Whether you're just beginning to work with the cloud or you already have cloud experience and are new to Microsoft Azure, this course provides you with everything you need to get started. It introduces you to Microsoft Azure core concepts and services. You’ll learn the basics of cloud computing, its advantages, and how to choose the right Microsoft Azure solution for different business scenarios. You’ll use the Microsoft Azure portal and a sandbox to create and test Microsoft Azure resources at no cost to you. You don’t need to write code or have scripting skills to do this.
You’ll learn about several of the database and big data services that are available on Microsoft Azure. You'll also learn how to take advantage of several virtualization services in Microsoft Azure compute, which can help your applications scale out quickly and efficiently to meet increasing demands. Finally, you’ll learn about the different storage and virtual network options available in Microsoft Azure.
This course can help you prepare for AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam. This is the first course in a four-course program that prepares you to take the AZ-900 certification exam. This course teaches you the core concepts and skills that are assessed in the cloud concepts and core Microsoft Azure services exam domains.
This beginner course is suitable for IT personnel who are just beginning to work with Microsoft Azure and want to learn about Microsoft Azure offerings and get hands-on experience with the product.
To be successful in this course, you need to have basic computer literacy and proficiency in the English language. You should be familiar with basic computing concepts and terminology, general technology concepts, including concepts of networking, storage, compute, application support, and application development. You should also be familiar with the concept of application programming interfaces or APIs. It is beneficial to have a high-level familiarity with relevant Microsoft products such as Dynamics 365 and Office 365.
This module introduces you to the basics of cloud computing and Azure, and how to get started with Azure's subscriptions and accounts.
Introduction to Azure Core Concepts & Services•6 minutes
Careers in cloud computing•5 minutes
The Microsoft AZ-900 certification exam•2 minutes
Introduction to Azure •2 minutes
The benefits of cloud computing •2 minutes
What is Azure? •4 minutes
Case study introduction•2 minutes
Weekly summary•0 minutes
7 readings•Total 60 minutes
Skills measured in the exam•10 minutes
Course syllabus•5 minutes
How to be successful in this course•5 minutes
Additional reading•10 minutes
List of Azure services•10 minutes
Exercise: Get started with Azure accounts•10 minutes
Additional reading•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 41 minutes
Test prep•9 minutes
Exercise quiz•2 minutes
Knowledge check •30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Meet and greet•10 minutes
3 plugins•Total 9 minutes
What is cloud computing? •3 minutes
How does Azure work?•3 minutes
Tour of Azure Services•3 minutes
Microsoft Azure Fundamental Concepts & Architectural Components
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you'll learn about the advantages of using cloud computing services and how to differentiate between the categories and types of cloud computing. You'll also examine the various concepts, resources, and terminology that are necessary to work with Azure architecture.
What are public, private, and hybrid clouds?•1 minute
Weekly summary•0 minutes
Lesson introduction•1 minute
Overview of Azure subscriptions, management groups, resources, and regions•1 minute
Azure subscriptions & management groups•7 minutes
Azure resources and Azure Resource Manager•4 minutes
Azure regions and availability zones•7 minutes
Weekly summary•1 minute
4 readings•Total 45 minutes
Describe the different categories of cloud services •10 minutes
Additional reading•10 minutes
Exercise - Create a website hosted in Azure•15 minutes
Additional reading•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 56 minutes
Test prep •18 minutes
Knowledge check •18 minutes
Exercise quiz•2 minutes
Knowledge check•18 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
How has the cloud affected you?•10 minutes
Microsoft Azure Database, Analytics, & Compute Services
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
This week, you'll learn about several of the database services that are available on Microsoft Azure, such as Azure Cosmos DB, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Database for MySQL, and Azure Database for PostgreSQL. In addition, you'll learn about several of the big data and analysis services in Azure. You'll also learn how to take advantage of several virtualization services in Azure compute, which can help your applications scale out quickly and efficiently to meet increasing demands.
