Careers in Azure are lucrative, in-demand and have high value. Azure provides a wide range of services for building, deploying, and managing applications. Azure offers over 200 products and cloud services for storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and more. These services require roles, responsibilities and careers for professionals. This article dives into careers in Azure, their benefits, job roles and salaries. 

Benefits of Careers in Azure

Choosing a career in Azure can offer many advantages for IT professionals. Here are some of the key benefits:

– High demand for Azure skills

As more companies move to the cloud, there is a huge need for professionals with Azure skills. Gartner estimates a shortage of 3 million cloud professionals globally by 2025. This high demand means great job opportunities for those with Azure expertise.

– Lucrative salaries 

Azure skills attract top salaries. According to PayScale, the average salary for an Azure solutions architect in the US is $140,000. The high pay reflects the scarcity of talent. Candidates with Azure certifications can expect to earn more.

– Remote work opportunities

Many Azure roles allow remote work options. This provides flexibility and work-life balance. You can work from anywhere with an internet connection. The increase in remote jobs expands employment opportunities beyond local areas, and you can work with international companies. 

– Career Advancement

The rapid growth of Azure creates avenues for career advancement. You can progress to senior roles in Azure. Valuable skills makes it easier to transition into related roles like DevOps engineering and full-stack development.

– In-demand skills

Azure skills are highly sought after. Learning Azure can help launch or boost IT careers. Candidates with Azure knowledge stand out for the most competitive roles in cloud computing. The versatile skills open doors across industries.

Careers In Azure

Azure Careers are diverse and lucrative in the industry, both locally and internationally. 

1. Cloud Solutions Architect  

A Cloud Solutions Architect is responsible for overseeing cloud computing strategies for companies. The average salary for a Cloud Solutions Architect is between $100,000 to $150,000 per year. 

2. Data Engineer

Data engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines to collect, transform, and store data. This is done for data analytics and machine learning applications on Azure. They are responsible for implementing data architectures and ensuring optimal data flow. 

The average salary for an Azure data engineer is around $117,000 per year. With data engineering skills being in high demand, experienced data engineers can earn upwards of $150,000.

3. DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers develop and maintain large-scale cloud infrastructure on platforms like Azure. They design and implement automated systems to ensure efficient infrastructure operations in the cloud.

DevOps Engineers need to have strong experience in shell scripting, infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform and Ansible, CI/CD tools like Azure DevOps, and monitoring/logging platforms. 

The average salary for a DevOps Engineer with Azure skills can range from $130,000 to $170,000 per year. There is high demand for DevOps Engineers as more organizations adopt cloud platforms like Azure.

4. Full Stack Developer

Full stack development on the Azure platform involves working with both front-end and back-end technologies to build and deploy complete applications in the cloud. 

The average salary for a Full Stack Developer with Azure skills is $100,000 per year. 

5. Cloud Administrator

A cloud administrator maintains a company’s cloud computing systems and networks. This is important in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of cloud-based systems and applications. The cloud administrator role is one of the most lucrative careers in Azure.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Cloud Administrator is between $75,000 to $116,000 yearly.

6. Database Admin

Database administrators (DBAs) are responsible for installing, configuring, upgrading, and maintaining the performance and security of databases in Azure. 

A database administrator in Azure requires expertise in SQL Server administration, Azure services, automation, security, performance tuning, and high availability concepts. The average salary for a database admin is $100,000 per year.

7.  Security Engineer  

Security engineers are responsible for securing cloud environments and workloads in Azure. Security engineers are one of the most in-demand Azure roles with an average salary of $125,000  year.

Security engineers optimize and harden Azure environments while enabling business agility through secure cloud adoption. Security engineers’ expertise in securing cloud workloads is critical as organizations continue to migrate to the cloud.

Are you interested in becoming a Security Engineer? Register for our Cloud Security Training.

8. Solutions Architects  

Solutions Architects are responsible for designing solutions on the Azure platform. They need a deep understanding of Azure services and how to combine them to meet business requirements.

The Solutions Architect analyses requirements, proposes technical solutions, creates architecture diagrams and roadmaps, and collaborates with development teams during implementation. They ensure solutions meet target goals like performance, scalability, availability, security, and compliance. 

Solutions Architects need expertise in areas like networking, storage, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, and application design. Strong technical skills along with communication, collaboration and presentation abilities are crucial.

The average salary for a Solutions Architect in Azure is around $130,000 per year.

Azure Certifications

Microsoft Azure certifications validate your skills in cloud technologies and allow you to demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Azure. They are a great way to advance your career in cloud computing and get hired for high-paying Azure roles.  When getting started, it’s recommended to take the fundamental certifications before specializing. Microsoft Azure has numerous certifications. This article dives into some of the fundamentals and specialist Microsoft certifications.  

