Microsoft MCSA: Cloud Platform & MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (Azure)

On this 10-day accelerated MCSA: Cloud Platform and MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure course you'll become an expert in Microsoft cloud technologies and learn how to manage a modern data centre. This course is more than 40% faster than other traditional providers.

You'll leave us with an expertise covering the full breadth of architecting, developing and administering Azure solutions and infrastructure. You'll master skills including:

• Creating, deploying and monitoring Azure Web Apps
• Creating and configuring Azure Virtual Machines
• Plan and implement data services based on SQL Database to support applications
• Implement, manage, backup and monitor storage solutions
• Integrate on-premises Windows AD with Azure AD
• Design a management, monitoring and business continuity strategy

Using our unique Lecture | Lab | Review technique, your Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) will immerse you in Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC). This technique, which combines both theoretical and practical tasks, will accelerate your learning as well as provide you with the hands-on experience you'll need to apply your skills to the real-world.

You'll prepare for and sit the following exams at the Firebrand Training Centre. This is covered by your Certification Guarantee.

• Microsoft Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions - exam 70-532
• Microsoft Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions - exam 70-533
• Microsoft Exam 70-535: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions - exam 70-535

Earning both the MCSA: Cloud Platform and MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certifications qualifies you for a roles including cloud administrator, cloud architect, computer support specialist and information security analyst.

On this course, you will follow the pathway below:

Step 1. Attain MCSA: Cloud Platform

• Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions - exam 70-532
• Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions - exam 70-533

Step 2. Complete the following elective for MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

• Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions - exam 70-535

Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs): You'll be trained by our Microsoft Certified Trainers meaning you'll get to benefit from their wealth of knowledge and experience.

Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC): As Microsoft Learning Partners, we can ensure that you'll have access to the latest curriculums and the most up-to-date content.

Course 20533D: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

Module 1: Introduction to Azure

This module introduces cloud solutions in general and then focuses on the services that Azure offers. The module goes on to describe the portals that you can use to manage Azure subscriptions and services before introducing the Azure PowerShell modules and Azure Command Line Interface (CLI) as scripting technologies for managing Azure. Finally, the module provides explanations and guidance for the use of the classic and Azure Resource Manager deployment models.

Lessons

• Cloud technology overview
• Overview of Azure
• Managing Azure with the Azure portal
• Managing Azure with Windows PowerShell
• Managing Azure with Azure CLI
• Overview of Azure deployment models
• Managing and monitoring Azure resources

Lab : Managing Microsoft Azure

• Using the Azure portals
• Using the Azure Resource Manager features in the Azure portal
• Using Azure PowerShell
• Using Azure CLI

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Identify suitable apps for the cloud.
• Identify the services and capabilities that Azure provides.
• Use Azure portals to manage Azure services and subscriptions.
• Use Azure PowerShell and Azure CLI to manage Azure services and subscriptions.
• Use Azure Resource Manager to manage Azure resources.
• Use Azure management services to manage and monitor Azure resources.

Module 2: Implementing and managing Azure networking

This module explains how to plan virtual networks in Azure and implement and manage virtual networks. It also explains how to configure cross-premises connectivity and connectivity between virtual networks in Azure. Additionally, it explains how to configure an Azure virtual network and provides an overview of Azure classic networking.

Lessons

• Overview of Azure networking
• Implementing and managing virtual networks
• Configuring an Azure virtual network
• Configuring virtual network connectivity
• Overview of Azure classic networking

Lab : Using a deployment template and Azure PowerShell to implement Azure virtual networks

• Creating an Azure virtual network by using a deployment template
• Creating a virtual network by using Azure PowerShell
• Creating a virtual network by using Azure CLI

Lab : Configuring VNet peering

• Using the Azure portal to configure VNet peering
• Configuring VNet peering - based service chaining
• Validating virtual network connectivity

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Plan virtual networks in Azure.
• Implement and manage virtual networks.
• Configure cross-premises connectivity and connectivity between virtual networks in Azure.
• Configure an Azure virtual network.
• Describe Azure classic networking.

