Azure Platform Engineer


The Azure Platform Engineer Learning Path is designed to provide professionals with the expertise to architect, automate, and manage Azure cloud environments effectively. This course covers core Azure services, networking, security, Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with ARM templates, Bicep, and Terraform, as well as CI/CD implementation using Azure DevOps. Participants will gain hands-on experience in monitoring, logging, cost optimization, and governance while learning to build resilient, scalable, and highly available Azure architectures. Through real-world projects and a capstone challenge, learners will deploy and maintain secure cloud solutions, integrating automation and operational best practices. This program is ideal for engineers looking to master Azure platform engineering and prepare for Microsoft Azure certifications.



What You Will Learn

  • Azure Platform Engineering Fundamentals: Understand the role and responsibilities of an Azure Platform Engineer, including platform design, automation, and operational excellence within the global Azure infrastructure.
  • Core Azure Services & Networking: Master essential services such as Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Virtual Networks, and Azure Active Directory, along with critical networking concepts like VNet configuration, NSGs, VPN gateways, and ExpressRoute.
  • Compute & Serverless Architectures: Learn to deploy, manage, and scale compute solutions—including VMs, VM scale sets, container services (AKS), and serverless technologies like Azure Functions and Logic Apps—while ensuring high availability and disaster recovery.
  • Storage, Databases & Data Management: Gain expertise in Azure Storage solutions, relational and NoSQL database services, and best practices for data integration, migration, and backup.
  • Infrastructure as Code & Automation: Develop skills in deploying and managing resources using ARM templates, Bicep, and Terraform, enhanced by scripting and automation via PowerShell and Azure CLI.
  • CI/CD and DevOps on Azure: Build and manage automated pipelines with Azure DevOps, integrating testing, security, and code quality checks to streamline application deployments.
  • Monitoring, Logging & Observability: Utilize Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights to set up dashboards, alerts, and performance tuning strategies for proactive operational management.
  • Cost Optimization & Governance: Learn to monitor, analyze, and optimize Azure expenses through effective cost management, resource tagging, governance policies, and budgeting techniques.
  • Advanced Architecture & Emerging Trends: Explore resilient design patterns, hybrid/multi-cloud integration strategies, and the latest Azure services that drive modern cloud solutions.
  • Real-World Projects & Certification Prep: Apply your knowledge in hands-on projects and capstone exercises, and prepare for Microsoft Azure certifications to validate your skills and advance your career.

Business Benefits

  • Optimized Cloud Operations: Streamline resource management and automation to enhance operational efficiency and reduce manual overhead.
  • Enhanced Scalability & Resilience: Design high availability, fault-tolerant systems that adapt to business growth and ensure continuous service performance.
  • Improved Security & Compliance: Implement best practices in identity, access management, and governance to protect critical assets and meet regulatory requirements.
  • Cost Efficiency: Leverage advanced cost management and resource optimization strategies to control expenses and maximize ROI.
  • Competitive Advantage: Drive innovation with cutting-edge Azure technologies and practices, boosting stakeholder confidence and supporting business growth.

Skills Learned

  • Azure Infrastructure Mastery: Deepen your understanding of Azure global infrastructure, cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and the shared responsibility model.
  • Core Service Deployment & Networking: Gain proficiency in deploying and managing Azure services, configuring VNets, and implementing robust security practices using Azure Active Directory and NSGs.
  • Compute & Serverless Expertise: Develop hands-on skills in managing VMs, container orchestration (AKS), and serverless architectures to build scalable, resilient solutions.
  • Infrastructure as Code & Automation: Master the use of ARM templates, Bicep, Terraform, and scripting (PowerShell, Azure CLI) to automate deployments and manage resources efficiently.
  • CI/CD Pipeline Development: Learn to design, implement, and monitor automated deployment pipelines with Azure DevOps, integrating quality and security into your workflows.
  • Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Build capabilities in setting up monitoring, logging, and alerting systems using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights for proactive performance management.
  • Cost Management & Governance: Acquire skills in resource tagging, policy enforcement, budgeting, and forecasting to optimize cloud spending and ensure compliance.
  • Advanced Architectural Design: Understand and apply advanced design patterns, hybrid integration strategies, and emerging Azure trends to develop robust cloud solutions.
  • Project Execution & Certification Preparation: Gain practical experience through hands-on projects and capstone exercises while preparing for Azure certifications to validate your expertise.


Syllabus

1. Introduction to Azure Platform Engineering

  • Overview of the Role

    Understand the responsibilities of an Azure Platform Engineer, including platform design, automation, and operational excellence.

  • Azure Global Infrastructure

    Learn about Azure regions, availability zones, and the global network that supports Azure services.

  • Cloud Computing Fundamentals

    Review key concepts such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS along with the Azure shared responsibility model.

2. Azure Infrastructure Fundamentals

  • Core Azure Services

    Dive into essential services such as Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Virtual Networks, and Azure Active Directory.

  • Networking Essentials

    Explore Virtual Network (VNet) configuration, subnets, Network Security Groups (NSGs), VPN gateways, and ExpressRoute.

  • Security Foundations

    Understand Azure identity and access management with RBAC, managed identities, and security best practices.

3. Compute and Serverless Architectures on Azure

  • Virtual Machines and Scale Sets

    Learn how to deploy, configure, and manage VMs and VM scale sets for scalable workloads.

  • Containerization and Orchestration

    Explore Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Container Instances, and best practices for containerized applications.

