In my opinion, in 2024, it will be essential for both experts and beginners to stay up to date on the most recent advancements in cloud computing, especially within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. To effectively navigate this constantly changing terrain, one needs to delve into a carefully chosen collection of primary literature. These Azure books provide in-depth explanations of Azure’s features, functionalities, and recommended practices for users of all levels. The suggested Azure books are an excellent resource for anyone looking to get the most out of Microsoft’s cloud platform, covering everything from basic ideas to advanced methods.
What is Microsoft Azure Books?
Microsoft Azure Books isn’t a particular good or service that Microsoft Azure provides. Software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) are among the cloud computing services offered by Microsoft Azure. These services support numerous features, including virtual computers, databases, analytics, and more. Although Azure does not have a product specifically named “Azure Books,” it does have solutions for managing book-related applications, including web hosting, analytics, databases, and storage, resulting in a flexible platform for publishers.
Book1: Learn Azure in a Month of Lunches by Lain Foulds, Derek Lettman
Lain Foulds and Derek Lettman “Learn Azure in a Month of Lunches” is a helpful Microsoft Azure Book for learning Microsoft Azure. This book, which was released in 2022 by Manning Publications, provides readers with concise explanations, detailed tutorials, and practical examples to enable them to comprehend and utilize Azure cloud services effectively.
Author Name: Lain Foulds, Derek Lettman
Year of release: October 26, 2018
Good Reads Rating: 3.7
Publisher Info: Manning; First Edition
Book Info
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384 pages
ISBN-10: 1617295175
ISBN-13: 978-1617295171
Overview of what is covered in the book
“Learn Azure in a Month of Lunches” is the best Azure book, and it was created to assist readers in rapidly understanding the principles of Microsoft Azure via an applicable, hands-on method. The book is perfect for both beginners and busy professionals because it is divided into short, easily read-parts that can be read during lunch breaks. This Cloud Computing course book covers a wide range of topics necessary for comprehending and making use of Azure cloud services, from creating an Azure account to installing apps and managing resources.
Key benefits and takeaways
- Explanations of Azure ideas and services that are short and easy to read.
- Instructions and activities that are step-by-step for real-world application.
- A guide to maximizing Azure installations with best practices.
- Examples and situations from everyday life to support understanding.
- Progressive advancement of Azure topics from books on Azure fundamentals to advanced.
Book 2: Cloud Architecture Patterns
This best book on Azure presents 11 architecture patterns that will help you make the most of cloud-platform services if your team is looking at how to design apps for the cloud. You’ll discover the workings of each of these cloud-friendly patterns, why they could be helpful, and how they affect the design of your applications. Additionally, a sample of each pattern used in a Windows Azure application will be shown to you.
Author Name: Bill Wilder
Year of release: 2012
Good Reads Rating: 3.60
Publisher Info: O′Reilly; 1st edition (5 October 2012)
Book Info
Format: Paperback
Pages: 182 pages
ISBN-10: 1449319777
ISBN-13: 978-1449319779
Overview of what is covered in the book
The thorough Azure training study guide “Cloud Architecture Patterns” explores numerous architectural patterns and industry best practices for creating cloud solutions that are scalable, reliable, and reasonably priced. Together with valuable applications of paradigms like microservices, serverless computing, and containerization, it addresses basic ideas like elasticity, fault tolerance, and distributed computing. To maximize the advantages of cloud computing for companies of all sizes, the book covers data management tactics, security considerations, and optimization methods.
Key benefits and takeaways
Here are some key benefits and takeaways from “Cloud Architecture Patterns”:
- Discover how to create systems that can quickly grow to meet changing user needs and workloads.
- Learn how to cut expenses by using pay-as-you-go methods and making effective use of cloud resources.
- Learn about architectural patterns that facilitate agility and flexibility, enabling quick iteration and adaption.
- Explore ways to enhance latency and performance while maintaining a seamless user experience.
