Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

An In-Depth, Two-Part Workshop Designed To Build Your Foundational Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning On Microsoft Azure. Led By Microsoft MVP Anupama Natarajan, This Session Aligns With The AI-900 Certification Exam And Is Packed With Real-World Examples, Practical Demos, And Expert Tips To Kickstart Your Journey Into AI.

CHAPTER 1

Az-900

In this video:

1. Introduction to the Training

2. Why Learn Cloud Computing?

3. Microsoft Certification Roadmap

4. AZ-900 Exam Details

5. Core Concepts: Cloud vs. Traditional IT

The training uses analogies to explain the difference between owning and renting technology.

Deployment Models

On-Premises

Colocation .

Cloud Computing .

Financial Terms

CapEx (Capital Expenditure)

OpEx (Operational Expenditure)

6. Self-Study & Resources

The instructor suggests the following next steps for learners:

1. Virtualization Research: Conduct a self-study on the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Hypervisors.

2.Explore Microsoft Learn: Access free handouts and points for your Microsoft transcript.

3.Hands-on Prep: Prepare to create an Azure account, which typically offers 30 days of free trial or $200 in credits for practice.

CHAPTER 2

Defining Cloud Computing and Azure Infrastructure

1. Defining Cloud Computing (NIST Standards)

The trainer uses the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) definition to identify if an infrastructure is truly 'Cloud'.

A cloud model must meet specific criteria:

Rapid Provisioning & Decommissioning.

On-Demand Self-Service

Broad Network Access

Resource Pooling

Measured Service

2. Cloud Service Models (The 'Pizza as a Service' Analogy)

Cloud responsibilities are divided based on three primary models. Think of it like deciding how to eat a pizza:

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

PaaS (Platform as a Service)

SaaS (Software as a Service)

3. Cloud Deployment Models

How the cloud is implemented depends on who owns the infrastructure:

Public Cloud:

Private Cloud:

Hybrid Cloud:

4. Understanding Azure Global Infrastructure

5. Practical Lab: Creating Your First Account

6. Support & Monitoring Tools

CHAPTER 3

Cloud Computing Models and Azure Management

1.What is Cloud Computing? (NIST Definition)

The session defines cloud computing based on the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) model. A true cloud infrastructure must be easily provisioned (created) and decommissioned (released) with minimal effort.

The 5-3-4 Model

5 Essential Characteristics:

3 Service Models:

4 Deployment Models:

2. Shared Responsibility

3. Azure Management Tools

There are several ways to manage your Azure resources based on your technical comfort level:

• Azure Portal:

• Azure PowerShell:

• Azure CLI:

• Azure Cloud Shell:

• Azure Mobile App:

4. Core Azure Resources

A Resource Group is a container that holds related resources for an Azure solution.

• Organizing: It keeps related items (like a VM and its disk) together for easier administration.

• Lifecycle Management: If you delete a resource group, all resources inside it are deleted automatically.

Virtual Machines (VMs):

When creating a VM, you must have a checklist for Networking (IPs, subnets), Naming (standard nomenclature), and Location (Regions).

5. Cost and Advice

Specialized Certifications:

• AI Engineer (AI-900) Focuses on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning fundamentals.

• Hybrid Specialist (AZ-800/801): Focuses on integrating on-premises data centers with Azure cloud services.

Frequently asked questions

What is the AZ-900 exam?

AZ-900 is Microsoft's Azure Fundamentals exam. It tests basic cloud concepts and core Azure services, and it is designed for beginners with no cloud background.

What does this AZ-900 course cover?

Chapter 1 covers the training introduction, the Microsoft certification roadmap, exam details, cloud versus traditional IT, CapEx and OpEx. Chapter 2 covers the NIST definition of cloud computing, IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, deployment models and Azure global infrastructure. Chapter 3 covers the shared responsibility model, Azure management tools, resource groups and virtual machines.

What is the difference between IaaS, PaaS and SaaS?

They describe how much you manage yourself. With IaaS you rent infrastructure such as virtual machines. With PaaS the provider also manages the platform, so you manage only your apps and data. With SaaS you simply use finished software.

What is the difference between CapEx and OpEx?

CapEx is up-front spending on assets you own, such as servers. OpEx is ongoing spending on services you consume, such as paying for cloud resources as you use them.

Do I need an Azure account to follow along?

A free Azure account is recommended so you can practise the labs. Microsoft's free account offer includes trial credits, and its terms change from time to time, so check azure.microsoft.com/free for the current offer.

Is AZ-900 suitable for beginners?

Yes. AZ-900 is a fundamentals-level exam and this course starts from the basics, using simple analogies to explain cloud ideas.