Module 3: Implementing virtual machines

This module introduces the fundamentals of Azure VMs, and discusses the different ways in which you can deploy and manage them.

Lessons

• Overview of Azure VMs
• Planning deployment of Azure VMs
• Deploying Azure VMs
• Overview of classic Azure VMs

Lab : Deploying Azure VMs

• Creating Azure VMs by using the Azure portal, Azure PowerShell, and Azure CLI
• Validating Azure VM deployment

Lab : Deploying Azure VMs by using Azure Resource Manager templates

• Using Visual Studio and an Azure Resource Manager template to deploy Azure VMs
• Using Azure PowerShell and an Azure Resource Manager template to deploy Azure VMs
• Using Azure CLI and an Azure Resource Manager template to deploy Azure VMs

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Describe the main characteristics of Azure VMs.
• Plan for Azure VM deployments.
• Deploy Azure VMs.
• Describe the main characteristics of classic Azure VMs.

Module 4: Managing Azure VMs

This module explains how to configure and manage Azure VMs, including configuring virtual machine disks and monitoring Azure VMs.

Lessons

• Configuring Azure VMs
• Managing disks of Azure VMs
• Managing and monitoring Azure VMs
• Managing classic Azure VMs

Lab : Managing Azure VMs

• Implementing Desired State Configuration (DSC)
• Implementing Storage Spaces - based volumes

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Configure Azure VMs.
• Manage Azure VM disks.
• Manage and monitor Azure VMs.
• Manage classic Azure VMs.

Module 5: Implementing Azure App Service

This module explains the different types of apps that you can create by using the Azure App Service, and how you can select an App Service plan and deployment method for apps in Azure. It also explains how to use Microsoft Visual Studio, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) clients, Azure PowerShell, and Azure CLI to deploy Azure web and mobile apps. Additionally, the module explains how to configure web apps and use the Azure WebJobs feature to run custom tasks. It also explains how to monitor the performance of web apps and create and configure mobile apps. Lastly, this module explains how to use Azure Traffic Manager to distribute requests between two or more app services.

Lessons

• Introduction to App Service
• Planning app deployment in App Service
• Implementing and maintaining web apps
• Configuring web apps
• Monitoring web apps and WebJobs
• Implementing mobile apps
• Implementing Traffic Manager

Lab : Implementing web apps

• Creating web apps
• Deploying web apps
• Managing web apps
• Implementing Traffic Manager

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Explain the different types of apps that you can create by using App Service.
• Create a service plan and select a deployment method for App Service apps in Azure.
• Use Visual Studio, FTP clients, Azure PowerShell, and Azure CLI to deploy web and mobile apps to Azure.
• Configure web apps and use the Azure WebJobs feature to run custom tasks.
• Monitor the performance of web apps.
• Create and configure mobile apps.
• Use Azure Traffic Manager to distribute requests between two or more app services.

Module 6: Planning and implementing storage, backup, and recovery services

This module explains how to plan and implement storage, backup, and recovery services. It explains how to choose appropriate Azure Storage options to address business needs and how to implement and manage Azure Storage. It also explains how to improve web-application performance by implementing Azure Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). Lastly, this module explains how to protect cloud-resident and on-premises workloads by using Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery.

Lessons

• Planning storage
• Implementing and managing Azure Storage
• Implementing Azure CDNs
• Implementing Azure Backup
• Planning and implementing Azure Site Recovery

Lab : Planning and implementing Azure Storage

• Creating and configuring Azure Storage
• Using Azure File storage
• Protecting data with Azure Backup

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Choose appropriate Azure Storage options to address business needs.
• Implement and manage Azure Storage.
• Improve web application performance by implementing Azure CDNs.
• Protect cloud-resident and on-premises workloads by using Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery.

Module 7: Implementing containers in Azure

This module explains how to implement containers in Azure. It starts by introducing the concept of containers and presents different options for implementing containers on Windows and Linux Azure VMs. Next, it explains container orchestration in the context of Azure Container Service (ACS) and describes how to use ACS to deploy Docker Swarm, Kubernetes, and DC/OS clusters.