Exercise - Create an Azure SQL Database•10 minutes
Additional reading•10 minutes
Functions versus Logic Apps•5 minutes
Additional reading•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 56 minutes
Test prep •18 minutes
Exercise quiz•2 minutes
Knowledge check•18 minutes
Knowledge check •18 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Azure solutions•10 minutes
5 plugins•Total 17 minutes
Compare virtual machines to containers•3 minutes
Microsoft Video: Kubernetes Container Orchestration•3 minutes
Important details about microservices•4 minutes
Serverless computing in Azure•3 minutes
Windows Virtual Desktop•4 minutes
Microsoft Azure Storage & Networking Services
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
This week, you'll learn about some of the different storage options that are available in Azure Storage services, and the scenarios in which each storage option is appropriate. As you complete the individual units in this module, you'll learn about Azure Blob Storage, Azure Disk Storage, Azure Files, and Blob access tiers. You'll also take a look at several of the core networking resources that are available in Azure. You'll learn about Azure Virtual Network, which you can configure into a customized network environment that meets your company's needs. You'll also learn how you can use Azure VPN Gateway and Azure ExpressRoute to create secure communication tunnels between your company's different locations.
Our goal at Microsoft is to empower every individual and organization on the planet to achieve more.
In this next revolution of digital transformation, growth is being driven by technology. Our integrated cloud approach creates an unmatched platform for digital transformation. We address the real-world needs of customers by seamlessly integrating Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, LinkedIn, GitHub, Microsoft Power Platform, and Azure to unlock business value for every organization—from large enterprises to family-run businesses. The backbone and foundation of this is Azure.
OK
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.5
2,771 reviews
5 stars
71.21%
4 stars
19.80%
3 stars
4.50%
2 stars
1.69%
1 star
2.77%
Showing 3 of 2771
B
BM
4·
Reviewed on Aug 20, 2022
It would have been little more great if some of the Practices were added so that it would be helping learners to get know more about the resources and concepts
T
TK
4·
Reviewed on Mar 1, 2022
I had some issues with the experimental labs/hand-son practices, but otherwise it is a very well thought through and descriptive course on learning the fundamentals for Microsoft Azure services.
S
SS
5·
Reviewed on Nov 21, 2022
This course does a great job of going over Azure Cloud Services with case study. I will recommend this course to everyone who is just starting off with Azure & Cloud.
You'll learn how cloud computing works in Azure and how to understand the main Azure services in practical terms. It starts with core cloud ideas and Azure architecture, then builds into databases, compute, storage, and networking choices for common business scenarios. Along the way, you'll use the Azure portal and a sandbox to create and test resources without needing to write code.
Do I need any Azure or coding experience before starting?
No, you don't need prior Azure experience or any coding or scripting skills for this course. It does assume basic computer literacy and some familiarity with general technology ideas like networking, storage, compute, and APIs. The course moves into Azure concepts fairly quickly, so it helps if you already recognize common IT terms.
Is this course beginner-friendly for learning Azure?
Yes, it's a good fit if you're new to Azure or new to cloud platforms more broadly. The course begins with cloud basics, explains how Azure is organized, and uses guided exercises to keep the material grounded. If you already work deeply with Azure administration or engineering, it may feel too introductory.
How long does it take to complete this course?
You can expect about 10 hours of work in total. It's a compact course, so the workload feels more like a focused overview than a long multiweek commitment. The course includes lessons, readings, guided portal exercises, and quizzes.
Are there hands-on exercises or labs in this course?
Yes, but the hands-on work is guided rather than open-ended. You'll use the Azure portal and a sandbox to create and test resources, with exercises like getting started with Azure accounts, creating a basic website in Azure, and building an Azure SQL Database. That practice helps you connect each concept to a real Azure task without needing to code.
What skills and topics are covered in this course?
You'll cover cloud computing ideas such as service models and deployment models, then learn how Azure organizes and delivers its services. The course also looks at the main Azure areas behind real workloads, including databases, compute, storage, and networking. By the end, you'll have a clearer sense of how to compare Azure options for different business scenarios.
What can I actually do after finishing this course?
After finishing, you should be able to explain Azure's core services, navigate the Azure portal, and make basic comparisons between common Azure options. For example, you should be able to compare services like Azure SQL Database and Blob Storage, then create simple resources in a guided environment. That's a solid outcome if you want to discuss Azure fundamentals more confidently or continue toward AZ-900 prep.
Is this course more focused on theory or hands-on learning?
It's more concept-first than project-heavy. Most of the course explains cloud models, Azure services, and when to use them, then reinforces that through guided portal exercises and quizzes.
Why would I choose this course over other Azure courses?
Choose this course if you want a broad Azure introduction that stays practical without expecting coding skills. It explains the main ideas clearly, ties them to business scenarios, and then lets you try guided work in the Azure portal and sandbox instead of stopping at definitions. If you want a beginner-level route into Azure fundamentals and AZ-900 topics, this course is a strong fit.