This module introduces cloud computing fundamentals and the value drivers that influence technology and business decisions, including reliability, scalability, and the shared responsibility model.
Lessons:
Define cloud computing and the consumption-based model
Compare cloud deployment models (public, private, hybrid)
Explain the shared responsibility model
Describe benefits: high availability, scalability, reliability, predictability
Describe benefits: security, governance, and manageability
Key Topics:
Cloud fundamentals and operating model
Deployment models and use-case fit
Shared responsibility and risk ownership
Business value drivers and outcomes
Labs / Practical Exercises (if applicable):
Map a real business workload to an appropriate cloud deployment model
This module explains cloud service models and helps learners determine when IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS is the best fit based on responsibility boundaries and delivery speed.
Lessons:
Describe Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and use cases
Describe Platform as a Service (PaaS) and use cases
Describe Software as a Service (SaaS) and use cases
Compare responsibility shifts across IaaS/PaaS/SaaS
Relate service types to cost and operational considerations
Key Topics:
Service model decision framework
Responsibility boundaries by model
Typical workloads and scenarios
Consumption and pricing implications
Labs / Practical Exercises (if applicable):
Classify common organizational systems as IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS candidates
This module provides an Azure “map”: how Azure is structured globally and how resources are organized and managed through subscriptions, resource groups, and management groups.
Lessons:
Describe regions, region pairs, and availability zones
Explain datacenters and global infrastructure concepts
Define Azure resources and resource groups
Describe subscriptions and management groups
Explain the Azure hierarchy and governance boundary concepts
Key Topics:
Azure geography and resiliency concepts
Resource organization and lifecycle boundaries
Subscription design basics
Management group hierarchy
Labs / Practical Exercises (if applicable):
Create a resource group and review resource organization and metadata
This module introduces core Azure services that support most workloads and clarifies when to use virtual machines, containers, serverless, and foundational networking and storage options.
Lessons:
Compare compute options (VMs, containers, functions)
Describe application hosting options (web apps, VMs, containers)
Describe virtual networking concepts (VNets, subnets, peering)
Describe connectivity options (VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute) and name resolution (Azure DNS)
Describe Azure Storage services, tiers, and redundancy options
Key Topics:
Compute selection and hosting patterns
Networking fundamentals and connectivity
Storage types, performance tiers, and resiliency
Basic workload architecture trade-offs
Labs / Practical Exercises (if applicable):
Deploy a simple compute resource and review networking/storage configuration choices
This module covers foundational identity and security capabilities in Azure, including authentication methods, access control, and security posture concepts.
Lessons:
Describe Microsoft Entra ID and directory services concepts
Explain authentication approaches (SSO, MFA, passwordless)
Describe external identities and access scenarios
Explain Conditional Access and its purpose
Describe Azure RBAC and security models (Zero Trust, defense-in-depth)
Key Topics:
Identity services and authentication methods
Access control and least privilege (RBAC)
Conditional Access purpose and use cases
Security posture and threat protection concepts
Labs / Practical Exercises (if applicable):
Review an access scenario and propose role assignments aligned to least privilege
This module introduces cost estimation and control, along with governance tools that help enforce standards and maintain compliance across Azure resources.
Lessons:
Describe cost drivers and pricing model concepts
Use pricing estimation concepts and cost planning approaches
Describe Azure Cost Management capabilities and reporting
Explain the purpose of tags for organization and cost allocation
Describe governance and compliance tools (e.g., Azure Policy, resource locks)
Key Topics:
Cost drivers and budgeting fundamentals
Cost management and optimization concepts
Tagging strategy and resource organization
Governance controls and compliance alignment
Labs / Practical Exercises (if applicable):
Create a tagging convention and outline a basic cost governance checklist
This module covers the tools and methods used to manage Azure resources, including portal-based management, command-line tooling, and infrastructure-as-code concepts.
Lessons:
Describe the Azure portal and core navigation patterns
Describe Azure Cloud Shell and the purpose of Azure CLI / Azure PowerShell
Explain Azure Resource Manager (ARM) concepts and deployment patterns
Introduce infrastructure as code (IaC) and template-driven deployments
Describe Azure Arc purpose and hybrid management concepts
Key Topics:
Management tooling and operating models
Deployment methods and repeatability
ARM and resource deployment concepts
Hybrid management with Azure Arc
Labs / Practical Exercises (if applicable):
Deploy a basic resource using the portal or Cloud Shell and review deployment outputs
This module introduces monitoring and service health capabilities, including advisory guidance, platform health awareness, and telemetry/alerting concepts.
Lessons:
Describe Azure Advisor and recommendation categories
Describe Azure Service Health and incident communication concepts
Describe Azure Monitor and telemetry foundations
Introduce Log Analytics concepts and log-based investigation
Explain alerting and application monitoring concepts (alerts, Application Insights)
Key Topics:
Monitoring strategy fundamentals
Health awareness and operational readiness
Telemetry collection and log analytics concepts
Alerting and performance visibility
Labs / Practical Exercises (if applicable):
Review a sample set of recommendations and define operational actions and owners