Lessons

• Implementing Windows and Linux containers in Azure
• Implementing Azure Container Service

Lab : Implementing containers on Azure VMs

• Implementing Windows and Linux containers in Azure
• Deploying containers to Azure VMs
• Deploying multicontainer applications with Docker Compose to Azure VMs
• Implementing Azure Container Registry

Lab : Implementing Azure Container Service

• Creating an ACS cluster
• Managing an ASC cluster

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Implement Windows and Linux containers in Azure.
• Implement Azure Container Service.

Module 8: Implementing Azure Cloud Services

This module explains how to plan and deploy Azure Cloud Services. It also explains how to manage and maintain Azure Cloud Services.

Lessons

• Planning and deploying Azure Cloud Services
• Managing and maintaining Azure Cloud Services

Lab : Implementing Azure Cloud Services

• Deploying a cloud service
• Configuring deployment slots and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
• Monitoring cloud services

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Plan and deploy Azure Cloud Services.
• Explain how to manage and maintain Azure Cloud Services.

Module 9: Implementing Azure Active Directory

This module explains how to implement Azure AD. It explains how to create and manage Azure AD tenants. It also explains how to configure single sign-on (SSO) for cloud applications and resources, and implement Azure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for cloud resources. Lastly, it explains the functionality of Azure AD Premium, and how to implement Azure Multi-Factor Authentication.

Lessons

• Creating and managing Azure AD tenants
• Configuring application and resource access with Azure AD
• Overview of Azure AD Premium

Lab : Implementing Azure AD

• Administering Azure AD
• Configuring SSO
• Configuring Multi-Factor Authentication
• Configuring SSO from a Windows 10 -based computer

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Create and manage Azure AD tenants.
• Configure SSO for cloud applications and resources, and implement RBAC for cloud resources.
• Explain the functionality of Azure AD Premium and implement Azure Multi-Factor Authentication.

Module 10: Managing an Active Directory infrastructure in a hybrid environment

This module explains how to manage Active Directory in a hybrid environment. It explains how to extend an on-premises Active Directory domain to Azure infrastructure as a service (IaaS) environments and synchronise user, group, and computer accounts between on-premises AD DS and Azure AD. This module also explains how to set up SSO by using federation and pass-through authentication between on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD.

Lessons

• Extending an on-premises Active Directory domain to Azure IaaS
• Implementing directory synchronisation by using Azure AD Connect
• Implementing SSO in hybrid scenarios

Lab : Implementing and managing Azure AD synchronisation

• Configuring directory synchronisation
• Synchronising directories

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Extend an on-premises Active Directory domain to Azure IaaS environments.
• Synchronise user, group, and computer accounts between on-premises AD DS and Azure AD.
• Set up SSO by using federation and pass-through authentication between on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD.

Module 11: Implementing Azure-based management and automation

This module explains how to implement Azure-based management and automation. It explains how to implement Microsoft Operations Management Suite (OMS) solutions and Azure Automation. The module also describes how to create different types of Azure Automation runbooks and implement Azure Automation - based management by using runbooks.

Lessons

• Implementing OMS
• Implementing Azure Automation
• Implementing Automation runbooks
• Implementing Azure Automation - based management

Lab : Implementing Automation

• Configuring Automation accounts
• Creating runbooks

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Implement OMS solutions.
• Implement Azure Automation.
• Implement different types of Azure Automation runbooks.
• Implement Azure Automation - based management.

Course 20532D: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions

Course Outline

Module 1: Overview of the Microsoft Azure Platform

Microsoft Azure provides a collection of services that you can use as building blocks for your cloud applications.

Lessons

• Azure Services
• Azure Portal

Lab: Exploring the Azure Portal

• Signing in to the Azure Portal
• Customizing the Azure Portal

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe some of the common Azure services
• Describe features of the Azure Portal

Module 2: Building Application Infrastructure in Azure

Although many Microsoft Azure services use virtual machines, sometimes your application might have a unique need where it requires a virtual machine that is completely unmanaged. Azure provides networking, backup, and virtualization services as part of its Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offering.

