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Azure
Guides, articles, certifications and recommended training for Azure.
What is Azure?
Azure is Microsoft’s cloud platform. It rents out computing, storage, networking, databases and AI services by the hour, so teams can run workloads without owning the hardware. It also provides the identity, monitoring and integration layers that Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform depend on. For an introduction to Azure’s role in cloud adoption, see the Azure overview.
A brief history
Azure launched in 2010 as Windows Azure, mostly as a place to host web applications. It was renamed Microsoft Azure in 2014, by which point it had grown to include virtual machines and a much wider range of services. Today it is one of the three largest public clouds.
Who uses Azure?
Cloud and infrastructure engineers build networks, virtual machines and containers. Developers deploy apps and APIs to it. Administrators manage identity, cost and policy across subscriptions, and architects design how all of it fits together. Many Dynamics 365 teams touch Azure indirectly through integrations, data pipelines and single sign-on.
Who should learn Azure?
Anyone who builds or supports systems that run in the cloud will benefit, and it is especially useful for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform consultants who need to understand what sits underneath their solutions. Start with the core ideas of subscriptions, resource groups, networking and identity. Specialised paths in development, data and operations make more sense after that.
Certifications
- AI-103 Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate
Validate your ability to design, develop, and deploy Azure AI solutions with Python and Microsoft Foundry.
- AI-200 Microsoft Azure AI Cloud Developer Associate
Design, build, and run AI solutions on Azure with an emphasis on containers, vector-enabled data services, messaging, and the full development lifecycle.
- AI-300 Microsoft Certified: Machine Learning Operations Engineer Associate
Set up MLOps and GenAIOps infrastructure on Azure Machine Learning and Microsoft Foundry, then deploy, monitor, and optimize models and generative AI apps.
- AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate
Configure, manage, secure, and administer core resources and services in Microsoft Azure.
- AZ-140 Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty
Plan, deliver, manage, and monitor virtual desktop experiences and remote apps on Microsoft Azure for any device.
- AZ-204 Microsoft Azure Developer Associate
Develop, deploy, and secure cloud applications on Azure, including Functions, web apps, and storage.
This certification was retired by Microsoft on 31 July 2026 and is no longer available to new candidates.
- AZ-305 Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Design cloud and hybrid solutions that run on Azure, including compute, network, storage, monitoring, and security.
- AZ-400 Microsoft DevOps Engineer Expert
Deliver Microsoft DevOps solutions that provide continuous integration, delivery, security, and monitoring across the software lifecycle.
- AZ-700 Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate
Design, implement, and maintain Azure networking, including connectivity, routing, load balancing, and security.
- AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of cloud concepts, core Azure services, management, and governance.
- DP-300 Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate
Administer cloud, on-premises, and hybrid SQL Server databases built on Azure SQL services.
- DP-420 Microsoft Certified: Azure Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate
Write efficient queries, create indexing policies, manage, and provision resources in the SQL API and SDK with Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB.
- DP-750 Microsoft Certified: Azure Databricks Data Engineer Associate
Prepare for DP-750 with Azure Databricks data engineering skills and verified Microsoft Learn training resources.
Articles & guides
- Top Azure Certifications for Career Growth in 2026
Practical ranking of the strongest Microsoft Azure certifications in 2026: levels, costs, prerequisites, salary ranges and which path suits your goals.
- AZ-900 Exam Topics: Guide to Azure Fundamentals Success
Master the AZ-900 exam with our essential guide, covering key topics for Azure Fundamentals. Read now to boost your confidence and prepare effectively!