The main Azure certifications are:

1.  Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

The Azure Fundamentals certification is an entry-level cert for anyone getting started with cloud computing and Microsoft Azure. It covers cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, compliance, and Azure pricing and support. This cert demonstrates foundational knowledge of cloud services and how Azure works.

2. Azure Administrator (AZ-104)

The Azure Administrator Associate certification is for admins and IT professionals responsible for implementing, managing, and monitoring identity, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks in Azure. It covers skills like deploying and managing Azure resources, configuring and securing virtual networking, managing Azure subscriptions and governance, implementing Azure Active Directory, and monitoring Azure infrastructure.

3. Azure Developer (AZ-204)

The Azure Developer Associate certification is for software developers and app builders proficient in Azure development. It covers skills like developing solutions, implementing Azure functions, developing for Azure storage, implementing authentication and securing applications, handling application data and monitoring, and integrating Azure services into applications.  

4. Azure Solutions Architect 

The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is for software architects proficient in designing distributed apps and managing cloud solution infrastructure. It covers designing monitoring, identity and security, data storage, business continuity, migration, deployment, governance, cost optimization, and integration between Azure services. This advanced certification is for experienced cloud professionals.

5. Azure AI Engineer Associate

The Azure AI engineer associate certificate demonstrates proficiency in artificial intelligence and Azure’s integration with Open AI.  It covers managing, designing and building on Azure AI services.

How to Get Azure Certifications

Getting Microsoft Azure Certifications is important for your career. Azure Certifications require writing and passing exams. There are diverse ways to get Azure certifications to add to your resume or portfolio.

– Get Training and Practical Experience on Azure

Learning and understanding the practical aspect of Microsoft Azure is essential. Evolve Connect offers training courses on Azure, including expert training, covering cloud computing, Azure services, cloud security, and more.  For example, if you’re a beginner, you can enroll in Microsoft 365 Beginner Package. Microsoft also hosts free events like the Cloud Skills Challenge. You can get 50% off the price of the exams. 

– Pass the Certification exam

Each Microsoft Certification exam requires a passing grade to get the certificate. The scores are graded from 1 to 1000. It takes a passing score of 700 and above to get the certificate. 

– Maintain your Credentials

The associate and expert certification requires renewal. You can write an exam for free to maintain the certificate. 

Getting an Azure Job 

With Azure skills in demand, many companies are looking to hire professionals with Azure certifications and experience. However, you need to put effort into building an appealing resume, finding open positions, and preparing for interviews. 

 Building Your Azure Resume

– Highlight your Azure certifications near the top of your resume or LinkedIn Profile. List the name of the certifications (e.g. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate) and the date you obtained it.

– Include a skills section that calls out your expertise with key Azure services like Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure Networking, etc. 

– In your experience section, feature Azure-related projects and talk about your specific contributions. Quantify and highlight Azure cloud cost savings, usage growth, or other impact you directly drove.

– Tailor your resume with Azure keywords to get past resume screening software. Research terms commonly used in Azure job postings like “Azure IaaS”, “Azure PaaS”, “Azure DevOps”, etc.

 Future of Azure Careers  

The future is very bright for professionals who get careers in Azure. As more organizations move to the cloud, demand for Azure skills will continue to grow. According to a recent report by 451 Research, revenue from Azure services is expected to reach $100 billion by 2024. This rapid growth will require more Azure professionals to design, build, and manage Azure workloads.

Start learning and earning by registering for our Azure Courses. 

In today’s digital era, cloud computing has become the foundation for many successful businesses. It allows organizations to access resources, storage, and services over the internet.

Among the leading cloud service providers, Microsoft Azure stands out due to its robust infrastructure, broad range of services, and commitment to security and compliance. To fully unleash the power of Azure, it’s crucial to understand its fundamentals. Let’s dive into the world of Microsoft Azure and discover its core concepts and features.

What is Microsoft Azure?

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform provided by Microsoft. It offers a wide range of services, including computing power, storage, analytics, machine learning, and networking, among others. Azure enables organizations to build, deploy, and manage applications and services efficiently. It is the foundation of managing cloud services within the Microsoft environment. 

Microsoft Azure is in use globally, for individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations. According to CNBC, Microsoft Azure is estimated to be worth $140 billion. Microsoft Azure offers multiple services, certifications and applications for users, individuals and businesses.

Microsoft Azure is an essential cloud computing service that is useful, important and worth billions. It is important to learn about the Key concepts in Microsoft Azure.

Do you want to learn about Microsoft Azure and get jobs within the cloud space? Register for our Bootcamp. 