Lessons

• Azure Virtual Machines
• Azure Virtual Machine Workloads
• Migrating Azure Virtual Machine Instances
• Highly Available Azure Virtual Machines
• Virtual Machine Configuration Management
• Customizing Azure Virtual Machine Networking
• Virtual Machine Scale Sets

Lab: Creating an Azure Virtual Machine for Development and Testing

• Creating a Network and Resource Container
• Creating a Development Virtual Machine
• Configuring the Virtual Machine for Development

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the Virtual Machines service in Azure
• Deploy a Linux or Microsoft workload to a virtual machine
• Import virtual hard disks to Azure
• Monitor virtual machine endpoints

Module 3: Hosting Web Applications on the Azure Platform

This module provides an overview of the Azure Web Apps service.

Lessons

• Azure Web Apps
• Azure Logic and Function Apps
• Configuring an App Service App
• Publishing an Azure App Service App
• Supplemental Services

Lab: Creating an ASP.NET Web App by Using Azure Web Apps

• Creating an Azure Web App and Function App
• Deploying an ASP.NET Web Application to an Azure Web App
• Configuring an Azure Web App
• Deploy a Console Application to an Azure Function App

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Create a Web App instance
• Publish a simple ASP.NET web application to Web Apps
• Monitor a Web App instance
• Use additional Azure services with a Web App instance
• Use Function and Logic Apps to create an integration workflow

Module 4: Storing SQL Data in Azure

Dynamic web applications must store the data that is being managed and manipulated by end users. ASP.NET technologies such as ADO.NET and Entity Framework provide a way for accessing data in SQL Server. In the cloud, the Microsoft Azure platform provides a database as a service offering that allows developers to use SQL in the same way as they would in an on-premises location.

Lessons

• Azure SQL Database Overview
• Managing SQL Databases in Azure
• Azure SQL Database Tools
• Securing and Recovering an Azure SQL Database Instance
• Additional Managed Database Services

Lab: Storing Event Data in Azure SQL Databases

• Creating an Azure SQL Databases Instance
• Using Entity Framework with Local SQL Server
• Using Entity Framework with Azure SQL Databases

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the difference between Azure SQL Database editions
• Explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of hosting databases in Azure SQL Database
• Explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of hosting databases in a SQL Server installation on a virtual machine in Azure
• Describe the tools that you can use to manage Azure SQL Database
• Implement a high-availability solution with Azure SQL Database
• Describe the Azure Database for MySQL and PostgreSQL services

Module 5: Designing Cloud Applications for Resiliency

As a developer, you should keep in mind certain considerations while designing applications for the cloud. Although there are many platform improvements available in the ASP.NET ecosystem, you need to rethink the way you design your applications, and the patterns that are used, with respect to the scalability and reliability metrics present for the cloud applications.

Lessons

• Application Design Practices for Highly Available Applications
• Application Analytics
• Building High Performance Applications by Using ASP.NET
• Common Cloud Application Patterns
• Caching Application Data

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the Valet Key, Retry and Transient Fault Handling Patterns
• Use Load Balancing in a geographically redundant application
• Create modular applications with partitioned workloads
• Build High Performance ASP.NET Web Applications

Module 6: Storing Unstructured Data in Azure

Many new application workloads require new databases that offer scale and flexibility far beyond the capabilities of a traditional relational database. In Azure, there is a wide variety of NoSQL database services available for applications to store unstructured data in a flexible, schema-free and scalable fashion.

