Cloud computing offers companies unparalleled ability to rapidly scale up on virtual services, such as storage and compute power, on demand. Cloud computing, initially conceived as a software as a service (SaaS) model, has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. Leading cloud service providers have added new technologies and features to increase the value of the cloud model. Today, one of the top leaders for cloud computing is Microsoft with its Microsoft Azure cloud services). Almost every company has implemented some level of cloud strategy.
The focus of this article is to dive into the value Microsoft Azure offers companies as a leading cloud provider. Cloud services such as Microsoft Azure offer tools enabling organizations to implement solutions that will, in turn, serve their own customers efficiently.
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What Is Microsoft Azure Cloud Service?
Microsoft launched Windows Azure on February 1, 2010 (renamed Microsoft Azure in 2014) to offer developers tools for simpler management of data and file storage. Over the next nine years, Microsoft Azure grew and expanded dramatically to compete with solutions offered by Amazon (AWS), IBM (Watson and Bluemix), and Google (Google Cloud). Today, you can go directly to the Microsoft Azure site and access a list of the latest services and comprehensive support.
Microsoft Azure is a collection of 600+ services that offers teams the ability to implement data storage, email, and many other IT solutions at a flexible scale. The architectural design of Microsoft Azure ensures reliability and security. Azure offers immediate access to the latest services and technologies needed in the enterprise, allowing Azure cloud engineers to implement complex solutions quickly.
It should also be noted that Microsoft Azure quickly brings on leading-edge technologies, such as its fast adoption of Blockchain tools and services. It would take weeks to implement a private Blockchain network with a simple solution in 2018, but today Azure offers a suite of tools that enable small teams to have private Blockchain solutions up and running in one day.
Simplilearn covers Microsoft Azure frequently due to its rising popularity; in fact, it's on its way to becoming the leading cloud provider in 2019.
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Benefits of Azure Cloud Services
The goal of Microsoft Azure is to offer any organization or individual access to tools that were once complicated and expensive to implement. For example, building a database solution such as Mongo used to require having intricate knowledge, such as the ability to create a scalable Linux environment. Having the skills was one important part of the equation, while it took time to implement complex services.
The benefits of Microsoft Azure can be broken down into the following:
Lower Cost
Azure is a bespoke suite of solutions where you only pay for what you useHigher Security
Microsoft provides leading security and compliance for data privacy lawsIncreased Productivity
Azure comes with many accelerators to enable rapid implementation of solutionsLearn the Key Azure Concepts
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Global Scale
Azure is built so that solutions can seamlessly flex from small to a global scaleIntelligent
Microsoft is bringing their investment in AI into Azure to help you manage your network
Today, any one individual can leverage Microsoft Azure to install a Mongo database on a scalable Linux cluster in one morning. The complexity of installing and managing servers on a network has been dramatically reduced, clearing more time for developers to build solutions.
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Mario Scott
Solutions Manager, DealerOps
Transitioning from a cloud engineer role at, I saw the potential in DevOps and sought career growth. Lacking necessary skills, I enrolled in an AWS certification course to upskill. Now at DealerOps as a DevOps engineer, my salary rose by 50%. The hands-on labs were invaluable, boosting my confidence and enhancing my professional capabilities.
Cody Mayhew
Program Analyst, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
My overall experience with Simplilearn was outstanding. The instructors were exceptional, and I was impressed by their extensive knowledge and expertise. I particularly enjoyed the classes taught by Punnary Menon. I am truly grateful to Simplilearn for helping me with my Microsoft Azure Certification journey.
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Azure Cloud Services List
Microsoft offers more than 600 Azure cloud services and the list is growing all the time. Their cloud services can be split into the following major categories:
AI and Machine Learning
Develop solutions with the latest artificial intelligence capabilitiesAnalytics
Gather, process, analyze, and visualize a wide variety of dataEarn 3X Salary in 2024!
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Blockchain
Build and manage Blockchain-based applications with a suite of integrated toolsCompute
Access cloud compute capacity and scale on demandContainers
Develop and manage your containerized applications faster with built-in toolsDatabases
Support rapid growth and innovate faster with secure, enterprise-grade, and fully managed database servicesDeveloper Tools
Build, manage, and continuously deliver cloud applications written in any developer languageDevOps
Deliver innovation faster with simple, reliable tools for continuous deliverySkyrocket Your Cloud Computing Career with Us!
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Identity
Manage user identities and access to protect against advanced threats across devices, data, apps, and infrastructureIntegration
Seamlessly integrate on-premises and cloud-based applications, data, and processes across your enterpriseInternet of Things
Easily add and manage IoTManagement and Governance
Simplify, automate, and optimize the management and compliance of your cloud resourcesMedia
Deliver high-quality video contentMixed Reality
Blend augmented and virtual reality solutionsMobile
Manage and deliver sophisticated and scalable mobile apps and device managementGet Certified and Future-proof Your Career
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Networking
Connect cloud and on-premises infrastructureStorage
Massively scalable cloud storage for your data, apps, and workloadsWeb
Build, deploy, and scale powerful web applications quickly and efficiently
Microsoft provides a complete breakdown of the latest services; you’ll see that for each major section there are many sub-services.