Key Concepts in Microsoft Azure

Source: portal.azure.com

1. Datacenters and Regions.

Azure operates in regions spread throughout the world. A region is an area with one or more data centers. A data center is a physical location of cloud computing storage. Microsoft Datacenter server rooms house its cloud computing and storage capability. Microsoft has more than 4 million servers in datacenters across the globe. These data center powers the cloud resources organizations use. 

2. Virtual Machines (VMs)

Azure VMs are the primary building blocks of many Azure deployments. They enable you to run applications, handle workloads, and provide flexibility. Azure offers a wide range of VM sizes to meet specific requirements.

3. Azure App Service

Azure App Service is a fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web applications and APIs. It supports various programming languages, such as .NET, Java, Python, and Node.js, making it easy for developers to create cloud-native applications.

4. Azure Storage

Azure Storage offers scalable and secure cloud storage for various data types, including files, blobs, tables, and queues. It provides high durability and availability, allowing organizations to store and access data from anywhere in the world.

5. Azure Functions

Azure Functions is a serverless computing service that enables developers to run small pieces of code, or functions, in the cloud without the need to provision or manage infrastructure. It simplifies the development and deployment of event-driven applications and integrates seamlessly with other Azure services.

6. Azure Networking

Azure Networking provides the infrastructure and services to connect applications, services, and virtual networks both within Azure and on-premises. It includes features such as virtual networks, load balancers, gateway services, and virtual private networks (VPNs).

7. Azure Identity and Access Management (IAM)

IAM in Azure ensures secure access to resources by managing user identities and their permissions. It allows administrators to control access to Azure resources based on role assignment. It provides features like Azure Active Directory, multi-factor authentication, and conditional access policies.

Benefits of Microsoft Azure

1. Scalability: Azure allows organizations to scale their resources up or down based on demand, providing cost-efficiency and flexibility.
2. Reliability: Azure offers high availability and redundancy through its global infrastructure, ensuring your applications and data are always accessible.
3. Security: Microsoft has made significant investments in security measures, making Azure compliant with various industry standards and regulations.
4. Hybrid Capabilities: Azure seamlessly integrates with on-premises infrastructure, enabling organizations to build hybrid environments and gradually migrate workloads to the cloud.
5. AI and Machine Learning: Azure provides powerful AI and machine learning services, enabling organizations to extract valuable insights from their data and build intelligent applications.

Conclusion

Microsoft Azure is a powerful cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services, empowering organizations to innovate and grow. Understanding the fundamentals of Azure is essential in maximizing its potential and unlocking the benefits it offers. From virtual machines to storage to networking, Azure provides a comprehensive suite of services to meet your organization’s needs. Embrace the power of Azure, and embark on your cloud journey with confidence.

Ready to gain practical experience on Azure? Register for our Bootcamp and learn from experts. 

Cloud service providers play a crucial role in the advancement of cloud computing. They have made cloud services widely available, easily accessible, and beneficial for individuals and businesses.

The cloud computing industry boasts numerous service providers, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Oracle, among others. Among the top providers in the market are Microsoft Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). These providers manage extensive global networks of data centers that companies can utilize to develop and deploy applications and services.

Although they offer similar services, each provider has its unique features. This article aims to provide an overview of the leading cloud service providers, namely AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform, globally offering over 600 services. Originally named Windows Azure, it serves diverse industries, providing security solutions, and infrastructure services. Amongst others are digital and app innovation, data and AI services, business applications, and modern work solutions.

With a market share of 23% in cloud infrastructure services as of 2023, Azure boasts one of the largest global infrastructures with data centers in over 60 regions.

Key Offerings:

1. Security Solutions: Microsoft provides robust security, compliance, identity, and management solutions. Some of these solutions include Defender, Sentinel, Entra, Purview, Priva, and Endpoint Manager.
2. Infrastructure Services: Azure offers infrastructure solutions like Windows Server, SQL Server, Linux, VMware, Virtual Desktop, and Azure Arc.
3. Digital and App Innovation: Platforms for software development include Visual Studio, GitHub, Azure App Service, Container Apps, Kubernetes Services, and Power Apps.
4. Data and AI Services: Comprehensive database, analytics, and data governance solutions, such as Microsoft AI, Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, Synapse Analytics, Power BI, Purview, and Azure AI.
5. Business Applications: Dynamics 365 and Power Platform empower exceptional customer experiences and operational agility.
6. Modern Work Solutions: Microsoft 365, Teams, Windows 11, Windows 365, and Viva enhance collaboration and productivity.