Lessons

• Azure Storage Overview
• Azure Storage Tables
• Azure Redis Cache
• Azure Search
• Azure Cosmos DB

Lab: Storing Event Registration Data in Azure Storage Tables

• Populating the Sign-In Form with Registrant Names
• Updating the Events Website to use Azure Cosmos DB
• Verify that the Events Web Site is using Azure Cosmos DB for Registrations

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the Azure Storage service
• Use Azure Search or Cosmos to store NoSQL data
• Use Azure Redis Cache to store cache data

Module 7: Storing and Consuming Files from Azure Storage

When you want to scale to different cloud instances, storing files to a local disk becomes a difficult process to maintain and eventually an unreliable method of storage. Azure provides a Blob storage mechanism that not only offers high performance but also supports integration to Microsoft Azure Content Delivery Network (CDN) for low latency downloads.

Lessons

• Azure Storage Blobs
• Controlling Access to Storage Blobs and Containers
• Configuring Azure Storage Accounts
• Azure Files

Lab: Storing Generated Documents in Azure Storage Blobs

• Implement Azure Storage Blob
• Populating the Container with Files and Media
• Retrieving Files and Media from the Container
• Specifying Permissions for the Container

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the Blob service in Microsoft Azure Storage.
• Identify the software development kit (SDK) libraries, namespaces, and classes that are available for blobs.

Module 8: Designing a Communication Strategy by Using Queues and Service Bus

With web applications presenting content and worker roles processing the logic, there needs to be a mechanism that facilitates the communication between these different entities. Microsoft Azure provides two queuing mechanisms that you can use for this purpose.

Lessons

• Azure Storage Queues
• Azure Service Bus
• Azure Service Bus Queues
• Azure Service Bus Relay
• Azure Service Bus Notification Hubs

Lab: Using Queues and Service Bus to Manage Communication Between Web Applications in Azure

• Creating an Azure Service Bus Namespace
• Using Azure Storage Queues for Document Generation
• Using Service Bus Queues for Document Generation

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe Storage Queues service
• Describe Service Bus
• Describe Service Bus Queues service
• Describe Service Bus Relay
• Describe Notification Hubs service

Module 9: Automating Integration with Azure Resources

Although you can manage most of the Azure services by using both of the Azure portals or Microsoft Visual Studio, you can use scripting to completely automate the management of the same resources. This module will look at automating the lifecycle of the services by using client libraries, Windows PowerShell, REST, and the Resource Manager.

Lessons

• Creating Azure Scripts using Azure PowerShell
• Creating Azure Scripts using Azure CLI
• Azure Resource Manager
• Azure REST Interface
• Azure Cloud Shell

Lab: Automating the Creation of Azure Assets using PowerShell and Azure CLI

• Use Azure CLI to Create and Manage an Azure Web App
• Use PowerShell to Create and Manage an Azure Storage Account

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the Azure software development kits (SDKs) and client libraries
• Use Windows PowerShell to automate Azure REST
• Describe the REST API and the steps to authenticate to the API
• Use the Resource Manager to create resource groups and templates

Module 10: DevOps in Azure

Although you can deploy your cloud applications manually, it is in your best interest to begin automating cloud-based deployments. Automation creates many benefits including the ability to trace past actions, easier repetition of deployment tasks and reduced possibility of human error.

Lessons

• Continuous Integration
• Azure DevTest Labs
• Azure Resource Manager Templates
• Managed Solution Hosting

Lab: Deploying Templated Environments Using the Cloud Shell

• Start the Cloud Shell
• Use the Cloud Shell to Deploy an ARTM Template

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Automate the deployment of their applications to Azure.

Module 11: Securing Azure Web Applications

Just like on-premises applications, applications in the cloud need streamlined security mechanisms that are flexible. Azure Active Directory is an identity provider that can provide identity and access functionality for your custom applications or SaaS applications.

Lessons

• Azure Active Directory
• Azure AD Directories
• Azure AD Offerings
• Azure Key Vault

Lab: Integrating Azure Active Directory with the Events Administration Portal

• Describe the Azure AD service
• Explain the features that are available for the directories in Azure AD
• Describe the Microsoft Azure Multi-Factor Authentication service

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the Azure AD service
• Explain the features that are available for the directories in Azure AD
• Describe the Microsoft Azure Multi-Factor Authentication service

Course 20535A: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

Module 1: Application Architecture Patterns in Azure

This module introduces and reviews common Azure patterns and architectures as prescribed by the Microsoft Patterns & Practices team. Each pattern is grouped into performance, resiliency, and scalability categories and described in the context of similar patterns within the category.

