Introduction to Microsoft Azure – Cloud Services and Solutions 2025/2026
Microsoft publishes thousands of resources on Azure topics, so we’ve kept our content here concise and practical. You’ll get up to speed quickly on everything that matters about Azure. Our learning path gives you a structured overview of all Azure services and capabilities.
What is Azure?
Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform offering a wide range of services for computing, storage, databases, networking, machine learning, and more. With Azure, you can build, deploy, and manage applications to meet your business needs efficiently.
Learn more in “What is Azure?”
Learning Path: Explore the World of Azure
1. Introduction to Azure Cloud
- Start with the fundamentals of Azure Cloud. Discover what Azure is, how it works, and what benefits it offers.
- This section gives you an overview of the main Azure services and how to use them.
1.1 Definition and Overview of Microsoft Azure
- Benefits of using Azure
1.2 Azure Services Overview
* Overview of different Azure services * Azure Virtual Machines, Azure App Service, Azure Functions, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Blob Storage, Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Files, Azure Queue Storage, Azure Table Storage, Azure Disk Storage, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Cognitive Services, Azure IoT Hub, Azure DevOps, Azure Active Directory, Azure Security Center, Azure Policy, Azure Key Vault, Azure Monitor, Azure Log Analytics, Azure Backup, Azure Site Recovery, Azure CDN, Azure API Management, Azure Logic Apps, Azure Event Grid, Azure Service Bus, Azure Event Hubs, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Search, Azure Lab Services, Azure Arc, Azure VMware Solution, Azure Bastion, Azure Firewall, Azure Front Door, Azure Traffic Manager, Azure Load Balancer, Azure VPN Gateway, Azure ExpressRoute, Azure Application Gateway, Azure DDoS Protection, Azure Sentinel, Azure Lighthouse, Azure Bot Services, Azure Media Services.
Complete explanations of all Azure services: https://irc-coding.de/microsoft-windows-azure-cloud-computing-zertifizierung2025/azure-dienste-kosten-data-factory-anwendung-2025#1-2-azure-dienste-im-uebe
- Examples of popular Azure services
1.3 Use Cases and Applications
- Typical use cases for Azure
- Industries and enterprises using Azure
For detailed content: https://irc-coding.de/microsoft-windows-azure-cloud-computing-zertifizierung2025/azure-dienste-kosten-data-factory-anwendung-2025#1-3-anwendungsfaelle-und-
1.4 Azure Accounts and Subscriptions
- Creating an Azure account
- Overview of subscription types and models
1.5 Azure Portal and User Interface
- Introduction to the Azure Portal
- Navigation basics and key features
1.6 Getting Started with Azure
- Setting up your first resources
- Creating and managing virtual machines
1.7 Cost Management and Billing
- Overview of Azure costs and pricing models
- Tools for monitoring and managing expenses
1.8 Security and Compliance in Azure
- Introduction to Azure security features
- Overview of compliance certifications and standards
1.9 Support and Documentation
- Using Azure documentation and resources
- Overview of Azure support and community help
2. Azure Storage and Data Management
Azure Storage – learn everything about different storage options. From Blob Storage to Azure Data Lake, discover how to store and manage your data securely and efficiently.
2.1 Introduction to Azure Storage
- Overview of Azure Storage
- Benefits and use cases of Azure Storage
2.2 Azure Blob Storage
- What is Azure Blob Storage?
- Use cases and best practices
- Managing and accessing blob data
2.3 Azure Data Lake Storage
- Introduction to Azure Data Lake Storage
- Differences between Data Lake Storage Gen1 and Gen2
- Using and managing data lakes
2.4 Azure Files
- What is Azure Files?
- Use cases and setting up file shares
- Integration with existing networks
2.5 Azure Queue Storage
- What is Azure Queue Storage?
- Use cases for queue storage
- Managing and accessing queues
2.6 Azure Table Storage
- Introduction to Azure Table Storage
- Table structure and queries
- Use cases and scalability
2.7 Azure Disk Storage
- What is Azure Disk Storage?
- Types of Azure disks: Managed vs. Unmanaged
- Using and managing disks in virtual machines
2.8 Azure SQL Database
- Introduction to Azure SQL Database
- Differences between SQL Database and SQL Managed Instance
- Migrating and managing databases
2.9 Azure Cosmos DB
- What is Azure Cosmos DB?
- Global distribution and multi-model database
- Scaling and managing Cosmos DB
2.10 Data Migration and Integration
- Tools and services for data migration
- Using Azure Data Factory for ETL processes
- Integrating data sources and destinations
2.11 Security and Compliance in Data Management
- Encrypting data at rest and in transit
- Access control and permissions
- Compliance with data protection and regulatory requirements
2.12 Monitoring and Optimizing Storage Resources
- Monitoring storage usage and performance
- Optimizing storage costs and resources
- Tools and best practices for managing storage resources
3. Azure DevOps and Development
Discover how Azure DevOps can transform your development processes. Learn the tools and practices that help you implement continuous integration and deployment.
4. Azure Security and Compliance
Security matters. In this section, you’ll learn everything about Azure Security. From Azure Active Directory to advanced security features – we show you how to protect your applications and data.
5. Machine Learning and AI with Azure
Harness the power of Azure Machine Learning and AI services. Learn how to build intelligent applications that leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence.
6. Databases and Analytics
Explore the capabilities of Azure SQL Database and Azure Synapse Analytics. Discover how to build and operate powerful databases and analytics solutions.
7. Containers and Kubernetes
Learn how to use Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) to simplify container orchestration and management. Get practical tips and best practices for working with containers.
8. Azure Functions and Serverless Architecture
Explore Azure Functions and serverless architectures. Find out how to develop and deploy scalable applications without managing server infrastructure.
9. Networking and Infrastructure
Understand the fundamentals of Azure Networking. Learn how to set up, manage, and secure networks to build a stable and reliable infrastructure.
10. Azure Migration and Cost Management
Plan your Azure migration and optimize your costs. We show you how to migrate existing workloads to Azure and keep expenses under control.
With this learning path, you’re ready to explore and make the most of Microsoft Azure’s many capabilities. Start now and become an Azure expert!
Azure DP900 and DP203 Certification
DP-900
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals is an introduction to core data concepts and their application on Microsoft Azure. It’s perfect for beginners who want to learn more about databases, big data, and data analytics on Azure. This certification helps you build a solid foundation and is a great stepping stone toward advanced Azure certifications.
DP-203
Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure takes you further, deepening your knowledge of data processing, storage, and analytics on Azure. You’ll learn how to build data pipelines, perform ETL/ELT processes, and manage data effectively. For data engineers, this certification is essential – it demonstrates your ability to implement and maintain complex data solutions on Azure. Both certifications strengthen your skills with Azure data solutions and significantly improve your prospects in the job market.
See Azure DP 900 and DP 203 Certification