
Working with Git Repositories:
a) Creating Git Repositories: Create new Git repositories within Azure DevOps projects.
b) Branching and Merging: Manage branches, merge changes, and resolve conflicts using Git workflows.
c) Pull Requests: Request code reviews, discuss changes, and merge code into the main branch using pull requests.
3. Azure Pipelines for CI/CD
Azure Pipelines is a fully-featured continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) service that enables teams to automate build, test, and deployment processes for their applications.
Configuring CI/CD Pipelines:
a) Defining Pipeline Stages: Define stages for building, testing, and deploying applications in YAML or visual designer.
b) Integrating with Source Control: Connect Azure Pipelines to Azure Repos or other source control repositories for automatic triggering of builds.
c) Executing Build and Release Pipelines: Run builds and release deployments triggered by code commits, pull requests, or other events.
4. Azure Artifacts and Azure Test Plans
Azure Artifacts is a package management service that enables teams to create, host, and share packages with their development teams and projects.
Azure Test Plans is a testing solution that provides test case management, exploratory testing, and automated testing capabilities for software testing teams.
5. Integrating Azure DevOps with Azure Services
Azure DevOps integrates seamlessly with various Azure services, enabling teams to leverage the power of Azure for their development and deployment workflows.
E.g. of Integration Scenarios:
a) Deploying applications to Azure App Service or Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) using Azure Pipelines.
b) Automating infrastructure deployments with Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates and Azure DevOps.
c) Monitoring applications deployed in Azure using Azure Monitor and integrating alerts with Azure DevOps.
Module 10: Azure Monitoring and Management
1. Azure Monitor for Logging and Monitoring
Azure Monitor is a comprehensive monitoring solution that provides insights into the performance and health of Azure resources. It collects telemetry data from various sources and offers features for logging, metrics collection, alerting, and dashboards.
(i) Logging with Azure Monitor
a) Logging: Capture and store log data generated by Azure resources, including virtual machines, databases, and applications.
b) Log Analytics: Analyze log data using powerful query language and tools provided by Azure Log Analytics.
(ii) Metrics Monitoring
a) Metrics: Collect and monitor performance metrics such as CPU usage, memory utilization, and network traffic for Azure resources.
b) Azure Metrics Explorer: Visualize and analyze metric data using built-in charts and graphs.
2. Azure Log Analytics and Azure Metrics
(i) Azure Log Analytics
Azure Log Analytics is a service that collects, analyzes, and visualizes log data from Azure resources and on-premises environments. It offers advanced querying capabilities, machine learning insights, and integration with other Azure services.
(ii) Azure Metrics
Azure Metrics provides a centralized location for monitoring performance metrics across Azure services. It offers built-in charts, alerts, and dashboards for visualizing and analyzing metric data in real-time.
3. Azure Alerts and Azure Automation
(i) Azure Alerts
Azure Alerts enable proactive monitoring and notification of resource states and conditions. Users can set up alerts based on metrics, logs, and activity logs, and define actions to take when alerts are triggered.
(ii) Azure Automation
Azure Automation allows users to automate manual, repetitive tasks and processes within Azure environments. It provides capabilities for creating runbooks, scheduling jobs, and integrating with other Azure services.
4. Application Insights for Application Performance Monitoring
Application Insights is a service that provides application performance monitoring (APM) and diagnostics for web applications. It offers features for monitoring availability, performance, and usage of applications, as well as diagnosing and troubleshooting issues.
Performance Monitoring:
a) Availability Monitoring: Monitor the availability and responsiveness of web applications from various locations.
b) Performance Metrics: Track performance metrics such as response times, page load times, and server-side exceptions.
5. Best Practices for Azure Monitoring and Management
(i) Define Monitoring Requirements: Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor based on business objectives and requirements.
(ii) Set up Alerts and Notifications: Configure alerts and notifications to proactively monitor resource states and conditions and take timely action.
(iii) Centralize Logging and Monitoring: Use Azure Monitor and Log Analytics to centralize logging and monitoring across Azure resources and environments.
(iv) Automate Remediation: Implement Azure Automation to automate remediation tasks and ensure timely response to alerts and incidents.
Summary
In summary, the Microsoft Azure course offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the leading cloud computing platforms in the industry. Throughout the course, learners have delved into various Azure services, including computing, storage, networking, databases, AI, and more, gaining hands-on experience in designing, deploying, and managing cloud solutions. From Azure fundamentals to advanced topics such as governance, monitoring, and machine learning, this course has provided a solid foundation for learners to excel in the dynamic field of cloud computing. Armed with practical skills, best practices, and insights into Azure’s capabilities, graduates are well-equipped to tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation in their organizations. Whether pursuing a career in cloud computing, enhancing existing skills, or exploring new technologies, the Microsoft Azure course has empowered learners to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cloud technology with confidence and proficiency.