Lessons

• Pattern Resources
• Performance Patterns
• Resiliency Patterns
• Scalability Patterns
• Data Patterns

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Locate and reference the Cloud Design Patterns documentation.
• Locate and reference the Azure Architecture Center.
• Describe various patterns pulled from the Cloud Design Patterns.

Module 2: Deploying Resources with Azure Resource Manager

This module establishes a basic understanding of Azure Resource Manager and the core concepts of deployments, resources, templates, resource groups, and tags. The module will dive deeply into the automated deployment of resources using ARM templates.

Lessons

• ARM Templates
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
• Resource Policies
• Security
• Building Blocks

Lab : Getting Started with Azure Resource Manager

• Create Resource Groups
• Deploy an Empty Template
• Deploy a Simple Template
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Create a resource group.
• Add resources to a resource group.
• Deploy an ARM template to a resource group.
• Filter resources using tags.
• Author a complex deployment using the Azure Building Blocks tools.

Module 3: Building Azure IaaS-Based Server Applications

This module identifies workloads that are ideally deployed using Infrastructure-as-a-Service services in Azure. The module focuses on the VM Scale Sets and Virtual Machine services in Azure and how to best deploy workloads to these services using best practices and features such as Availability Sets.

Lessons

• High Availability
• Templated Infrastructure
• Domain-Connected Machines

Lab : Deploying Infrastructure Workloads to Azure

• Deploy a Virtual Machine using PowerShell DSC
• Deploy a Virtual Machine Scale Set using PowerShell DSC
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Design an availability set for one or more virtual machines
• Describe the differences between fault and update domains.
• Author a VM Scale Set ARM template.
• Join a virtualised machine to a domain either in Azure or on a hybrid network.

Module 4: Creating Managed Server Applications in Azure

This module describes services that use infrastructure but manage the infrastructure on behalf of the user instead of obfuscating the infrastructure resources. The module focuses on infrastructure-backed PaaS options such as Azure Service Fabric, Container Service, and App Service Environments. The module will explore how to deploy custom workloads to these services such as an HPC batch processing task.

Lessons

• Infrastructure-Backed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
• High-Performance Compute (HPC)
• Migration

Lab : Deploying Managed Server Workloads to Azure

• Create Azure Container Service Cluster
• Deploy Docker Image
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Describe the differences between App Service Environments, Service Fabric and Container Service.
• Use Azure Batch to manage an HPC workload.
• Migrate to an Infrastructure-backed PaaS service from another IaaS service or a legacy Cloud Service.

Module 5: Authoring Serverless Applications in Azure

This module describes how solutions can leverage serverless application hosting services in Azure to host web applications, REST APIs, integration workflows and HPC workloads without the requirement to manage specific server resources. The module focuses on App Services-related components such as Web Apps, API Apps, Mobile Apps, Logic Apps, and Functions.

Lessons

• Azure Web App
• Azure Functions
• Integration
• High Performance

Lab : Deploying Serverless Workloads to Azure

• Create Web App
• Deploy Web App Code
• Deploy Function App and Code
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Select between hosting application code or containers in an App Service instance.
• Describe the differences between API, Mobile, and Web Apps.
• Integrate an API or Logic App with the API Management service.
• Design an App Service Plan or multi-region deployment for high performance and scale.

Module 6: Backing Azure Solutions with Azure Storage

This module describes how many Azure services use the Azure Storage service as a backing store for other application solution in Azure. The module dives into critical considerations when using Azure Storage as a supplemental service for an all-up Azure solution.

Lessons

• Pricing
• Blob Storage
• Files
• StorSimple

Lab : Deploying Azure Storage to Support Other Workloads in Azure

• Create Required Resources for a Virtual Machine
• Create a VM With a Storage Account
• Create a VM With a Managed Disk
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Determine the ideal pricing option for Azure Storage based on a solution's requirements.
• Identify performance thresholds for the Azure Storage service.
• Determine the type of Storage blobs to use for specific solution components.
• Use the Azure Files service for SMB operations.
• Identify solutions that could benefit from the use of StorSimple physical or virtual devices.

