If you’re new to Azure, diving into the world of cloud computing can feel overwhelming. Microsoft Azure is a powerful platform offering a broad range of services, and getting familiar with the fundamentals is critical.

Here are the top five skills every beginner should focus on to build a strong Azure foundation:

1. Cloud Computing Basics

Before diving into Azure specifics, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals of cloud computing. This includes grasping the core concepts of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Knowing how these models differ will help you choose the right services and solutions as you start to work with Azure.

Tip: Explore Azure’s free learning modules on Microsoft Learn to build a foundational understanding of cloud principles. This Learning Path is a great way to get started: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Describe cloud concepts – Training | Microsoft Learn

2. Azure Resource Management

Effective resource management is critical in Azure. This includes knowing how to create and manage virtual machines, storage accounts, and networking components. Start by learning to use the Azure portal, Azure CLI, and PowerShell to deploy and manage resources. Also, understanding Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates (Json and Bicep) can be highly valuable for automating deployments.

Tip: Practice setting up resources in the Azure portal and then move to ARM templates or CLI commands for a more flexible, repeatable setup.

3. Networking Basics

Networking forms the backbone of cloud infrastructure, so basic networking knowledge is essential. In Azure, this means understanding virtual networks (VNets), subnets, and the importance of network security groups (NSGs). Familiarize yourself with concepts like VPNs, IP addressing, Peering, and load balancing as they apply to Azure.

Tip: Use the Azure portal’s built-in labs to create and configure your VNets and play around with NSG rules to control traffic flow.

4. Security Fundamentals

Security is critical in any cloud environment, and Azure provides several tools and best practices for protecting your applications and data. Begin by understanding Microsoft Entra ID (formerly known as Azure AD), Azure’s identity and access management service. Explore role-based access control (RBAC) to manage who has access to Azure resources and become familiar with basic security settings like firewalls, encryption, and managed identities.

Tip: Review Microsoft Defender to see security recommendations and use them to monitor and improve your security posture as you build.

5. Cost Management and Budgeting

Managing costs is often overlooked by beginners, but understanding Azure’s pricing and billing structure is crucial. Get familiar with the Azure Pricing Calculator and Azure Cost Management + Billing. These tools allow you to estimate and monitor costs, helping you avoid unexpected bills. Knowing how to set up budgets and alerts will ensure you stay within your budget as you explore Azure services.

Tip: Use the free Azure cost management resources and set up cost alerts to track spending on your account.

Final Thoughts

These five skills form the foundation for getting started with Microsoft Azure. As you grow more comfortable, you can explore more specialized areas like DevOps, data storage, or AI and machine learning on Azure. Remember, learning Microsoft Azure is a journey, and consistent practice is the key to mastery. Dive in, explore, and enjoy the power and flexibility that Azure brings to the world of cloud computing! I am always just a message away if you have any questions!

 

There’s a new Microsoft Azure in the house!!! AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions is announced! AZ-305 will be available in November 2021.

Starting with AZ-305 you no longer need the AZ-303 + AZ-304 combo to get the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. But this doesn’t mean that you only need AZ-305. You will be require to earn the Azure Administrator Associate certification as a pre-requisite. So, in resume you will need that Azure Admin cert + the AZ-305 exam.

This are awesome news if you’re already Azure admin certified and want to achieve the Azure Architect cert! AZ-303 and AZ-104 have a lot of content overlapping. This change will simplify the candidates that want to get both the Azure Administrator and Architect certs!

This means that exams:

• AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies
• AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design

Will retire. The official retirement date is March 31, 2022.

 

Getting the new exam in November and retiring the old exams in the end of March, we will have a “transition” period. During that we have several paths to get the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification:

 

You can also find out more about this at the official blog post – Reimagining the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification – Microsoft Tech Community

What do you think about this change? Leave your comments here!