Category: Cloud Computing

Sep21202021 September 202021 September 20200Commentby Gregor Suttie

Create Serverless event Sept 30th

Posted in Cloud Computing, Serverless, Training

As part of Serverless September there is a very cool event happening on September 30th (starting at 08:00 am Pacific Daylight time) to which I would like to draw your attention.

As you can read above it a one of a kind live event, and who doesnt like a live event right?.

Some of the brightest minds come together to present to you on a number of sessions throughout the day.

If you haven’t looked at anything serverless before, or haven’t kept up to date with what’s new then this is your chance for one day to ramp up your learning by learning from the best.

There are sessions on all sorts serverless related including: –

OSS
Developer hacks
Serverless Best Practices
Low-code Serverless Applications
Serverless Security

Check out the list of speakers which include:-

Simon Cotin
Allison Kunz
Linda Nichols
Dona Sarkar
Jennifer Davis
Marie Hoeger
Gwyneth Peña S
Lian Li
Floor Drees
Nitya Narasimhan

Check out the website for much more detail at: –https://createserverless2020.splashthat.com/

Go Sign up now and let you’e friends and colleagues know about it too.

Thanks Gregor!.


Jan13202013 January 202013 January 20201Commentby Gregor Suttie

Global Azure BootCamp 2020 – Glasgow Edition

Posted in Azure, Cloud Computing, Training

Saturday April 25th, 2020 is the date for this years Global Azure BootCamp Glasgow edition, in conjunction with the Glasgow Azure user Group.

You can read about last year’s event and learn about whats involved and the format for the day, were looking for 6 speakers to come to Glasgow on April 25th and give a 60 minute talk on anything Azure related.


The call for speakers page to submit a talk is now open

The page for signing up to attend will go live Monday 20/01/2010.

We hope to see you there!


May0220192 May 201913 May 20194Commentsby Gregor Suttie

Global Azure Bootcamp 2019 – Glasgow Edition

Posted in Azure, Cloud Computing, Training

Saturday April 27th was the date for the Global Azure Bootcamp, I was organising the Glasgow edition, in conjunction with the Glasgow Azure user Group, we had a great turn out with a lot of swag and one lucky

Each talk details can be found here:-

Duncan Jones – Globally distributed computing for pennies

Duncan (@merion) is a developer in the Financial Services industry based in Dublin, with an interest in DDD and CQRS/ES – he has developed a DSL plug in for creating event sourcing systems in Visual Studio and is the organiser of the Dublin Software Craftsmanship meetup.

Code for the “Hitchhiker systems” talk: Code

Slides: Presentations


Angel M Rayo – Azure DevOps from rookie to DevStar

MCT since 2005, MCSE Cloud, ITIL Expert and more than 10500 hours of training experience in several companies and events like MCT Global Summit, SQL Saturday, SharePoint Day, i.e. @oyara

 

SlideShare: Azure DevOps from rookie to devstar


Craig Nicol – CosmosDB in the real world

.Net/web developer with 15 years experience, mostly backend and data. Currently a technical architect at Microsoft Gold Partner, Screenmedia. He has have worked in products and consulting for many clients, mainly on the web. His main interests are data security and performance. @craignicol

 

Link to Slides: CosmosDB in the real world


Ivan Culjak – Building mostly Serverless distributed cloud systems step by step

Ivan is a .NET freelance developer in love with Azure, Xamarin, and the idea of automating whatever. When hes not developing something new, hes salvaging something inherited, consulting with enthusiasm, and testing and breaking new technologies in a quest for something useful. @CuljakIvan

 

Slides: https://speakerdeck.com/culjakivan/building-mostly-serverless-distributed-cloud-systems-step-by-step


Colin Chaplin – Office365 Migrations in the tens of thousands

Colin is a freelance IT consultant with over 20 years experience in end user computing, especially Exchange, Office365 and Windows 10. He has spoke at Microsoft TechReady and written for the Microsoft Technet UK blog and Practical365.com @ColinChaplin

Slides: Azure Bootcamp – o365 in the 10ks

 


Henry Bean – Logging, instrumentation, dashboards, alerts and all that – for developers.

Henry Been is an independent architect and developer from The Netherlands. He enjoys working with software development teams to create and deliver great software. His interests include the Azure cloud, Agile, DevOps, software architecture and the design and implementation of testable and maintainable software. @henry_been

This is a recording of the same talk Henry gave to us:

YouTube Video: Logging, Instrumentation, Dashboards, Alerts by Henry Been

GitHub repo: Code

I may be a little bias but I thought the event was awesome, helped by having outstanding speakers who made it a great event, hope to organise it for you all again next year!

Leave your feedback below if you attended.


Oct31201831 October 20181 November 20183Commentsby Gregor Suttie

How to get started with Azure DevOps

Posted in Azure, AzureDevOps, Blogtober2018, Cloud Computing, Training

Ok so Azure Devops (formerly Visual Studio Team Services) is out and you have heard good things and want to get started playing around with it.

How would you like to start off with a ready made Azure DevOps template that sets up a lot of the stuff for you and lets you learn how to use it and do whatever you want to it for free?

More info on the solution which we will install below can be found here: – https://github.com/Microsoft/SmartHotel360-Website

Ah what is SmartHotel360 I hear you ask, ok read here: – https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/campaigns/smarthotel360/

For instructions on how to setup SmartHotel360 read here:-

I opened this up in Visual Studio 2107 and then built and ran it and you get the full blown website like below: –

In order to get started with AzureDevops follow these simple steps: –

So what are you waiting for go play with AzureDevops for free and learn how to use the amazing functionality that comes with it – enjoy!

Check back soon for much more on Azure DevOps!

 


Oct0220182 October 201818 October 201822Commentsby Gregor Suttie

Azure Architect AZ-300 Exam

Posted in Azure, Cloud Computing, Training

Microsoft recently released information around the new Azure Architect exams: – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-az-300.aspx

This blog post will cover available learning materials and docs links to information relevant to the exam AZ-300, links to these articles will be updated regularly.

Hopefully this will give you as an architect a head start on what you need to learn in order to pass the AZ-300 exam.