Service Categories:

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Azure Virtual Machines and Virtual Network.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Azure App Service and SQL Database.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS): Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365.
4. Serverless Computing: Azure Functions.
5. Data Analytics and Storage: Blob Storage and Data Lake Storage.
6. AI and Machine Learning: Azure Machine Learning and Cognitive Services.
7. Internet of Things (IoT): Azure IoT Hub.
8. Identity and Access Management: Azure Active Directory.

Key Features:

1. Prominent Azure services include Virtual Machines, Azure App Service, Azure SQL Database, Azure Active Directory, and Azure Storage.
2. Azure AI integrates natural language processing (NLP) and collaborates with OpenAI for applications using CoPilot.

Learn more about Microsoft Azure from industry experts.

 Amazon Web Services (AWS) 

AWS, introduced by Amazon in 2006, is the world’s most adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 services globally. With a dynamic community and data centers in 34 regions and 102 availability zones, AWS provides services for various industries emphasizing security, infrastructure, and application development. Services also include data analytics, machine learning, IoT, and identity management. AWS maintains a significant market share in the cloud computing industry.

AWS provides the following features:

Industry-Specific Solutions

AWS caters to a wide range of industries, delivering specialized cloud computing services and products tailored for specific sectors. Industries served include finance, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit, retail, and more.

Security and Compliance

AWS places a strong emphasis on security and compliance, offering a variety of tools and services for data protection and regulatory adherence. Key security services include AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), AWS Key Management Service (KMS), and AWS CloudHSM.

Infrastructure Services

AWS provides a comprehensive set of infrastructure services, enabling organizations to build, deploy, and manage their applications. Examples include:

1. Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2): Offering scalable computing capacity.
2. Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC): Providing networking capabilities for secure and isolated environments.

Application Development and Innovation

AWS supports digital and application innovation through various platforms and tools:

1. AWS Lambda: Facilitating serverless computing for event-triggered code execution.
2. Amazon S3: Scalable object storage for managing and storing vast amounts of data.

Data Analytics and Machine Learning: AWS offers robust solutions for data analytics and machine learning, including:

1. Amazon Redshift: A fully managed data warehouse service.
2. Amazon SageMaker: Enabling the development and deployment of machine learning models.

Internet of Things (IoT):

AWS IoT services cater to the growing demands of connected devices, providing solutions for device management, data processing, and analytics.

Identity and Access Management

AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) ensures secure access control, allowing organizations to manage user identities and permissions effectively.

Key Features and Offerings:

1. AWS Elastic Beanstalk: Simplifying the deployment and scaling of applications.
2. Amazon RDS: Managed relational database services for various database engines.
3. AWS CloudFormation: Automating infrastructure provisioning and application deployment.

 Google Cloud Platform  (GCP)

Introduced by Google in 2008, Google Cloud Platform is a prominent cloud computing platform known for innovation. Catering to various industries, GCP prioritizes security and compliance, offering infrastructure services, application development, data analytics, machine learning, IoT, and identity management. With a global infrastructure present in over 200 countries, GCP operates in 20 regions and 61 availability zones, providing scale and reliability for enterprise customers.

Some of the key features include:

Industry-Specific Solutions: GCP caters to various industries, delivering tailored cloud computing services for sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit, and retail.

Security and Compliance: GCP prioritizes security and compliance, providing a robust set of tools and services for data protection and regulatory adherence. Key security features include Identity and Access Management (IAM), Key Management Service (KMS), and Cloud Security Command Center.

Infrastructure Services: GCP offers a range of infrastructure services to build, deploy, and manage applications. Notable examples include:

1. Compute Engine: Providing scalable virtual machine instances.
2. Virtual Private Cloud (VPC): Offering networking capabilities for secure and isolated environments.

Application Development and Innovation: Supporting digital and application innovation through platforms and tools such as:

1. Google App Engine: A fully managed serverless platform for building and deploying applications.
2. Cloud Storage: Scalable object storage for managing and storing various types of data.

Data Analytics and Machine Learning: GCP provides robust solutions for data analytics and machine learning, including:

1. BigQuery: A fully managed, serverless data warehouse.
2. AI Platform: Enabling the development and deployment of machine learning models.

Internet of Things (IoT): GCP addresses the IoT landscape, offering solutions for device management, data processing, and analytics through services like Cloud IoT Core.

Identity and Access Management: Google Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) ensures secure access control, allowing organizations to manage user identities and permissions effectively.

Key Features and Offerings:

1. Cloud Functions: Facilitating serverless computing for event-triggered code execution.
2. Cloud SQL: Managed relational database services supporting various database engines.
3. Cloud Deployment Manager: Automating infrastructure deployment and management.

 Conclusion

Cloud service providers are causing a revolution in the cloud and AI space. Stay updated with these technologies to have an edge in the IT industry.