After completing this learning path, you'll be able to:
- Understand the benefits of cloud computing in Azure and how it can save you time and money
- Explain cloud concepts such as high availability, scalability, elasticity, agility, and disaster recovery
- Describe core Azure architecture components such as subscriptions, management groups, resources and resource groups
- Summarize geographic distribution concepts such as Azure regions, region pairs, and availability zones
Introduction to Azure fundamentals
This module introduces you to the basics of cloud computing and Azure, and how to get started with Azure's subscriptions and accounts.
Learning objectives
After you complete this module, you'll be able to:
- Describe the basic concepts of cloud computing.
- Determine whether Azure is the right solution for your business needs.
- Differentiate between the different methods of creating an Azure subscription.
Introduction
Azure is a cloud computing platform with an ever-expanding set of services to help you build solutions to meet your business goals. Azure services range from simple web services for hosting your business presence in the cloud to running fully virtualized computers for you to run your custom software solutions. Azure provides a wealth of cloud-based services like remote storage, database hosting, and centralized account management. Azure also offers new capabilities like AI and Internet of Things (IoT).
In this module, you'll take an entry-level, end-to-end look at Azure and its capabilities. You'll gain a solid foundation for completing the available learning paths for Azure fundamentals.
What is Azure fundamentals?
Azure fundamentals is a series of six learning paths that helps orient you to Azure and its many services and features.
Whether you're interested in Azure's core compute, network, storage, and database services, learning about cloud security best practices, or exploring the cutting edge in IoT and machine learning, think of Azure fundamentals as your curated guide to Azure.
Azure fundamentals includes interactive exercises that give you hands-on experience with Azure. Many exercises provide a temporary Azure environment called the sandbox, which allows you to learn for free and at your own pace.
Technical IT experience is not required; however, having general IT knowledge will help you get the most from your learning experience.
Why should I take Azure fundamentals?
Whether you're just beginning to work with the cloud or you already have cloud experience and are new to Azure, Azure fundamentals provides you with everything you need to get started.
No matter your goals, Azure fundamentals has something for you. Take Azure fundamentals if you:
- Have general interest in Azure or in the cloud.
- Want to earn official certification from Microsoft.
Preparation for Exam AZ-900
The Azure fundamentals learning path series can help you prepare for Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals. This exam includes six knowledge domain areas:
| AZ-900 Domain Area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Describe cloud concepts | 20-25% |
| Describe core Azure services | 15-20% |
| Describe core solutions and management tools on Azure | 10-15% |
| Describe general security and network security features | 10-15% |
| Describe identity, governance, privacy, and compliance features | 20-25% |
| Describe Azure cost management and Service Level Agreements | 10-15% |
Each domain area maps to a learning path in Azure fundamentals.
The percentages shown indicate the relative weight of each area on the exam. The higher the percentage, the more questions that part of the exam will contain. Be sure to read the exam page for specifics about what skills are covered in each area.
This training helps you develop a broad understanding of Azure. Having real-world experience will help reinforce the concepts so that you're more fully prepared for the exam or to apply your skills on the job.
Learning objectives
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Describe the basic concepts of cloud computing.
- Determine whether Azure is the right solution for your business needs.
- Differentiate between the different methods of creating an Azure subscription.
Prerequisites
- You should be familiar with basic computing concepts and terminology.
- Familiarity with cloud computing is helpful but isn't necessary.