 

 

Deploy and Configure Infrastructure (25-30%)
Analyze resource utilization and consumption

May include but not limited to: Configure diagnostic settings on resources; create baseline for resources; create and rest alerts; analyze alerts across subscription; analyze metrics across subscription; create action groups; monitor for unused resources; monitor spend; report on spend; utilize Log Search query functions; view alerts in Log Analytics

Configure diagnostic settings on resources
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/azure-monitor-multiple-diagnostic-settings/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/monitoring-and-diagnostics/monitoring-overview-of-diagnostic-logs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/monitoring-and-diagnostics/monitoring-enable-diagnostic-logs-using-template

Create baseline for resources
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/monitoring-and-diagnostics/monitoring-alerts-dynamic-thresholds

Create and raise alerts; Analyze alerts across subscription
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/monitoring-and-diagnostics/monitor-alerts-unified-usage

Monitor for unused resources; monitor spend; report on spend
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/advisor/advisor-overview
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/billing/billing-getting-started
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/billing/billing-understand-your-bill

Utilize Log Search query functions;
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/log-analytics/log-analytics-queries

View alerts in Log Analytics
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/log-analytics/log-analytics-solution-alert-management
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/monitoring-and-diagnostics/monitoring-overview-unified-alerts

Create and configure storage accounts

May include but not limited to: Configure network access to the storage account; create and configure storage account; generate shared access signature; install and use Azure Storage Explorer; manage access keys; monitor activity log by using Log Analytics; implement Azure storage replication

Configure network access to the storage account;
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/announcing-virtual-network-integration-for-azure-storage-and-azure-sql/

Create and configure storage account
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-quickstart-create-account?tabs=portal
https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/microsoft-azure-creating-configuring-storage-accounts

Generate shared access signature
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-dotnet-shared-access-signature-part-1
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/blobs/storage-dotnet-shared-access-signature-part-2
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/eventhub/generate-sas-token

Install and use Azure Storage Explorer
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/features/storage-explorer/

Manage access keys;
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/key-vault-ovw-storage-keys
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-account-manage

Monitor activity log by using Log Analytics
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/log-analytics/log-analytics-activity
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/monitoring-and-diagnostics/monitoring-activity-log-alerts
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/monitoring-and-diagnostics/monitoring-overview-activity-logs

Implement Azure storage replication
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-redundancy
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-redundancy-grs

Create and configure a Virtual Machine (VM) for Windows and Linux

May include but not limited to: Configure high availability; configure monitoring, networking, storage, and virtual machine size; deploy and configure scale sets

Overview
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/linux/

Configure high availability
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/linux/tutorial-availability-sets
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/linux/manage-availability

Configure monitoring, networking, storage, and virtual machine size
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/linux/tutorial-monitoring

Deploy and configure scale sets
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/linux/tutorial-create-vmss

Automate deployment of Virtual Machines (VMs)

May include but not limited to: Modify Azure Resource Manager (ARM) template; configure location of new VMs; configure VHD template; deploy from template; save a deployment as an ARM template; deploy Windows and Linux VMs

Modify Azure Resource Manager (ARM) template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/pipelines/apps/cd/azure/build-azure-vm-template?view=vsts

Configure location of new VMs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/quick-create-portal
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/tutorial-manage-vm

Configure VHD template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/create-vm-specialized
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/prepare-for-upload-vhd-image
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/resources/templates/201-vm-specialized-vhd-new-or-existing-vnet/

Deploy from template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/ps-template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/linux/create-ssh-secured-vm-from-template

Save a deployment as an ARM template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/lab-services/devtest-lab-use-resource-manager-template
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/download-template

Deploy Windows and Linux VMs
https://azure.microsoft.com/id-id/services/virtual-machines/

Create connectivity between virtual networks

May include but not limited to: Create and configure VNET peering; create and configure VNET to VNET; verify virtual network connectivity; create virtual network gateway

Create and configure VNET peering; create and configure VNET to VNET
http://www.msserverpro.com/configuring-azure-vnet-peering-using-azure-portal/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-howto-vnet-vnet-resource-manager-portal
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-vnet-vnet-rm-ps

Verify virtual network connectivity;
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-howto-site-to-site-resource-manager-portal#VerifyConnection
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-peering-overview

Create virtual network gateway
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-about-vpngateways
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/canitpro/2017/06/28/step-by-step-configuring-a-site-to-site-vpn-gateway-between-azure-and-on-premise/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/create-routebased-vpn-gateway-portal

Implement and manage virtual networking

May include but not limited to: Configure private and public IP addresses, network routes, network interface, subnets, and virtual network

Configure private and public IP addresses, network routes, network interface, subnets, and virtual network
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-networks-static-private-ip-arm-pportal
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-ip-addresses-overview-arm
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-network-interface-addresses

Manage Azure Active Directory (AD)

May include but not limited to: Add custom domains; configure Azure AD Identity Protection, Azure AD Join, and Enterprise State Roaming; configure self-service password reset; implement conditional access policies; manage multiple directories; perform an access review

Add custom domains;
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/fundamentals/add-custom-domain

Configure Azure AD Identity Protection, Azure AD Join, and Enterprise State Roaming
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/active-directory/identity-protection/enable
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/active-directory/user-help/user-help-join-device-on-network
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/active-directory-windows-enterprise-state-roaming-overview

Configure self-service password reset
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/active-directory/authentication/concept-sspr-howitworks

Implement conditional access policies;
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/active-directory/conditional-access/app-based-mfa

Manage multiple directories
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/fundamentals/active-directory-administer#how-can-i-add-and-manage-multiple-directories

Perform an access review
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/active-directory/governance/access-reviews-overview

Implement and manage hybrid identities

May include but not limited to: Install and configure Azure AD Connect; configure federation and single sign-on; manage Azure AD Connect; manage password sync and writeback

Install and configure Azure AD Connect;
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/active-directory/hybrid/whatis-hybrid-identity#install-azure-ad-connect

Configure federation and single sign-on
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/active-directory/hybrid/whatis-hybrid-identity

Manage Azure AD Connect
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/active-directory/hybrid/how-to-connect-post-installation