- Learn how to create complete solutions by integrating third-party tools and cloud-native applications efficiently.
Book 3: Microsoft Azure Security Center
You will be taken via securing any Azure task and enhancing essential elements of modern security, ranging from identification and policies to risk assessment and incident response. Improved container security, IoT, Azure Sentinel, single-click remediation, and more are all included in the expanded coverage. Regardless of your security function, you’ll find how to solve issues in the most dependable and effective ways possible to save hours, days, or even weeks.
Author Name: Yuri Diogenes and Tom Shinder
Year of release: 2019
Good Reads Rating: 3.70
Publisher Info: Microsoft Press; 2nd edition (15 November 2019)
Book Info
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 0135752035
ISBN-13: 978-0135752036
Overview of what is covered in the book
The “Microsoft Azure Security Centre” provides a thorough rundown of security protocols used in the Azure environment. The book explores a few subjects, including compliance evaluations, security policy enforcement, threat detection, and vulnerability management. It offers information on the best ways to protect cloud resources, make use of Azure’s security capabilities, and integrate security solutions from other sources. Readers can improve their comprehension of safeguarding Azure deployments against cyber-attacks and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Key benefits and takeaways
- For managing security rules and keeping an eye on the security posture of Azure resources, Azure Security Centre offers a single center.
- It provides relevant security advice based on industry standards and best practices to help improve Azure resources’ security posture.
- Provides improved security features and simplifies security operations through seamless integration with other Azure services, including Azure Active Directory, Azure Sentinel, and Azure Defender.
- Reduce security expenses by offering information on how resources are used, pointing out unused or wasted resources, and suggesting cost-cutting options.
Book 4: Practical Microsoft Azure IaaS
“Use Azure IaaS and move all or part of your on-premises infrastructure to Azure. By adhering to Microsoft’s design and best practice requirements, this book offers workable methods for creating highly available, scalable, and secure solution stacks utilizing Microsoft Azure IaaS. The first section of the article provides an overview of Azure IaaS and its elements. It covers the new features of Azure Resource Manager and IaaS storage, including Azure networking.
Author Name: Shijimol Ambi Karthikeyan
Year of release: 2018
Good Reads Rating: 3
Publisher Info: Apress; 1st ed. edition (21 July 2018)
Book Info
Format: Paperback
Pages: 307 pages
ISBN-10: 1484237625
ISBN-13: 978-1484237625
Overview of what is covered in the book
“Practical Microsoft Azure IaaS” provides thorough instructions for making efficient use of Azure Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Virtual machine setup, networking and storage management, security measure implementation, performance optimization, and task automation are among the topics covered. The book gives readers the skills they need to quickly develop, implement, and manage infrastructure solutions on Azure through the use of real-world examples and professional insights.
Key benefits and takeaways
- Azure IaaS offers flexibility and cost savings by enabling you to scale resources up or down in response to demand.
- Using hybrid solutions, seamlessly link on-premises infrastructure with Azure to facilitate a seamless cloud migration.
- To protect your data and apps, take advantage of Microsoft’s strong security safeguards, which include identity management, encryption, and compliance certifications.
- Easily adjust resources to satisfy shifting workload requirements, ensuring responsiveness and peak performance.
- Virtual machines, containers, databases, and networking services are just a few of the workloads that Azure IaaS provides, giving it flexibility for a variety of business requirements.
Book 5: Mastering Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Services
Mastering Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Services walks you through the steps of using Microsoft Azure to create and manage a virtual network and public cloud.” This book gives you the know-how to offer services through complete virtualization on-premises and off-premises, with comprehensive explanations and step-by-step guidance. It also gives you a better grasp of Azure’s capabilities as an infrastructure service.
