The world is now advancing in cloud technologies where data security and storage are the main concerns. Microsoft Azure is a major cloud innovation technology that assists enterprises with various activities. It has created a huge demand for administrators among every industry.
The primary responsibilities of an Azure administrator are data system management, implementation, and monitoring. If you are eager to know more about this software, you came to the correct place. This article explains how to become an Azure administrator. It also includes the essential skills and job opportunities for experts in this industry.
What is Microsoft Azure?
It is one of the most sought after platforms that offers a number of cloud services. These services include data analysis, computation, data storage, and connectivity. Organizations can use any of these according to their requirements. The main reason behind its popularity is its extensive flexibility. Its global network enables customers to build, administer, and protect applications from anywhere that increases IT efficiency.
Who is an Azure Administrator?
An Azure administrator implements, monitors and manages Azure solutions. They focus on governance, storage, identity, computation, and virtual networks in a cloud context. These specialists are responsible for providing the following services:
- Monitor performance
- Manage storage
- Set up virtual machines
- Configure networking
- Assure overall security, availability and efficiency of cloud-based systems and applications.
Required Skills to Become Azure Administrator
To become a proficient Azure administrator, one should have the required basic and technical expertises. Following are some of the main basic and technical skills -
- In- depth knowledge of its services, architecture and core concepts.
- Command on cloud computing services is essential.
- Basic understanding of networking, servers, cloud softwares and databases.
- Experience in Office 365 and PowerShell.
- Skills in at least one related programming language.
- Understanding of management, deployment, and scaling virtual machines.
- Should be comfortable with JavaScript, SQL Server, and HTML5.
- Experience in AWS and Google Cloud also can be beneficial.
- Should have knowledge of visualization by using Docker and Kubernetes.
- Management of storage solutions of virtual database files, application data, hard disks, etc.
- Ability to work with virtual machines.
- Expert in data security to mitigate unauthorized access.
- Should know the data backup and restoration methods.
How to Become an Azure Administrator?
Now that we know the required skills for this job role, you may have wondered how to become an Azure administrator. To become one of them, follow the structured process listed below -
Step 1: Familiarity with Azure Services
Professionals who wish to get into this field should first familiarize themselves with its core services. These services include software, networking, cloud servers and databases. If the person has experience in Google Cloud or AWS, then it will be beneficial to them. They can easily transition to this platform with the help of their expertise.
Step 2: Join Online Training Program
One of the most important steps of this journey is to join an online training course. These training courses provide a comprehensive knowledge of this platform, from fundamental to advanced level. These curriculums come in two formats: self paced and instructor-led. Students are free to select the one they want. Both of them offer best guidance and learning from experienced trainers.
Step 3: Obtain Certification
Once an individual has acquired practical and theoretical knowledge they must go for its certification. It ensures their capabilities and skills in using Azure services. This credential is called Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate exam (AZ-104). Anyone with efficient skills in this software can easily obtain this certification. Solving some sample papers and mock tests can boost one’s confidence to clear this exam. Source : azure admin training
Step 4: Acquire Practice Knowledge and Experience
Without hands-on experience, the knowledge won't be enough to showcase expertise. Hence, practicing by setting up an account, creating networks, virtual machines and storage systems and working with its services could be very beneficial. It also include practicing on various methods including:
- Troubleshooting Issues
- Managing Access Control
- Configuring Security Settings
Step 5: Find a Job
After completing the training and acquiring the certifications, the next step is to find a job. There are platforms that provide assistance for this purpose. It consists of business sites, professional relationships, and recruitment agencies.
- Networking works as a key for the job search process. For instance, attending seminars, industry events or conferences can help to uncover more career opportunities.
- Partnering with recruiting agencies can also assist to find a job. These institutes generally have access to exclusive openings, which can help to match candidates skills to relevant opportunities.
- Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are excellent resources to apply for positions in recognized organizations.
The AZ-104 Microsoft Administrator Exam
This accreditation exam is designed to evaluate an individual's skills and abilities in this field. Candidates who have this certificate are usually the preferred choice of various companies. The question asks about 40 to 60 questions that have to be answered in 2 hours. These questions come as multiple choice and case studies. This test includes five topics and each of them has different weightage.
- Implement and Manage Storage (10-15%)
- Monitor and backup Azure Resources (10-15%)
- Manage Azure identities and Governance (15-20%)
- Manage & Configure Virtual Networking (30-35%)
- Manage and Deploy Azure Compute Resources (25-30%)
Azure Administrator Job Prospects
It is one of the most sought after careers in today's industry. In fact, according to LinkedIn there are 72000+ vacancies of administrators, available in the United States. These vacancies are a sum of different job roles:
Final Comment
In the end, there are plenty of work possibilities for Azure system administration. As a specialist in this industry, candidates become a part of a rapidly expanding cloud platform. Most importantly, they can find numerous options to start a career in this field.
Basic skills such as cloud computing programming, principles, and understanding of this software are extremely useful at the outset. They should concentrate on role-specific abilities, such as managing network, compute, storage and security resources.
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