Manage password sync and writeback
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-sspr-writeback

 

Implement Workloads and Security (20-25%)
Migrate servers to Azure

May include but not limited to: Migrate by using Azure Site Recovery (ASR); migrate using P2V; configure storage; create a backup vault; prepare source and target environments; backup and restore data; deploy Azure Site Recovery (ASR) agent; prepare virtual network

Migrate by using Azure Site Recovery (ASR);
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/site-recovery/migrate-tutorial-on-premises-azure

Migrate using P2V
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/site-recovery/physical-azure-disaster-recovery

Configure storage
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/site-recovery/tutorial-prepare-azure#create-a-storage-account

Create a backup vault
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/site-recovery/migrate-tutorial-on-premises-azure#create-a-recovery-services-vault

Prepare source and target environments
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/site-recovery/migrate-tutorial-on-premises-azure#set-up-the-source-environment

Backup and restore  data
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-recovery-services-vault-overview

Deploy Azure Site Recovery (ASR) agent
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/site-recovery/hyper-v-azure-tutorial#install-the-provider

Prepare virtual network
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/site-recovery/tutorial-prepare-azure#set-up-an-azure-network

Configure serverless computing

May include but not limited to: Create and manage objects; manage a Logic App resource; manage Azure Function app settings; manage Event Grid; manage Service Bus

Create and manage objects
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/overview/serverless-computing/

Manage a Logic App resource
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/logic-apps/

Manage Azure Function app settings
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-functions/functions-how-to-use-azure-function-app-settings

Manage Event Grid
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/event-grid/

Manage Service Bus
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/service-bus-messaging/

Implement application load balancing

May include but not limited to: Configure application gateway and load balancing rules; implement front end IP configurations; manage application load balancing

Configure application gateway and load balancing rules
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/application-gateway/application-gateway-introduction
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/application-gateway/application-gateway-ilb-arm
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/services/application-gateway/

Implement front end IP configurations
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/load-balancer/loadbalancerfrontendipconfigurations/get
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/load-balancer/load-balancer-overview

Manage application load balancing
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/load-balancer/tutorial-load-balancer-standard-manage-portal

Integrate on premises network with Azure virtual network

May include but not limited to: Create and configure Azure VPN Gateway; create and configure site to site VPN; configure Express Route; verify on premises connectivity; manage on-premise connectivity with Azure

Create and configure Azure VPN Gateway
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-about-vpngateways
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-tutorial-create-gateway-powershell

Create and configure site to site VPN
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/canitpro/2017/06/28/step-by-step-configuring-a-site-to-site-vpn-gateway-between-azure-and-on-premise/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-howto-site-to-site-resource-manager-portal

Configure Express Route
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/expressroute/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/expressroute/expressroute-howto-circuit-portal-resource-manager
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/expressroute/expressroute-howto-routing-portal-resource-manager

Verify on premises connectivity
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-gateway-howto-site-to-site-resource-manager-portal

Manage on-premise connectivity with Azure
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/enterprise/connect-an-on-premises-network-to-a-microsoft-azure-virtual-network

Manage role-based access control (RBAC)

May include but not limited to: Create a custom role; configure access to Azure resources by assigning roles; configure management access to Azure; troubleshoot RBAC; implement RBAC policies; assign RBAC roles

Create a custom role
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/custom-roles

Configure access to Azure resources by assigning roles
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/role-assignments-portal

Configure management access to Azure
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/users-groups-roles/directory-admin-roles-secure

Troubleshoot RBAC
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/troubleshooting

Implement RBAC policies
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/governance/policy/overview

Assign RBAC roles
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/role-assignments-portal#grant-access

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

May include but not limited to: Enable MFA for an Azure tenant; configure user accounts for MFA; configure fraud alerts; configure bypass options; configure trusted IPs; configure verification methods; manage role-based access control (RBAC); implement RBAC policies; assign RBAC Roles; create a custom role; configure access to Azure resources by assigning roles; configure management access to Azure

Enable MFA for an Azure tenant;
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-getstarted#enable-azure-multi-factor-authentication

Configure user accounts for MFA
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-userstates

Configure fraud alerts
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-mfasettings#fraud-alert

Configure bypass options
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-mfasettings#one-time-bypass

Configure trusted IPs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-mfasettings#trusted-ips

Configure verification methods
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/howto-mfa-mfasettings#selectable-verification-methods

Manage role-based access control (RBAC)
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/role-assignments-portal

Implement RBAC policies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_KK9fX-wKI

Assign RBAC Roles
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/

Create a custom role
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/custom-roles

Configure access to Azure resources by assigning roles
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/role-assignments-portal

Configure management access to Azure
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/role-based-access-control/overview

Architect Cloud Technology Solutions (5-10%)
Select an appropriate compute solution

May include but not limited to: Leverage appropriate design patterns; select appropriate network connectivity options; design for hybrid topologies

Leverage appropriate design patterns
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/magazine/dd727504.aspx

Select appropriate network connectivity options
https://www.moqdigital.com.au/insights/technical/network-connectivity-options-for-azure

Design for hybrid topologies
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/plan-connect-topologies

Select an appropriate integration solution

May include but not limited to: Address computational bottlenecks, state management, and OS requirements; provide for web hosting if applicable; evaluate minimum number of nodes

Address computational bottlenecks, state management, and OS requirements
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/microsoft-azure-the-cloud-for-high-performance-computing/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/improving-your-io-performance/

Provide for web hosting if applicable
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/videos/inside-azure-web-hosting-plans/

May include but not limited to: Validate data storage technology capacity limitations; address durability of data; provide for appropriate throughput of data access; evaluate structure of data storage; provide for data archiving, retention, and compliance

Validate data storage technology capacity limitations

Address durability of data
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-introduction

Provide for appropriate throughput of data access

Evaluate structure of data storage
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/guide/technology-choices/data-store-overview
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/guide/technology-choices/data-store-comparison

Provide for data archiving, retention, and compliance
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/solutions/backup-archive/

Create and Deploy Apps (5-10%)
Create web applications by using PaaS

May include but not limited to: Create an Azure app service web app by using Azure CLI, PowerShell, and other tools; create documentation for the API by using open source and other tools; create an App Service Web App for containers; create an App Service background task by using WebJobs