Find the Right AWS Course
The Azure courses from Simplilearn provide professionals with a thorough route to master Microsoft Azure and improve their chances of landing a cloud computing job. Simplilearn offers comprehensive knowledge and practical experience with Azure's core services and solutions, catering to both novices wishing to grasp the fundamentals and seasoned professionals seeking advanced abilities. Our programs are created to meet industry standards and get you ready for Azure certification tests so you can get the knowledge and credentials that companies look for. With the Azure courses from Simplilearn, you can improve your cloud computing skills and acquire the competitive edge you need to succeed in today's tech-driven society.
Course Name Skills You'll Learn Explore Program Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Understanding Core Azure Services and Architecture, Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust, Cost Management and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) Enroll Now Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 Managing Azure Subscriptions and Resources, Implementing and Managing Storage Solutions, Configuring and Managing Virtual Networks Enroll Now Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate: AZ-204 Developing Azure Storage Solutions, Implementing Azure Security, Monitoring, Optimizing, and Troubleshooting Azure Solutions Enroll Now Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate AZ-500 Implementing Security Controls and Threat Protection, Managing Identity and Access, Securing Data and Applications Enroll Now Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions AZ-305 Designing for Identity and Security, Architecting Data Platform Solutions, Creating Continuity and Migration Solutions Enroll Now Azure DevOps Solutions Expert Designing and Implementing Advanced Networking, Managing Azure Identities and Governance, Optimizing and Managing Azure Costs Enroll Now Azure Cloud Architect Design and Implementation of Azure Infrastructure Solutions, Advanced Networking and Security, Cost Management and Optimization Enroll Now
Cost of Azure Cloud Services
It can sometimes be hard to calculate the cost of using Azure services; there are three ways to license them:
- Directly set up a Microsoft Azure account
- Purchase an Office 365 account (the services in Office 365 sit on top of Microsoft Azure)
- License a product that uses Azure (Apple’s iCloud service, for example)
There are many cost breakdowns pertaining to the direct use of Microsoft Azure. For instance, compute services will only charge what you use, which is reasonable when you have brief and usual spikes in usage. example, your eCommerce site might spike in usage following a successful advertising campaign. Other services, such as mobile, can be negotiated directly with Microsoft, which can often help reduce costs. Learn more about pricing at Microsoft’s Azure website (the pricing calculator is especially useful).
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Why It’s Important to be Certified as an Azure Cloud Service Engineer
Certification is a way to demonstrate your competency level. We’ve covered the most popular Azure Skills. Microsoft has three key levels of certification. Certification offers you the opportunity to command a higher salary and, as you can imagine, Simplilearn offers the following classes for each of these levels:
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Lowest level solutions expert
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Recognized as the global standard for IT professionals
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Recognized as the global standard for developers
In addition to SimpliLearn, there are other ways to keep up to date on the latest Azure information:
- Azure Blog: The Azure Blog has many contributors providing the latest updates to Microsoft Azure
- Azure Forum: Read and post questions on Azure directly to Microsoft
- StackOverFlow: Access one of the largest collections of developer knowledge exchange
Bringing Azure Cloud Services Into Your Organization
Microsoft Azure is expanding rapidly beyond its original core offerings and if you’re not using Azure, then you will likely be using their services soon. You can start and stop a solution without a significant investment, so don’t be afraid to use Azure. Sometimes you only need to demonstrate a proof of concept, while other times you need a database to run your whole company. Whatever your needs, Azure has the tools to scale from the small to the global.
Become a Cloud Computing & DevOps Professional
- 101KCloud Job Roles Available Worldwide
- 23.1%Annual Growth Rate
AWS Solutions Architect
- Lifetime access to 50 hours of e-learning content
- 16 live demos of AWS services
View Program
Azure Cloud Architect Masters Program
- 8X higher interaction in live online classes conducted by industry experts
- Get lifetime access to self-paced videos & class recordings
3 months months
View Program
prevNext
Here's what learners are saying regarding our programs:
Mario Scott
Solutions Manager, DealerOps
Transitioning from a cloud engineer role at, I saw the potential in DevOps and sought career growth. Lacking necessary skills, I enrolled in an AWS certification course to upskill. Now at DealerOps as a DevOps engineer, my salary rose by 50%. The hands-on labs were invaluable, boosting my confidence and enhancing my professional capabilities.
Cody Mayhew
Program Analyst, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
My overall experience with Simplilearn was outstanding. The instructors were exceptional, and I was impressed by their extensive knowledge and expertise. I particularly enjoyed the classes taught by Punnary Menon. I am truly grateful to Simplilearn for helping me with my Microsoft Azure Certification journey.
prevNext
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