Author Name: John Savill
Year of release: 2015
Good Reads Rating:
Publisher Info: Sybex (22 May 2015)
Book Info
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384 pages
ISBN-10: 9781119003274
ISBN-13: 978-1119003274
Overview of what is covered in the book
The thorough manual “Mastering Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Services” covers every facet of Azure infrastructure deployment and management. It explores subjects like storage options, virtual computers, virtual networks, identity management, and security. The book offers guidance on creating robust and scalable infrastructures, maximizing performance, and putting automation plans into practice with PowerShell and Azure Resource Manager templates. It is a vital tool for IT workers navigating the complexity of Azure infrastructure because it also covers best practices for monitoring, troubleshooting, and guaranteeing compliance inside Azure environments.
Key benefits and takeaways
Learning Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Services has the following main advantages and skills to be learned:
- You can select from a variety of virtual machine sizes, storage options, and networking configurations with Azure to suit your unique needs.
- With Azure, you can deploy infrastructure services closer to your users for better performance and compliance with data residency regulations due to its extensive worldwide network of data centers.
- To simplify your infrastructure operations, Azure seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft and third-party services, including Azure DevOps, Azure Active Directory, and third-party monitoring and management tools.
Advanced Microsoft Azure Books
Here are some advanced Microsoft Azure books you might find helpful:
Book1: Mastering Azure Analytics
Zoiner Tejada’s book “Mastering Azure Analytics: Architecting in the Cloud with Azure Data Lake, HDInsight, and Spark” offers in-depth advice on creating and executing analytics solutions on Microsoft Azure. With its comprehensive coverage of topics including Azure Data Lake, HDInsight, and Spark, the book walks readers through the process of designing reliable cloud-based analytics solutions. It provides professionals with the knowledge and abilities necessary to properly utilize Azure’s analytics capabilities through real-world examples and thorough explanations.
Author Name: Zoiner Tejada’s book
Year of release: 2017
Good Reads Rating: 3.58
Publisher Info: O’Reilly Media; 1st edition (21 April 2017)
Book Info
Format: Paperback
Pages: 412 pages
ISBN-10: 1491956658
ISBN-13: 978-1491956656
Overview of what is covered in the book
The book “Mastering Azure Analytics” explores the planning and execution of sophisticated analytics programs on Microsoft Azure. Essential subjects, including HDInsight, Apache Spark, and Azure Data Lake, are covered in the book, along with helpful advice on how to use these resources efficiently. In order to enable readers to make significant business decisions, they will acquire knowledge on how to develop scalable analytics solutions, handle extensive data, apply machine learning techniques, and extract insights from a variety of data sources.
Key benefits and takeaways
- The hands-on activities, real-world examples, and practical insights provide readers with the tools they need to apply principles effectively in their projects.
- Readers can learn how to design scalable solutions that can manage massive data volumes and provide excellent performance by becoming proficient with Azure analytics tools.
- Readers learn the skills necessary to extract insights from a variety of data sources, turn them into actionable insights, and make well-informed business decisions.
Book 2: Hands-On Artificial Intelligence on Azure
A helpful manual by Roland Guijt that covers putting innovative strategies into practice with Azure solutions is titled “Hands-On Artificial Intelligence on Azure.” The book provides practical examples to assist readers in utilizing AI capabilities on the Azure platform, covering important AI principles and Azure services such as Azure Machine Learning and Cognitive Services.
Author Name: Dr Thomas K Abraham, Anindita Basak
Year of release: 2018
Good Reads Rating: 3
Publisher Info: Packt Publishing (31 October 2018)
Book Info:
Format: Paperback
Pages: 340 pages
ISBN-10: 1789131952
ISBN-13: 978-1789131956
Overview of what is covered in the book
A number of subjects covered in “Hands-On Artificial Intelligence on Azure” are crucial for putting AI solutions on the Azure platform. Fundamental AI ideas, Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning, and valuable applications like computer vision, natural language processing, and predictive analytics will all be covered for readers. Readers are able to apply these concepts effectively through practical exercises and examples.