Create an Azure app service web app by using Azure CLI, PowerShell, and other tools
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/app-service-cli-samples
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/scripts/app-service-cli-deploy-staging-environment

Create documentation for the API by using open source and other tools
https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/appserviceteam/tag/swagger/

Create an App Service Web App for containers
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/services/app-service/containers/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/containers/

Create an App Service background task by using WebJobs
https://www.hanselman.com/blog/IntroducingWindowsAzureWebJobs.aspx
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/webjobs-sdk-get-started
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/websites-dotnet-deploy-webjobs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/web-sites-create-web-jobs

Create app or service that runs on Service Fabric

May include but not limited to: Develop a stateful Reliable Service and a stateless Reliable Service; develop an actor-based Reliable Service; write code to consume Reliable Collections in your service

Develop a stateful Reliable Service and a stateless Reliable Service
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/service-fabric/service-fabric-reliable-services-introduction
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/service-fabric/service-fabric-reliable-services-quick-start

Develop an actor-based Reliable Service
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/resources/videos/azure-service-fabric-and-the-actor-model-with-mark-fussell/
https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Journey-to-the-Websummit–Online-Masterclasses/Service-Fabric-and-actor-model-architectures–Joo-Pedro-Martins-Microsoft-UK/Service-Fabric-and-actor-model-architectures–Joo-Pedro-Martins-Microsoft-UK

Write code to consume Reliable Collections in your service
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/service-fabric/service-fabric-reliable-services-reliable-collections

Design and develop applications that run in containers

May include but not limited to: Configure diagnostic settings on resources; create a container image by using a Docker file; create an Azure Container Service (ACS/AKS) cluster by using the Azure CLI and Azure Portal; publish an image to the Azure Container Registry; implement an application that runs on an Azure Container Instance; implement container instances by using Azure Container Service (ACS/AKS), Azure Service Fabric, and other tools; manage container settings by using code

Configure diagnostic settings on resources;
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/overview/containers/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/containers/

Create a container image by using a Docker file
https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/uk_faculty_connection/2016/09/23/getting-started-with-docker-and-container-services/
https://docs.docker.com/docker-for-azure/deploy/

Create an Azure Container Service (ACS/AKS) cluster by using the Azure CLI and Azure Portal
https://stackify.com/azure-container-service-kubernetes/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/services/kubernetes-service/

Publish an image to the Azure Container Registry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/container-registry/container-registry-get-started-docker-cli
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/container-registry/container-registry-tutorial-quick-task

Implement an application that runs on an Azure Container Instance
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/services/container-instances/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/container-instances/container-instances-quickstart

Implement container instances by using Azure Container Service (ACS/AKS), Azure Service Fabric, and other tools
https://medium.com/bitnami-perspectives/az-aci-aks-acs-in-5-minutes-top-chrono-65c9952dfeb8

Manage container settings by using code
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/resources/samples/container-service-python-manage/

 

Implement Authentication and Secure Data (5-10%)
Implement authentication

May include but not limited to: Implement authentication by using certificates, forms-based authentication, tokens, Windows-integrated authentication; implement multi-factor authentication by using Azure AD options

Implement authentication by using certificates, forms-based authentication, tokens, Windows-integrated authentication
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/app-service-authentication-overview
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/develop/authentication-scenarios
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/azure-websites-authentication-authorization/

Implement multi-factor authentication by using Azure AD options
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/concept-mfa-howitworks
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/resources/videos/multi-factor-authentication-for-azure-ad/

Implement secure data solutions

May include but not limited to: Encrypt and decrypt data at rest; encrypt data with Always Encrypted; implement Azure Confidential Compute and SSL/TLS communications; manage cryptographic keys in the Azure Key Vault

Encrypt and decrypt data at rest
https://cloudacademy.com/blog/how-does-azure-encrypt-data/

Encrypt data with Always Encrypted
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/transparent-data-encryption-or-always-encrypted/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/sql-database/sql-database-always-encrypted
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/sql-database/sql-database-always-encrypted-azure-key-vault

Implement Azure Confidential Compute and SSL/TLS communications
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/security/azure-security-data-encryption-best-practices
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/introducing-azure-confidential-computing/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/azure-confidential-computing/

Manage cryptographic keys in the Azure Key Vault
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/key-vault-overview
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/key-vault-whatis
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/services/key-vault/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/key-vault/about-keys-secrets-and-certificates

Develop for the Cloud (20-25%)
Develop long-running tasks

May include but not limited to: Implement large-scale, parallel, and high-performance apps by using batches; implement resilient apps by using queues; implement code to address application events by using web hooks; address continuous processing tasks by using web jobs

Implement large-scale, parallel, and high-performance apps by using batches
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/batch/batch-technical-overview
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/solutions/big-compute/

Implement resilient apps by using queues
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/resiliency/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/using-the-retry-pattern-to-make-your-cloud-application-more-resilient/

Implement code to address application events by using web hooks
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-webhooks
https://thenewstack.io/tutorial-exploring-azure-event-grid-custom-webhooks/

Address continuous processing tasks by using web jobs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/best-practices/background-jobs
https://blog.comminus.hr/Comminus-Blog/January-2018/Run-continuous-or-triggered-background-task-with-W.aspxhttps://exceptionless.com/better-approach-running-azure-webjobs/

Configure a message-based integration architecture

May include but not limited to: Configure an app or service to send emails, Event Grid, and the Azure Relay Service; create and configure a Notification Hub, an Event Hub, and a Service Bus; configure queries across multiple products; configure an app or service with Microsoft Graph

Configure an app or service to send emails, Event Grid, and the Azure Relay Service
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/service-bus-messaging/service-bus-to-event-grid-integration-example
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/event-grid/custom-event-to-hybrid-connection
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/azure-service-bus-now-integrates-with-azure-event-grid/

Create and configure a Notification Hub, an Event Hub, and a Service Bus
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/notification-hubs/notification-hubs-push-notification-overview
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/resources/videos/azure-service-bus-event-hubs-101-with-dan-rosanova/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/blog/events-data-points-and-messages-choosing-the-right-azure-messaging-service-for-your-data/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/notification-hubs/

