What is Microsoft Azure? A Complete Guide for Beginners and Learners
Tags: azure, car, cloudskills, beginners
Published: 2023-02-27 20:13:33

What is Microsoft Azure?

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and service that offers a wide range of computing resources and services, including computing power, storage, analytics, and networking. Azure was launched in 2010 and has since grown to become one of the most popular cloud computing platforms in the world, with a wide range of customers from small businesses to large enterprises.

Azure is a collection of cloud services that can be used to build, deploy, and manage applications and services through Microsoft's global network of data centers. Azure provides a scalable and flexible infrastructure for businesses to build, test, and deploy their applications and services. 

Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is a cloud computing platform and service offered by Microsoft. It was officially launched in February 2010, but its development began years before, as early as 2006.

In the early 2000s, Microsoft was primarily focused on developing software for on-premises infrastructure. However, as the cloud computing market began to emerge, Microsoft realized the need to expand its offerings to include cloud computing services. This led to the development of the Azure platform.

Initially, Azure was built as a platform for hosting and running Windows-based applications in the cloud. It provided a set of services and tools for developers to build, test, and deploy applications on Microsoft's cloud infrastructure.

Over the years, Azure has evolved into a comprehensive cloud computing platform that supports a wide range of technologies, programming languages, and operating systems. Today, Azure offers a wide range of services, including virtual machines, storage, databases, analytics, and networking, among others.

** Importance of Azure in the tech industry **

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that has become increasingly important in the tech industry. Here are some reasons why Azure is so significant:

Scalability and Flexibility: Azure allows businesses to quickly and easily scale up or down their computing resources based on their changing needs. This provides businesses with the flexibility to adapt to changing business requirements and avoid the need to invest in additional infrastructure.

Cost Savings: By using Azure, businesses can reduce their IT infrastructure costs. They no longer have to invest in expensive hardware and software, as Azure provides all the necessary computing resources and services in a pay-as-you-go model. This means that businesses only pay for the resources they use, making it a cost-effective option.

Security: Azure provides a range of security services to protect businesses' data and applications in the cloud. It uses advanced security features, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, to ensure that data remains secure.

Ease of Use: Azure provides a range of tools and services that make it easy for developers to build, test, and deploy applications in the cloud. It provides a user-friendly interface and a range of APIs and tools that simplify the development process.

Integration with Other Microsoft Services: Azure integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services, such as Office 365, Dynamics 365, and Power BI. This provides businesses with a comprehensive suite of tools that can be used to streamline their operations.

Machine Learning and AI: Azure provides a range of machine learning and AI services that businesses can use to gain insights from their data. These services can be used to build predictive models, perform natural language processing, and automate tasks.

**Benefits of Using Azure for Business:**

Scalability and Flexibility: Azure allows businesses to quickly and easily scale their computing resources based on their changing needs. This provides businesses with the flexibility to adapt to changing business requirements and avoid the need to invest in additional infrastructure.

Cost Savings: By using Azure, businesses can reduce their IT infrastructure costs. They no longer have to invest in expensive hardware and software, as Azure provides all the necessary computing resources and services in a pay-as-you-go model.

Security: Azure provides a range of security services to protect businesses' data and applications in the cloud. It uses advanced security features, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, to ensure that data remains secure.

Ease of Use: Azure provides a range of tools and services that make it easy for businesses to build, test, and deploy applications in the cloud. It provides a user-friendly interface and a range of APIs and tools that simplify the development process.

Integration with Other Microsoft Services: Azure integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services, such as Office 365, Dynamics 365, and Power BI. This provides businesses with a comprehensive suite of tools that can be used to streamline their operations.

Machine Learning and AI: Azure provides businesses with a range of machine learning and AI services that can be used to gain insights from their data. These services can be used to build predictive models, perform natural language processing, and automate tasks.

Microsoft Azure offers a range of certifications that are designed to help IT professionals and developers validate their skills and expertise in using the Azure cloud platform. The certifications are organized into different categories and levels, each with its own set of requirements and exams. Here is an overview of the Azure certification roadmap:

Fundamentals Level:
[Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals](https://www.netcomlearning.com/certification/microsoft-certified-azure-fundamentals/684/?advid=1356)
This certification validates foundational-level knowledge of cloud computing concepts and Azure services.

Associate Level:
[Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate](https://www.netcomlearning.com/az-104t00-microsoft-azure-administrator/course/104001/?advid=1356)
This certification validates the skills needed to manage Azure resources, including compute, storage, networking, and security.

[Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate](https://www.netcomlearning.com/az-204t00-developing-solutions-for-microsoft-azure/course/204000/?advid=1356)
This certification validates the skills needed to develop and deploy cloud applications on Azure.

[Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate](https://www.netcomlearning.com/az-500t00-microsoft-azure-security-technologies/course/50000/?advid=1356)
This certification validates the skills needed to implement and manage security controls and threat protection, and to manage identity and access in Azure.

Expert Level:
[Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert](https://www.netcomlearning.com/certification/microsoft-certified-azure-solutions-architect-expert/681/?advid=1356)
This certification validates the skills needed to design and implement solutions that run on Azure, including compute, storage, networking, and security.

[Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert](https://www.netcomlearning.com/certification/microsoft-certified-azure-devops-engineer-expert/687/?advid=1356)
This certification validates the skills needed to design and implement DevOps practices for continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) on Azure.

Specialty Certifications:
[Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate](https://www.netcomlearning.com/certification/microsoft-certified-azure-ai-engineer-associate/715/?advid=1356)
This certification validates the skills needed to design and implement artificial intelligence (AI) solutions using Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Bot Service, and Azure Machine Learning.

[Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate](https://www.netcomlearning.com/certification/microsoft-certified-azure-data-scientist-associate/731/?advid=1356)
This certification validates the skills needed to use Azure tools and services for data science, including Azure Machine Learning, Azure Databricks, and Azure Stream Analytics.

[Microsoft Certified: Azure IoT Developer Specialty](https://www.netcomlearning.com/certification/microsoft-certified-azure-iot-developer-specialty/778/?advid=1356)
This certification validates the skills needed to develop and manage the Azure IoT ecosystem, including devices, data, and applications.

The certifications require passing one or more exams, which can be taken online or at a test center. Microsoft provides a range of training resources, including online courses, study guides, and practice exams, to help candidates prepare for the exams. The certifications are valid for two years, after which candidates need to renew their certification to keep their skills up to date.