Key benefits and takeaways
- Through practical experience building AI solutions utilizing Azure services, readers are better equipped to comprehend and efficiently apply AI ideas in real-world circumstances.
- From basic AI principles to more complex subjects like computer vision and natural language processing, readers gain a thorough grasp of AI methods and how they are used on the Azure platform.
- The ability to create and implement AI solutions improves, and readers may boost their job prospects in cloud computing and artificial intelligence by understanding AI on Azure.
Book 3: Azure for Architects
Ritesh Modi’s thorough manual “Azure for Architects” is intended for architects and solution designers who want to take advantage of Microsoft Azure’s capabilities. This book offers detailed guidance on developing and putting into practice cloud applications using the Azure platform. In order to assist architects in developing scalable, secure, and practical solutions that meet the needs of their organization, it covers architectural considerations, best practices, and real-world examples.
Author Name: Ritesh Modi
Year of release: 2017
Good Reads Rating: 3.31
Publisher Info: Packt Publishing; Standard Edition (20 October 2017)
Book Info:
Format: Paperback
Pages: 358 pages
ISBN-10: 1788397398
ISBN-13: 978-1788397391
Overview of what is covered in the book
For architects and solution designers, “Azure for Architects” provides a thorough examination of Microsoft Azure. Azure services, infrastructure design, security, governance, DevOps, and advanced architecture patterns are just a few of the many subjects it covers. In order to achieve corporate goals, readers will gain knowledge about optimizing performance, building highly available and scalable systems, and utilizing Azure services. Using real-world examples and case studies to deepen comprehension makes it an all-inclusive tool for developing winning Azure platform solutions.
Key benefits and takeaways
- Gain an understanding of DevOps techniques for optimizing development, deployment, and operations processes on Azure, as well as governance principles and practices for efficiently managing Azure resources.
- Learn how to make well-informed strategic decisions about the adoption of Azure, migration plans, and technology choices that support organizational performance and business objectives.
- Give yourself the tools you need to stay up to date with Azure’s changing ecosystem, enabling professional development and ongoing learning in cloud architecture and design.
Book 4: Pro Azure Governance and Security
Peter De Tender’s extensive manual “Pro Azure Governance and Security” focuses on security and governance concepts in Microsoft Azure. The book offers helpful advice on how to put Azure governance models into practice, manage identities and access restrictions, secure data, and make sure legal requirements are met. It gives readers the skills and resources they need to create Azure environments that are safe and compliant successfully.
Author Name: Peter De Tender, Samuel Erskine, David Rendon
Year of release: 2019
Good Reads Rating: 4.67
Publisher Info: Apress; 1st ed. edition (25 June 2019)
Book Info: 4.67
Format: Paperback
Pages: 317 pages
ISBN-10: 1484249097
ISBN-13: 978-1484249093
Overview of what is covered in the book
Peter De Tender’s extensive resource “Pro Azure Governance and Security” explores the tenets and procedures of security and governance in Microsoft Azure. The book guides creating strong governance models, controlling identities, protecting data, and ensuring compliance. Readers have a thorough understanding of the proper management and security of Azure environments in accordance with organizational goals and legal requirements through helpful examples and assistance.
Key benefits and takeaways
- Take advantage of case studies, best practices, and real-world examples to learn how to implement security and governance concepts in actual Azure deployments.
- Learn how to comply with industry norms and regulations in Azure environments and gain an understanding of the regulatory requirements.
- Discover how to set up and manage solid governance frameworks in Microsoft Azure to ensure optimal resource management and alignment with company objectives.
Book 5: Azure DevOps Server 2020 Cookbook
The practical manual “Azure DevOps Server 2020 Cookbook” by Tarun Arora and Utkarsh Shigihalli provides a thorough set of recipes to speed up DevOps projects with Azure DevOps Server 2020 (TFS). The book provides readers with practical methods to effectively manage and automate software development processes by covering a variety of topics, including source control, CI/CD pipelines, release management, and reporting.