  • Serverless Computing

    Understand Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and Event Grid to build serverless and event-driven architectures.

  • High Availability and Scalability

    Study load balancing, auto-scaling, and disaster recovery strategies within Azure.

4. Storage, Databases, and Data Management

  • Azure Storage Solutions

    Learn about Blob Storage, File Storage, Disk Storage, and their configurations for performance and durability.

  • Database Services

    Explore relational databases (Azure SQL, Managed Instance) and NoSQL options (Cosmos DB) for diverse workloads.

  • Data Integration and Migration

    Understand Azure Data Factory, Database Migration Service, and best practices for data backup and recovery.

5. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Automation

  • ARM Templates and Bicep

    Master Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates and the Bicep language to define and deploy infrastructure.

  • Terraform for Azure

    Learn how to use Terraform for managing Azure resources, including state management and modularization.

  • Scripting and Automation

    Enhance your automation skills with PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Azure Automation to streamline operational tasks.

6. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

  • Azure DevOps Overview

    Explore Azure DevOps services such as Boards, Repos, Pipelines, and Artifacts for end-to-end CI/CD.

  • Designing CI/CD Pipelines

    Build and manage pipelines that automate application deployment, testing, and security scans.

  • Integrating Quality and Security

    Incorporate automated testing, vulnerability assessments, and code quality checks into your pipelines.

7. Monitoring, Logging, and Observability

  • Azure Monitoring Tools

    Utilize Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights to collect performance and usage data.

  • Centralized Logging and Alerting

    Set up dashboards, alerts, and log aggregation to monitor the health and performance of your resources.

  • Troubleshooting and Performance Tuning

    Develop strategies for diagnosing issues, optimizing performance, and ensuring high availability.

8. Cost Optimization and Governance

  • Cost Management Strategies

    Learn how to use Azure Cost Management and Billing to monitor and optimize expenses.

  • Governance and Compliance

    Implement tagging strategies, Azure Policy, and Management Groups to enforce compliance and resource governance.

  • Budgeting and Forecasting

    Master techniques to forecast costs, set budgets, and optimize resource utilization across the platform.

9. Advanced Architecture and Design Patterns

  • Building Resilient Architectures

    Study design patterns for highly available, fault-tolerant, and scalable systems on Azure.

  • Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Integration

    Explore strategies for integrating on-premises environments with Azure and orchestrating multi-cloud solutions.

  • Emerging Trends and Services

    Stay updated with the latest Azure services, microservices architectures, and emerging technologies.

10. Hands-On Projects and Real-World Scenarios

  • Engage in practical projects that integrate the key Azure concepts covered in the learning path. For example, deploy a multi-tier web application on Azure using Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, and Virtual Networks. Implement security, cost optimization, and governance practices throughout the deployment.

11. Certification Preparation

  • Prepare for Microsoft certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate and Azure Solutions Architect Expert to validate your skills and advance your career.



Hands-On Labs

1. Infrastructure Deployment Project

  • Create Virtual Networks (VNets), subnets, and configure Network Security Groups (NSGs).

  • Deploy Virtual Machines and Virtual Machine Scale Sets.

  • Implement Azure Storage accounts for data redundancy.

  • Set up Azure Active Directory and configure RBAC.

  • Configure VPN gateways or ExpressRoute for secure connectivity.

2. Serverless Event-driven Application

  • Design and deploy Azure Functions triggered by Event Grid.

  • Implement Logic Apps for automated workflows.

  • Integrate Application Insights for monitoring serverless applications.

  • Configure auto-scaling and error handling for high availability.

3. Containerized Microservices Deployment

  • Containerize applications using Docker.

  • Deploy applications on AKS clusters using Azure Container Registry.

  • Configure Kubernetes deployments, services, and ingress controllers.

  • Monitor application health and implement horizontal pod autoscaling.

4. Database Migration and Optimization

  • Utilize Azure Database Migration Service for migration.

  • Configure Azure SQL for optimal performance, security, and compliance.

  • Implement data backup, retention policies, and disaster recovery procedures.

5. Infrastructure as Code Automation

  • Develop ARM templates and convert them to Bicep.

  • Implement Terraform scripts with modularization and remote state management.

  • Validate infrastructure changes through Azure DevOps pipelines.

6. End-to-End CI/CD Implementation

  • Configure Azure DevOps Pipelines for application build, test, and deployment.

  • Integrate static code analysis, unit testing, and security vulnerability scanning tools.

  • Automate container builds, push images to ACR, and deploy to AKS.

7. Monitoring and Observability Project

  • Set up Azure Monitor, Log Analytics workspaces, and Application Insights.

  • Configure dashboards and alerting systems for proactive monitoring.

  • Perform troubleshooting using gathered telemetry data.

8. Cost Optimization and Governance Scenario

  • Implement tagging strategies for effective cost allocation.

  • Configure Azure Cost Management and establish budgeting alerts.

  • Enforce compliance and governance through Azure Policy and Management Groups.

9. Comprehensive Cloud Solution

  • Architect resilient, scalable infrastructure using VNets, load balancers, and AKS.

  • Automate deployments with Terraform, ARM/Bicep, and Azure DevOps pipelines.

  • Implement robust monitoring, alerting, and logging solutions.

  • Optimize costs through governance, tagging, and policy enforcement.

  • Prepare detailed documentation, performance analysis, security reviews, and a final project presentation to stakeholders.