Module 7: Comparing Database Options in Azure

This module compares the various relational and non-relational data storage options available in Azure. Options are explored as groups such as relational databases (Azure SQL Database, MySQL, and PostgreSQL on Azure), non-relational (Azure Cosmos DB, Storage Tables), streaming (Stream Analytics) and storage (Data Factory, Data Warehouse, Data Lake).

Lessons

• Relational
• NoSQL Services
• Azure Cosmos DB
• Data Storage
• Data Analysis

Lab : Deploying Database Instances in Azure

• Deploy a CosmosDB Database Instance
• Validate the REST API
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Compare and contrast various database options on Azure.
• Identify data streaming options for large-scale data ingest.
• Identify longer-term data storage options.

Module 8: Networking Azure Application Components

This module describes the various networking and connectivity options available for solutions deployed on Azure. The module explores connectivity options ranging from ad-hoc connections to long-term hybrid connectivity scenarios. The module also discusses some of the performance and security concerns related to balancing workloads across multiple compute instances, connecting on-premise infrastructure to the cloud and creating gateways for on-premise data.

Lessons

• VNETs
• Load Balancing
• External Connectivity
• Hybrid Connectivity

Lab : Deploying Network Components for Use in Azure Solutions

• Create an ARM Template for a Linux VM
• Duplicate the VM Resources
• Create a Load Balancer Resource
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Describe DNS and IP strategies for VNETs in Azure.
• Compare connectivity options for ad-hoc and hybrid connectivity.
• Distribute network traffic across multiple loads using load balancers.
• Design a hybrid connectivity scenario between cloud and on-premise.

Module 9: Managing Security and Identity for Azure Solutions

This module discusses both security and identity within the context of Azure. For security, this module reviews the various options for monitoring security, the options available for securing data and the options for securing application secrets. For identity, this module focuses specifically on Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and the various features available such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Managed Service Identity, Azure AD Connect, ADFS and Azure AD B2B/B2C.

Lessons

• Security Monitoring
• Data Security
• Application Security Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
• Hybrid Identity
• Azure AD Application Integration

Lab : Deploying Services to Secure Secrets in Azure

• Deploy Key Vault using ARM Template
• Deploy Virtual Machine using Key Vault Secret
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Integrate their existing solutions with external identity providers using Azure AD B2B or B2C.
• Design a hybrid identity solution.
• Determine when to use advanced features of Azure AD such as Managed Service Identity, MFA and Privileged Identity Management.
• Secure application secrets using Key Vault.
• Secure application data using SQL Database and Azure Storage features.

Module 10: Integrating SaaS Services Available on the Azure Platform

This module introduces multiple SaaS services available in Azure that are available for integration into existing Azure solutions. These services include Cognitive Services, Bot Service, Machine Learning and Media Services.

Lessons

• Cognitive Services
• Bot Services
• Machine Learning
• Media Services

Lab : Deploying Service Instances as Components of Overall Azure Solutions

• Deploy Function App and Cognitive Service using ARM Template
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Identify when Cognitive Services, Bot Service or Machine Learning is appropriate for their solution.
• Compare the various features available in Media Services and determine the appropriate features for their solution.

Module 11: Integrating Azure Solution Components using Messaging Services

This module describes and compares the integration and messaging services available for solutions hosted on the Azure platform. Messaging services described include Azure Storage Queues, Service Bus Queues, Service Bus Relay, IoT Hubs, Event Hubs, and Notification Hubs. Integration services include Azure Functions and Logic Apps.

Lessons

• Event Messaging
• Integration
• IoT

Lab : Deploying Messaging Components to Facilitate Communication Between Azure Resources

• Deploy Service Bus Namespace
• Deploy Logic App
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Compare Storage Queues to Service Bus Queues.
• Identify when to use Azure Functions or Logic Apps for integration components in a solution.
• Describe the differences between IoT Hubs, Event Hubs and Time Series Insights.

