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Learn Azure online

Advance your knowledge of cloud computing with online Azure courses that teach core concepts and more.

What is Azure?

Azure is Microsoft’s public cloud computing platform, created in 2010. Cloud computing services offer storage, servers, networking, and analytics power to users via the internet, instead of traditional hardware.Footnote 1 Cloud computing is quickly taking over from traditional data centers.Footnote 2

Microsoft’s Azure is a monthly subscription and offers over 200 products. Services include web hosting, virtual machines, app services, file storage, and data management in over 35 data center regions around the world. Azure offers solutions for cloud-based management and big data processing, including machine learning, streaming analytics, and AI services that can all be managed from the central Azure Portal.Footnote 3

There are three types of cloud computing: public, private, and hybrid clouds. Azure is public, which means it is owned and operated by a third-party provider. A private cloud is often managed by a single company and could have a physical data center on-site.

Azure’s suite includes IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS options (Software as a Service). In each of these modes, the “service” provided is what the host, Microsoft, provides.Footnote 4

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Azure online courses and training

Azure courses will teach students about the fundamentals of cloud computing and different services, such as Azure, Google Cloud Platform, or Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Unlike other computing courses, cloud computing does not require coding experience or prior knowledge. The broad applications of cloud services mean that non-software developers could find use in a platform such as Azure.

Training to prepare for Azure certification will commonly cover:

  • Operating systems

  • Cloud architecture

  • Virtual machines

  • Networking

  • Web APIs

  • Database management

  • Application deployment

Online Azure training will also explain the differences between cloud computing services. For example, how do IaaS, PaaS, and Saas systems vary? Also, what makes cloud computing scalable?

Explore Microsoft Azure jobs

Azure is a very popular cloud computing service with many products and applications. Certain workers may be asked to architect, deploy, and manage Azure solutions. Some examples of job titles that require Azure skills and knowledge include:

  • Azure data scientist

  • Azure data strategy consultant

  • Azure data engineer

  • Azure deployment specialist

  • Azure developer

  • Azure administrator

Qualifications for these roles vary. Many data scientist or engineer roles ask for a bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer science, business analytics, or computer engineering. To supplement your skills in one of these areas, you may also want to consider a boot camp.

Applicants who are pivoting careers or want to learn Azure along with more specialized skills can pursue a master’s degree in data science, computer science, or related fields. 

Why should I learn Azure?

Learning Azure can be a great way for an employee to help their company reap the benefits of cloud computing platforms. For many companies, cloud computing is a cost-effective alternative to traditional hardware due to the “pay for what you use” approach.Footnote 5 Virtual machines and virtual networks allow teams to run heavy memory tasks. Instead of investing in more significant and more powerful computers to run jobs, companies can create a virtual machine that uses the cloud to run tasks. This type of benefit can save businesses money each year that would have been spent on physical hardware.

Cloud computing is also on-demand and self-service. This means that users can access resources without interfacing the service provider, providing flexibility. Resource pooling and global network access make resource elasticity possible, too. IT resources can be delivered and saved when needed most.Footnote 6

Another benefit of cloud services is the ability to use mobile apps and Office 365 with Azure. These ‘cloud applications’ allow you to access your information on any device you want.

How to begin a career in Microsoft Azure

Individuals interested in a career in Microsoft Azure should learn Azure fundamentals. For example, they can start by becoming familiar with cloud computing, the Azure infrastructure, and platform. An online course in Azure can teach those fundamentals. Job descriptions for Azure careers often ask for some of the following additional skills:

  • Collaboration: Azure architects and data scientists may have to work with other cloud architects in their own company or with customers.

  • Communication: Successful tech experts are able to translate technical information for non-technical stakeholders in a clear and concise way.

  • Database management: A database management system allows users to create, store, organize, and retrieve large amounts of data from a computer system. 

  • Machine learning: Built-in tools and resources make rapid model-building and deployment possible in Azure, at scale.

To gain these skills and many more, students could pursue an undergraduate or advanced degree. For example, data analysis and management skills are key components of a bachelor’s in computer science and a master’s in data science programs.

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