Author Name: Tarun Arora and Utkarsh Shigihalli
Year of release: 2019
Good Reads Rating: 4.25
Publisher Info: Packt Publishing; 2nd ed. edition (7 May 2019)
Book Info:
Format: Paperback
Pages: 456 pages
ISBN-10: 1788839250
ISBN-13: 978-1788839259
Overview of what is covered in the book
The “Azure DevOps Server 2020 Cookbook” uses Azure DevOps Server 2020 (TFS) to offer a comprehensive analysis of DevOps principles. Best practices and workable solutions for source control management, release management, testing, automation, and continuous integration and delivery pipelines will be revealed to readers. Teams may use Azure DevOps Server to optimize and streamline their software development lifecycle with the help of this book, which offers practical recipes and insights.
Key benefits and takeaways
- Discover how to increase cooperation and communication between the teams responsible for development, operations, and quality assurance. This will result in more rapid delivery of outstanding software.
- Gain insight from practical examples and use cases that demonstrate how to implement DevOps concepts and principles in various contexts successfully.
- Discover how to automate deployment, release management, continuous integration, source control, and other software development procedures.
Preparation Tips for Microsoft Azure
Here are some of the preparation tips for Microsoft Azure mentioned below: –
Hands-On Experience:
Hands-on experience is one of the best methods for getting ready for Microsoft Azure. Create a free Azure account to begin experimenting with different services. Learn how to set up network configurations, deploy web apps, create and manage virtual machines, and experiment with various Azure features.
Practice Exams:
To evaluate your knowledge and pinpoint areas that still need work, take practice examinations. For Azure certification examinations, Microsoft provides authentic practice tests that are designed to replicate the structure and level of difficulty of the actual exams. To help with your preparation, you can also obtain practice examinations from other sources.
Stay Updated:
Keep up with the most recent changes and advancements inside the Azure network. Join online communities or forums where Azure experts talk about trends, best practices, and impending features. You can also follow Microsoft’s Azure blog and sign up for pertinent newsletters. In a dynamic cloud environment such as Azure, learning never stops.
More Ways to Learn Microsoft Azure
Here are some of the ways to learn Microsoft Azure mentioned below: –
Community Meetups and Events
Participate in online and in-person Azure community events, workshops, and meetups. These events provide chances to network with colleagues, pick the brains of business leaders, and take part in real-world situations or discussions. As your Azure journey progresses, joining a local Azure user group can offer insightful advice.
Azure Certification Bootcamps
Take into consideration signing up for training courses provided by approved training partners or Azure certification bootcamps. These intense courses cover essential subjects, including hands-on labs, and offer professional coaching to help you prepare for Azure certification tests. Exam preparation can be prioritized, and learning can be accelerated through bootcamps.
Project-Based Learning
Participate in real-world Azure projects or challenges to engage in project-based learning. Select an issue or situation, then use Azure services to create, carry out, and implement solutions. Through this method, you will get practical abilities that are useful in a work environment, in addition to gaining a deeper grasp of Azure.
Begin your journey with the Knowledgehut certified Azure Solution Architect certification comprehensive program. Our carefully curated selection of 2024 must-read books covers essential topics to ensure you’re prepared to ace the test and excel in your role. Keep up with the rapidly evolving Azure market with Knowledge, expert guidance, and up-to-date resources.
Conclusion
Staying up with the most recent Microsoft Azure publications is crucial for professionals looking to expand their cloud computing knowledge and proficiency. Books like “Azure for Architects” by Ritesh Modi, “Exam Ref AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Book” by Jim Cheshire, and “Hands-On Azure for Developers” by Kamil Mrzygłód provide thorough coverage of Azure services and concepts. They are an excellent resource for both beginner and experienced Azure professionals. You can keep ahead of the curve and succeed in your Azure efforts in 2024 and beyond by incorporating these tools into your learning path.
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