Configure queries across multiple products
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/product-categories/integration/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/collaboration-and-federation-azure-service-bus-messaging-on-premises-futures/

Configure an app or service with Microsoft Graph
https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/graph
https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/docs/concepts/overview

Develop for asynchronous processing

May include but not limited to: Implement parallelism, multithreading, processing, durable functions, Azure logic apps, interfaces with storage, interfaces to data access, and appropriate asynchronous compute models

Implement parallelism, multithreading, processing, durable functions, Azure logic apps, interfaces with storage, interfaces to data access, and appropriate asynchronous compute models
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-resource-manager/resource-manager-async-operations
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-functions/durable-functions-overview
https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/azure-durable-functions-fundamentals?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjpGLv7_o3QIVqrDtCh11bwoNEAAYASAAEgIKkPD_BwE&aid=701j0000001heIpAAI&promo=&oid=&utm_source=non_branded&utm_medium=digital_paid_search_google&utm_campaign=UK_Dynamic&utm_content=&s_kwcid=AL!5668!3!277727472896!b!!g!!&ef_id=WyEQRAAAALSF5mjc:20181002193153:s
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/guide/technology-choices/compute-comparison

Develop for autoscaling

May include but not limited to: Implement autoscaling rules and patterns (schedule, operational/system metrics, code that addresses singleton application instances, and code that addresses transient state

Implement autoscaling rules and patterns

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/features/autoscale/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/monitoring-and-diagnostics/monitoring-overview-autoscale
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/best-practices/auto-scaling
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/autoscale

Implement distributed transactions

May include but not limited to: Identify tools to implement distributed transactions (e.g., ADO.NET, elastic transactions, multi-database transactions); manage transaction scope; manage transactions across multiple databases and servers

Identify tools to implement distributed transactions (e.g., ADO.NET, elastic transactions, multi-database transactions);
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/sql-database/sql-database-elastic-transactions-overview

Manage transaction scope
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/1639.handling-transactions-in-windows-azure-sql-database.aspx

Manage transactions across multiple databases and servers
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/tag/distributed-transactions/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/sql-database/sql-database-elastic-transactions-overview
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/elastic-database-transactions-general-availability/
https://docs.particular.net/nservicebus/azure/understanding-transactionality-in-azure

Develop advanced cloud workloads

May include but not limited to: Develop solutions by using intelligent algorithms that identify items from images and videos; develop solutions by using intelligent algorithms related to speech, natural language processing, Bing Search, and recommendations and decision making; create and integrate bots; integrate machine learning solutions in an app; create and implement IoT solutions

Develop solutions by using intelligent algorithms that identify items from images and videos
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/modules/classify-images-with-custom-vision-service/index
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/modules/create-computer-vision-service-to-classify-images/index

Develop solutions by using intelligent algorithms related to speech, natural language processing, Bing Search, and recommendations and decision making
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cognitive-services/bing-web-search/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cognitive-services/custom-decision-service/custom-decision-service-overview
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/cognitive-services/speech-service/

Create and integrate bots
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/bot-service/bot-service-overview-introduction?view=azure-bot-service-4.0

Integrate machine learning solutions in an app
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/machine-learning/

Create and implement IoT solutions
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/overview/iot/build/


Apr21201821 April 201821 April 20180Commentby Gregor Suttie

Global Azure Bootcamp – Glasgow April 21st 2018

Posted in Azure, Cloud Computing, Events, Logic Apps, Pluralsight, Pro Tips, Training

Saturday April 21st was the day for the Azure Global Bootcamp which say people attend user groups all around the world as you can see below, so we all spent a day as the Azure community learning all about Azure in many different ways from speakers all around the globe.

I took part and my talk was on learning Azure and becoming ready for the exams into the bargain.

 

 

 

As promised here are my slides:- HowToLearnAzure3

The Glasgow event was awesome and we also had Analben Mehta talking about serverless and Azure Functions and then we had Kenny Lowe talking about Azure Stack, great content and lunch and beers/soft drinks provided, all in all great to be apart of and hopefully people enjoyed they’re day.

Hope to see the people attended at the next Glasgow Azure User Group.


Apr0320183 April 20183 April 20184Commentsby Gregor Suttie

The Power of Logic Apps in Azure

Posted in Azure, Cloud Computing, Logic Apps

Logic Apps in Azure is probably one of my top 3 favourite features in Azure at this time, if your software exposes api endpoints you can do pretty much anything.

 

 

 

“Out-of-the-box connectors reduce integration challenges. You can connect apps, data and devices anywhere – on-premises or in the cloud – with our large ecosystem of software as a service (SaaS) and cloud-based connectors that includes Salesforce, Office 365, Twitter, Dropbox, Google services and more.”

Find out more about Logic Apps here

The reason why I like Logic Apps so much is the almost endless possibilities, we all have systems running where we have some sort of logic, maybe its a service that runs and then sends an email as a very simple example.

Imagine you could write an application to do a lot of logical steps using almost anything you can possibly think of within reason and write the application without every writing a single line of code, sounds too good to be true doesn’t it?

Let me show you some of the connectors you can use and then I will talk about some examples when Logic Apps could be very useful indeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So the list on the right is just some of the connectors (there are a LOT)

 

Here are a few examples of where you could use Logic Apps:-

  • When Sharepoint is changed notify people via anything that has an api (chat, email, bot, etc)
  • When your build fails due to a test failing, email that person with a shame picture from the web.
  • When a new project is created, spawn off requests to do whatever you need to do.
  • When a new team member joins, automate adding them to AD groups etc

    The take away from Logic Apps is that if the software has an exposed api you can do pretty much anything you want and the logic is created via a designer which needs next to no training, its very very simple and has enormous potential.


