Becoming an Azure Guru: Get Skilled in Azure Part 1

Cloud technologies have revolutionized how we work in the world of information and have redefined the landscape of modern businesses today. From small startups to global corporations, the adoption of cloud computing has unlocked new horizons of efficiency, scalability, and innovation.

The challenge we face is to keep up with skills. There are so many distinct roles that cloud providers are creating to cater for the ever-changing landscape. As developers are starting to use AI to solve the skilling gap, we still find ourselves at cross-roads, having to decide what cloud role to skill up on.

We will cover Solutions Architect, System Administrator, Developers, Data Engineer, and Data Scientist roles these roles in a limited part series to uncover what Microsoft Learn has to offer, covering skills required to architect, implement, develop, optimize, and maintain Azure based technologies. For this series, we will cover becoming a Solution Architect and System Administrator in Azure.

Before we delve into the details, I want to mention that Microsoft has developed their very own “Azure Skills Navigator” which is a ramp-up guide intended to help you develop your skills on Azure.

Azure Skills Navigator

Azure Skills Navigator to students can be an exciting way to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed for tackling Azure and its complexities. Azure Skills Navigator is a comprehensive guide designed to help developers, including those new to cloud computing, to build a strong foundation in Azure services. It offers a unique learning journey tailored for developers, with a focus on low-code techniques to simplify, automate, and transform business tasks and processes.

The guide is structured into three phases:

- Ramping up: Discover core skills and language fundamentals, learning to build cloud-native apps with various architectures and relevant Azure services, and exploring services for monitoring, logging, instrumentation, and authorization.

Wealth of resources like virtual trainings, self-paced modules, videos, documentation, certifications, and more, students can learn at their own pace and build a solid foundation in Microsoft Azure. For those starting out, the Azure Skills Navigator provides an overview of key concepts across Java, .NET, Node.js, and Python, which are crucial for establishing a strong foundation on Microsoft Azure.

- App Development: Learn to build cloud-native apps using various cloud architectures, frameworks, and Azure services.

- In Production: Explore monitoring, logging, instrumentation, and authorization services in Azure.

Becoming a Solution Architect

In summary, this role covers the essential principles and core solutions of Azure, outlines key design strategies for secure and compliant solutions, and introduces the deployment tools and techniques creating secure and sound Azure infrastructure layout.

Becoming a skilled Azure Solution Architect is an exciting path that blends technical expertise with strategic vision. This role is pivotal in designing cloud and hybrid solutions that run on Microsoft Cloud technologies, exposing you to a broad range of responsibilities from advising stakeholders to translating business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions. To excel as an Azure Solution Architect, one must have a deep understanding of various IT operations, including networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platforms, and governance.

The foundation of this skill often begins with a formal education in fields such as computer science or software engineering, which provides the theoretical underpinnings necessary for understanding complex systems. However, the real-world application of this role is what truly defines a skilled architect. Gaining experience with Azure administration, development, and DevOps processes is crucial. This can be achieved through self-paced learning or instructor-led courses that delve into Azure technologies and architectures.

Certifications play a significant role in validating one's skills and knowledge. The Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is a coveted credential that requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to design solutions that align with the Azure Well-Architected Framework and Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure. To earn this certification, one must first obtain the Azure Administrator Associate certification and then pass the AZ-305 exam, which was updated in January 2024 to reflect crucial updates.

In addition to technical skills, a successful Azure Solution Architect must also possess effective communication and leadership abilities. They are responsible for consulting with cross-functional teams, including developers, administrators, and security engineers, to implement solutions that meet or exceed organizational goals. They must also be adept at problem-solving and have the foresight to anticipate and mitigate potential issues before they arise.

For those aspiring to this role, it's recommended to start by building a strong foundation in Azure services and architecture, followed by pursuing relevant certifications and engaging in continuous learning and professional development.

Becoming a System Administrator

This role is very similar to the old school administrator, managing server environments on premise. Gaining knowledge on how to manage and monitor services effectively is crucial to becoming a skilled System Administrator. Familiarizing oneself with the security measures and compliance protocols that Azure has in place to safeguard data and ensure that operations adhere to regulatory standards as this would benefit any organization.

To skill yourself in this domain, start by gaining a solid understanding of core Azure services, workloads, security, and governance. Microsoft offers the Azure Administrator Associate certification, which is a fantastic way to demonstrate your expertise.

The certification process involves learning to manage Azure identities, governance, storage, compute resources, and virtual networking. Additionally, experience is crucial. Consider setting up your own Azure environment to practice or seek internships that provide practical exposure. The AZ-104 certification will set you up for being a star administrator in any Azure environment.

As you progress, stay updated with the latest Azure developments and continuously expand your skill set. This proactive approach will pave your way to becoming a proficient Azure System Administrator.

Stay tuned for further Blogs in this series as we cover other professions in Azure and feel free to contact your Surestep Ambassador team for more information on how to skill your team for best customer support at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..