Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Foundational entry-level certification for Microsoft Azure – understanding cloud concepts, IaaS/PaaS/SaaS models, and basic terminology.
Why did I take this certification?
Working on the Service Desk, I regularly come across enterprise cloud tools and terms that I previously only knew in passing. I wanted to have a clear understanding of basic concepts, understand how the cloud works in general, and not feel lost in conversations with colleagues or when handling daily tickets.
The AZ-900 exam is an entry-level (Fundamentals) certification – it’s not about configuring complex cloud architecture, but about gaining a solid theoretical foundation in cloud computing and the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.
What did I actually learn?
Preparing for the exam gave me a coherent overview of foundational cloud concepts:
1. What cloud computing actually is
- Cloud Principles: Understanding that the cloud is not magic, but servers and technologies running in Microsoft datacenters.
- Cloud Benefits: Why companies move to the cloud – flexibility, system availability, and paying only for what is actually used.
2. Differences between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
Gaining a clear understanding of the service models through practical examples:
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Renting a virtual machine – the provider manages hardware, while operating system and configuration are up to the administrator.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service): An environment for databases or web apps – no need to manage hardware or OS, focus is strictly on data and the application.
- SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-to-use applications such as Microsoft 365, Teams, or Outlook.
3. Shared Responsibility Model
- Learning where Microsoft’s responsibility ends (physical datacenters, cooling, power, and hardware) and where the customer’s responsibility begins (password security, user accounts, and company data).
4. Basic structure of Azure
- Regions and Datacenters: How Azure is geographically organized and why data resides in specific locations.
- Subscriptions and Resource Groups: How cloud resources are logically organized and managed under billing subscriptions.
- Microsoft Entra ID: Understanding cloud identity management and how it differs from traditional on-premise Active Directory.
My reality and day-to-day use
In my job, I don’t manage cloud networks or design enterprise infrastructure – I work on day-to-day user support on the Service Desk.
However, the knowledge from the exam helps me significantly:
- Understanding terminology: When colleagues or administrators discuss cloud services, I know exactly what they mean.
- Broader context: I understand how user accounts connect to cloud applications, making it much easier to navigate systems and troubleshoot issues.