Feb0320183 February 20183 February 20181Commentby Gregor Suttie

Azure CosmosDB – Quick Start Demo App

Posted in Azure, Cloud Computing, Training

So one of the hottest thing in Azure these days is without doubt CosmosDB, Cosmos DB is

A database for extremely low latency and massively scalable applications anywhere in the world, with native support for NoSQL

To get started with your very first Azure CosmosDB

  • go into the portal and click ass on Azure CosmosDB
  • give your new database an id
  • choose an API from the options available
    • SQL
    • MongoDB
    • Casandra
    • Azure Table
    • Gremlin (graph)
  • select your Subscription
  • select a resource group / create a new one
  • choose a location
  • optionally turn on geo-redundancy
  • click pin to pin this to your dashboard

For this blog post I chose the SQL API and left geo-redundancy off.


Ok so once you’ve done this click on Quick Start

 

Now you’ll see that you can download a sample app using .Net, .Net Core, Xamarin, Java, node.js and Python which will download code for you to play around with and create a to-do app.

I chose .Net and downloaded the code to my machine and opened it up with Visual Studio, run the code and you have a working to-do application hitting your newly created Azure CosmosDB up in Azure.

Time to go play with Azure CosmosDB, enjoy.

 


Tags:

Jan18201818 January 201818 January 20180Commentby Gregor Suttie

My Azure Learning plan – update

Posted in Aspect Oriented Programming, Cloud Computing, Training

Since mid December I have spent a fair amount of time learning about Azure, the content I have covered so far is below, the rest I have yet to learn about =)

Quick shout out to @Pluralsight, @AzureBarry and @Mark_heath without these courses I wouldn’t have learned most of what I know at this moment in time.

Section 1: Basics of Cloud Computing and Azure Overview
In this section we will see what is cloud computing and its acronyms concepts. At the end, the video provide an overview on Microsoft Azure.
• The Course Overview
• Cloud Computing Acronyms and Concepts
• Microsoft Azure Overview
1.1 The Course Overview
This video will an overview on the entire course
1.2 Cloud Computing Acronyms and Concepts
In this video, we are going to take a look at several Cloud Computing Acronyms and Concepts.
• Understand Private Cloud, Public Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud
• Get to know IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, DRaaS, and BaaS
• Describe several cloud computing characteristics (Scalability, High Availability, Cost, Pay per use,…)
1.3 Microsoft Azure Overview
This video gives a high-level overview of the Microsoft Azure public cloud platform.
• Know the concepts of the Microsoft Azure datacentre’s
• Get an overview of Microsoft Azure components and Services
• Understand the different Azure platforms, Azure Service Manager, and Azure Resource Manager

Section 2: Introducing Azure Subscriptions
This section introduces us to the Azure subscriptions and helps us to deploy an Azure trial subscription.
• Azure Subscriptions
• Deploying an Azure Trial Subscription
2.1 Azure Subscriptions
This video will an overview on the entire course
2.2 Deploying an Azure Trial Subscription
In this video, we are going to take a look at what it takes to deploy an Azure trial subscription.
• Get free trial subscription details
• Know the description of ‘other’ free Azure resources that you can use without a cost
• Watch a walk through demo on how to set up your trial Azure environment

Section 3: Introduction to Microsoft Azure Management Portals
In this section we will be exploring Azure portals also further the videos explains Azure Management tools in detail.
• Exploring the Azure Portals
• Azure Management Tools
3.1 Exploring the Azure Portals
This video will an overview on the entire course.
• Understand what lists are
• See when lists are used
• Learn how to perform data manipulation with lists

3.2 Azure Management Tools
In this video, we are going to take a look at the main differences between the Azure Classic Portal and the Azure Resource Manager Portal.
• Explore the Azure Classic Portal
• Explore the Azure Resource Manager Portal
• Watch a demo on Azure portals

Section 4: Implementing an Azure Virtual Machine Architecture
This section defines the architectural design of the Azure VM and how to deploy it.
• Azure VM Architectural Design
• Deploying Your First Azure Virtual Machine
• Deploying a More Complex Azure VM Architecture
• Handling Azure VM High Availability
4.1 Azure VM Architectural Design
In this video, we are going to take a look at the following: (a) Azure Resource Groups (b)Azure Virtual Network (c)Azure Storage Azure Virtual Machines.
• Get to know what are Resource Groups and how to architect them
• Understand the different Azure Storage accounts and their characteristics, and the highlights of Azure VNets
• Know the Azure Virtual Machine sizes and different images available today
4.2 Deploying Your First Azure Virtual Machine
In this section, we are going to take a look at Azure Virtual machines, going through different aspects of the creation process, deployment, and management.
• Take a walk through of what settings and parameters are required for successful deployment of an Azure VM
• Get to know what are the key Azure Virtual Machine requirements (Basics, VM size, settings and optional features)
• Understand how to deploy and manage your first Azure VM: demo walk through
4.3 Deploying a More Complex Azure VM Architecture
This video has three main sections, helping you in understanding how to deploy more complex Azure VM architectures. It will make clear most of the deployment process in Azure relies on automation and scripts.
• Explain the Azure MarketPlace templates
• Uncover the GitHub Azure QuickStart templates
• Use Visual Studio to automate your Azure VM architecture deployment process
4.4 Handling Azure VM High Availability
In this video, we discuss two prime features of Azure public cloud, allowing for a high available Azure VM architecture.
• Explain Azure Virtual Machine High Availability SLAs
• Get to know what are Azure Availability Sets and why to use them
• Demo walk through configuring Azure Availability Sets

Section 5: Azure Resource Manager (ARM) Templates
In this section we will learn what Azure Resources are and how to create customized ARM templates.
• Deploying Azure Resources from Community Templates
• Creating Your Own Customized ARM Templates
• Automating Azure VM Deployment Using Configuration Management
5.1 Deploying Azure Resources from Community Templates