Module 12: Monitoring and Automating Azure Solutions

This module covers the monitoring and automation solutions available after an Azure solution has been architected, designed and possibly deployed. The module reviews services that are used to monitor individual applications, the Azure platform, and networked components. This module also covers automation and backup options to enable business-continuity scenarios for solutions hosted in Azure.

Lessons

• Application Monitoring
• Platform Monitoring
• Network Monitoring
• Alerting
• Backup
• Azure Automation
• Config Management
• Auto-Scale

Lab : Deploying Configuration Management Solutions to Azure

• Deploy a Chef Management Server using ARM
• Configure Management Server
• Deploy a VM Scale Set using Chef-Configured VMs
• Cleanup Subscription

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Compare and contrast monitoring services for applications, the Azure platform, and networking.
• Design an alert scheme for a solution hosted in Azure.
• Select the appropriate backup option for infrastructure and data hosted in Azure.
• Automate the deployment of future resources for backup recovery or scaling purposes.

You'll sit the following exams during the course at the Firebrand Training Centre, covered by your Certification Guarantee:

70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions

The skills you'll be tested on include:

• Design and Implement Azure App Service Apps (10-15%)
• Create and Manage Azure Resource Manager Virtual Machines (20-25%)
• Design and Implement a Storage Strategy (10-15%)
• Implement Virtual Networks (15-20%)
• Design and Deploy ARM Templates (10-15%)
• Manage Azure Security and Recovery Services (25-30%)
• Manage Azure Operations (5-10%)
• Manage Azure Identities (5-10%)

70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions

The skills you'll be tested on include:

• Create and Manage Azure Resource Manager Virtual Machines (20-25%)
• Design and Implement a Storage and Data Strategy (25-30%)
• Manage Identity, Application, and Network Services (10-15%)
• Design and Implement Azure Compute, Web, and Mobile Services (35-40%)

Exam 70-535: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

The skills you'll be tested on include:

• Design Compute Infrastructure (20-25%)
• Design Data Implementation (15-20%)
• Design Networking Implementation (15-20%)
• Design Security and Identity Solutions (20-25%)
• Design Solutions by using Platform Services (10-15%)
• Design for Operations (10-15%)

Microsoft Official Courseware:

• Course 20532C: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions
• Course 20533D: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
• Course 20535A: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions

Before attending this accelerated course, you should be able to:

• Compare the services available in the Azure platform
• Configure and deploy web applications
• Create Azure Web Apps
• Create and configure Virtual Machines
• Create a Virtual Network
• Create a Storage account
• Manage blobs and containers in a Storage account
• Create, configure and connect to an Azure SQL Database instance
• Manage users, groups and subscriptions in an Azure Active Directory instance
• Understanding of on-premises virtualisation technologies, including: VMs, virtual networking, and virtual hard disks
• Understanding of network configuration, including: TCP/IP, Domain Name System (DNS), virtual private networks (VPNs), firewalls, and encryption technologies
• Understanding of websites, including: how to create, configure, monitor and deploy a website on Internet Information Services (IIS)
• Understanding of Active Directory concepts, including: domains, forests, domain controllers, replication, Kerberos protocol, and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
• Understanding of resilience and disaster recovery, including backup and restore operations
• Create resources and resource group in Azure
• Manage users, groups, and subscriptions in an Azure Active Directory instance
• Build an Azure Virtual Machine with related resources
• Manage containers and blobs stored in an Azure Storage account
• Create App Service Plans and manage apps related to the plan
• Configure an Azure Virtual Network and enable S2S and P2S connectivity
• Protect networked application components using Network Security Groups
• Automate everyday Azure resource tasks using Azure CLI or Azure PowerShell
• Deploy an Azure SQL, MySQL, Postgres or Cosmos database instance
• Monitor existing Azure solutions using built-in metrics, Application Insights, or Operational Insights