In this video, you will learn the following: (a) The structure of an ARM template (b) Deployment from GitHub QuickStart Templates Deployment from Azure QuickStart Templates on azure.com
• Know what is the purpose of an Azure ARM template, and how is it structured
• Understand the key aspects of deployment of Azure Resources from the GitHub published QuickStart Templates
• Learn the key aspects of deploying Azure Resources from the Azure.com templates gallery
5.2 Creating Your Own Customized ARM Templates
This video is all about learning to build your own customized Azure ARM templates from Visual Studio
• Get an overview of the creation process in Visual Studio
• Demo walk through on how to create an Azure ARM template out of Visual Studio
• Deploy Azure Resources using automation
5.3 Automating Azure VM Deployment Using Configuration Management
In this video, we are going to take a look at what Azure VM Configuration Management means, discussing several of these Configuration Management tools, describing PowerShell DSC, Azure VM Extensions, and highlighting Chef and Puppet
• Learn the different definitions of Configuration Management and several well-known Configuration Management tools
• Get an overview of PowerShell DSC and VM Extensions in general and observe a demo on PowerShell DSC
• Do a walk through of Chef and Puppet

Section 6: Implementing Azure Identity
This section gives detailed explanation on deploying, creating and integrating Azure directory.
• Deploying Azure Active Directory
• Integrating On-Premises Active Directory with Azure AD
• Advanced Features of Azure Active Directory
• Integrating Azure AD with SaaS Applications
• Azure Active Directory Application Proxy
6.1 Deploying Azure Active Directory
This video is all about Azure Active Directory; starting from what exactly Azure Active Directory is, you’ll learn about the different versions and SKUs; we’ll quickly touch on Azure AD Domain Services, B2B, and B2C and close this video with a deployment walk through.
• Get to know what is Azure Active Directory
• Understand the Azure Active Directory versions, SKUs, and the differences between them
• Get an overview of Azure AD Domain Services, B2B, and B2C scenarios
6.2 Integrating On-Premises Active Directory with Azure AD
This video clearly teaches you how to establish a hybrid Azure identity solution, integrating cloud with on-premises Active Directory.
• Get to know what is the Azure AD Connect tool and how to use it.
• Understand what is Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS)
• Watch a demo on AD Connect in action
6.3 Advanced Features of Azure Active Directory
In this video, I’ll discuss several advanced features of Azure Active Directory
• Understand Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Know the company branding
• Get know what is advanced reporting
6.4 Integrating Azure AD with SaaS Applications
In this video, we are going to take a look at the current issue with using multiple identities and where Azure Active Directory can be of help.
• Understand the challenges with SaaS applications and authentication handling
• Get to know the use of Azure Active Directory help in optimization and streamlining cloud authentication and identity
• Understand what is the Azure Access Panel and how to enable and use it
6.5 Integrating Azure AD with SaaS Applications
In this video, we are going to take a look at the current issue with using multiple identities and where Azure Active Directory can be of help.
• Understand the challenges with SaaS applications and authentication handling
• Get to know the use of Azure Active Directory help in optimization and streamlining cloud authentication and identity
• Understand what is the Azure Access Panel and how to enable and use it

Section 7: Azure Monitoring and Diagnostics
In this section we will learn about Azure monitoring and operation management suite, also we will explore Azure application insights.
• Azure Built-In Monitoring
• Operations Management Suite
7.1 Azure Built-In Monitoring
In this video, we are going to take a look at several concepts around Azure monitoring and diagnostics
• Get to know the built-in monitoring features Azure provides
• Understand Azure Service Health and Azure Boot Diagnostics
• Learn how to configure alert notifications and customize your monitoring
7.2 Operations Management Suite
Even with several built-in monitoring and diagnostics features, Azure is sometimes limited in output, especially in a hybrid or enterprise oriented environment. That’s where Operations Management Suite (OMS) comes to the rescue!
• Understand what is Operations Management Suite (OMS) and how to deploy it
• Extend Operations Management Suite with Solution Packs
• Use OMS Log Search and Log Analytics

Section 8: Azure Disaster Recovery Solutions
This section gives thorough explanation on Implementing Azure for Azure VMs. The section also further explains the concept Azure Site Recovery (ASR)
• Implementing Azure Backup for Azure VMs
• Implementing Azure Backup (Hybrid)
• Azure Site Recovery (ASR) in Hyper-V and Non-Hyper-V Scenarios
8.1 Implementing Azure Backup for Azure VMs
Backup is still a vital point in providing a system’s high availability and disaster recovery, even when running as a public cloud virtual machine. While the Azure platform provides excellent uptime compared to most on-premises datacenters, one should not forget to take backup into account.
• Understand why we use backups for Azure Virtual Machines
• Know how to configure Azure Backups of Azure VMs, as well as how to restore an Azure VM
• Demo walk through the backup and restore operation
8.2 Implementing Azure Backup (Hybrid)
This video will teach you all about using Azure backup in a hybrid topology setup, mainly using Azure Backup solution as a target for your on-premises backups.
• Get to know what does it take to use Azure as a backup target
• Deploy Azure Backup (agent-based) and deploy Azure Backup Server
• Watch a demo on implementing Azure backup in a hybrid scenario
8.3 Azure Site Recovery (ASR) in Hyper-V and Non-Hyper-V Scenarios
Azure Site Recovery (ASR) provides organizations with a true disaster/recovery solution for VM workloads, no matter where they are running. Using an intelligent “write change” replication, an async copy of your VMs are available in Azure and provide RPO/RTO of minutes instead of hours in most other DR solutions.
• Understand what is Azure Site Recovery (ASR)
• Deploy ASR for Hyper-V workloads
• Deploy ASR for non-Hyper-V workloads (Amazon AWS, VMware, Azure Classic VMs, and physical servers)

Section 9: Creating and Managing SQL Services in Azure
This section explores on creating and deploying SQL Azure. At the end, the section gives an overview on managing the SQL server and databases running in Azure.
• Deploying SQL VM Solutions
• Creating a SQL Azure DB Solution (PaaS)
• Managing SQL Server and Databases Running in Azure
• SQL Database (Backup and Restore)
9.1 Deploying SQL VM Solutions
This video is oriented around using the Azure infrastructure (IaaS) platform, to deploy Virtual Machines running SQL Server.
• Know what SQL Server VM Solutions can be deployed in Azure
• Understand how to deploy SQL Server VM solutions from an Azure ARM template
• Watch a demo on how to deploy SQL Server VM from a template in the Azure Portal
9.2 Creating a SQL Azure DB Solution (PaaS)
This video explains the core concepts of using SQL Azure hosted databases, relying on the PaaS aspect of Azure platform. Hosting SQL databases in Azure gives you a lot of flexibility and scalability out of the box, which makes it an ideal candidate for public cloud.
• Understand what are the main differences between SQL Server VM and SQL Azure
• Deploy a SQL Azure database solution
• Explain Azure SQL Database Tiers
9.3 Managing SQL Server and Databases Running in Azure

This video combines the management aspect of SQL databases, irrelevant from where they are running (on-premises, in-Azure VMs, or in-Azure PaaS)
• Learn how to manage SQL Server VM solutions running in Azure
• Learn what it takes to manage your SQL Azure hosted databases
• Demo
9.4 SQL Database (Backup and Restore)
This video details the flexibility of using Azure for storing your SQL database backups.
• Get to know how to integrate SQL Server VM Solutions’ backups with Azure
• Understand how to manage SQL Azure database backups
• Watch a demo on SQL backup and restore with the help of Azure platform services

Section 10: Implementing Azure Web Apps
In this section, we will see an overview on Azure Web Apps and plans. Further, we will learn building scalable Web App Solutions.
• Azure Web Apps and Plans – An Overview
• Deploying Web Apps
• Configuring Azure Web Apps Settings
• Azure Web Apps Monitoring and Diagnostics
• Building Scalable Web App Solutions
10.1 Azure Web Apps and Plans – An Overview
This video is part of a larger section, in which you’ll learn about Azure platform services. The key components you’ll see are Web Apps, Mobile Apps, and Logic Apps. This first video focuses on Azure Web Apps and how to deploy and manage them.
• Get an overview of Azure Web Apps and Web Apps Services
• Understand why we use Azure Web Apps
• Get to know the different Azure Web Apps plans available today
10.2 Deploying Web Apps
In this video, we are going to take a look at what it takes to deploy Azure Web Apps.
• Learn to deploy Azure Web Apps from the Azure Portal
• Learn to deploy Azure Web Apps from Visual Studio
• Learn the different ways to publish Web App content
10.3 Configuring Azure Web Apps Settings
This video is all about the configuration settings of an Azure Web App (and thus all other Azure App services if you want).
• Configure the Web Apps general settings
• Configure Web Apps authentication and authorization
• Perform Web Apps backups and manage SSL certificates
10.4 Azure Web Apps Monitoring and Diagnostics
We already discussed Azure monitoring and diagnostics in a previous video; but this one is specifically around Azure App Services monitoring
• Monitor Azure App Services from the Azure Resource Manager Portal
• Use specific monitoring and diagnostics for Azure Web Apps
• Uncover Azure Application Insights
10.5 Building Scalable Web App Solutions
Deploying Azure Web Apps shouldn’t always be that hard. But for most enterprises the challenge is keeping up with performance, which is a huge business driver for migrating your web applications to a public cloud platform such as Azure.
• Use Staging and Production deployment slots (Continuous Integration/(CI))
• Use Continuous Deployment (CD)
• Explain the scaling features per App Tier

Section 11: Azure Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Components
This section introduces us to the Azure Paas Solutions, Azure queue storage and table storage and finally Azure Machine Learning.
• Introduction to Azure PaaS Solutions
• Azure Queue Storage and Table Storage
• Introduction to Azure Machine Learning
• Azure Non-SQL Database Solutions and Cache
• Azure IOT Solutions and Components
• Azure Security Center
11.1 Introduction to Azure PaaS Solutions
In this video, we will highlight several of the common Azure PaaS components, which basically means stepping away from managing the underlying infrastructure side of the Azure datacenters.
• Get to know what is PaaS and how to describe it
• Get an overview of Microsoft Azure PaaS Services and components
• Explain PaaS characteristics
11.2 Azure Queue Storage and Table Storage
This video will teach you all about using Azure Storage Account components, specifically around application integration.
• Understand the Azure queue storage
• Know the Azure table storage
• Secure the storage account integration from your applications
11.3 Introduction to Azure Machine Learning
Azure Machine Learning (ML) allows organizations to run high density, high volume based calculations and predictions. It is often used in an industrial or scientific context.
• Understand why to use Machine Learning
• Understand Azure solutions enabling data science
• Get to know the Azure Machine Learning process and algorithms
11.4 Azure Non-SQL Database Solutions and Cache
We already discussed SQL database on Azure in a previous video. But SQL Server is not the only database technology available on Azure, as you will learn from this video.
• Get an overview of DocumentDB and MongoDB as non-SQL database solutions
• Get an introduction to MySQL and how to use it within Azure
• Get an overview of Redis Cache and how to use it
11.5 Azure IOT Solutions and Components
IOT (short for Internet of Things) is becoming a very important topic in the IT space, and basically in about any industrial segment. By connecting devices to the Internet, they become ‘smarter.’ In this video, I’ll describe the different aspects of IOT, and how it relates to Azure.
• Get to know why is Internet of Things (IOT) a big thing, and about IOT devices
• Understand the Azure IOT reference architecture
• Know the Azure Event Hub, IOT Hub, and Azure Stream Analytics
11.6 Azure Security Center
In this last video, I’ll talk about Azure security features, and more specifically about the “Azure Security Center.” This is a centralized dashboard, giving you real-detailed information and views on all-things security in your Azure environment.
• Get to know what is Azure Security Center
• Deploy Azure Security Center
• Watch a demo on using Azure Security Center

Way more to learn and I am really enjoying learning Azure.


Dec29201729 December 20172 January 20181Commentby Gregor Suttie

Azure Learning Resources

Posted in Azure, Cloud Computing

The following is a list of learning resources for your (and my) benefit, this list will be a work in progress and continually updated the more good stuff I come across.

Azure overview, lists ALL of the Azure services – https://azure-overview.com/
Create your first Azure Function using Visual Studio 2017 – https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-functions/functions-create-your-first-function-visual-studio
Great link with lots of awesome content – https://github.com/markheath/azure-functions-links

Azure Examples on Github – https://github.com/azure-samples

Courses

Blogs on Azure

Twitter Accounts to follow

  • @AzureFunctions – The Official account of the Azure Functions Product Team

Tags: