Course Overview: Advanced Azure Database Administration

This intensive course is designed for experienced database administrators seeking to deepen their expertise in managing and optimizing databases within the Microsoft Azure cloud ecosystem. Through a comprehensive curriculum that combines theory, hands-on practice, and real-world case studies, participants will gain advanced knowledge and skills necessary to administer and optimize Azure database solutions. Key topics include database performance, security, automation, disaster recovery, and hybrid cloud strategies—ensuring that participants are fully equipped to manage large-scale, mission-critical database environments in Azure.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Master the core Azure database services and their features, including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and other offerings.
• Design and implement scalable, high-performance database solutions in the Azure cloud.
• Employ best practices for managing and optimizing Azure SQL databases to ensure high availability and performance.
• Implement robust security, compliance, and disaster recovery strategies for Azure databases.
• Utilize automation and scripting tools to streamline routine database administration tasks.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and tune Azure databases to meet organizational needs and performance goals.
• Understand migration, replication, and hybrid cloud strategies for Azure database environments.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Azure Database Services

• Overview of Azure Database Offerings: A deep dive into the various database services available within Azure, including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Azure Cosmos DB.
• Service Comparison: Analyze the differences and use cases for different Azure database solutions, and learn how to select the right database service for specific requirements.
• Designing and Planning Database Solutions: Key considerations for designing databases in Azure, including scalability, high availability, and disaster recovery.
• High Availability and DR Strategies: Learn how to implement robust high availability and disaster recovery plans using Azure’s built-in tools.

Day 2: Advanced Azure SQL Database Administration

• Performance Optimization: Techniques for optimizing the performance and scalability of Azure SQL Databases, including indexing, query optimization, and performance tuning.
• Security and Access Management: Advanced methods for securing Azure SQL Databases, including access control, encryption, and user roles.
• Data Protection Features: Implementation of advanced data protection features such as automatic backups, geo-replication, and point-in-time restore.
• Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Learn how to effectively monitor Azure SQL databases and troubleshoot performance and connectivity issues using tools like Azure Monitor and Query Performance Insight.

Day 3: Automation and Scripting in Azure Database Administration

• Azure Automation and PowerShell: An introduction to Azure Automation and the PowerShell scripting environment for automating administrative tasks.
• Automating Database Provisioning: Learn to automate the provisioning, configuration, and scaling of Azure SQL databases.
• Scripting Administrative Tasks: Develop scripts to automate common database management tasks, such as backups, patching, and resource scaling.
• Programmatic Management: Use Azure CLI and REST APIs for programmatic management of Azure database resources.

Day 4: Data Management and Integration in Azure

• Data Storage and Backup Solutions: Learn to implement efficient data storage and backup strategies in Azure, ensuring data durability and compliance.
• Migration Strategies and Tools: Explore various tools and strategies for migrating on-premises databases to Azure, including the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) and Azure Database Migration Service (DMS).
• Replication and Synchronization: Implement techniques for replicating and synchronizing distributed databases across multiple locations and instances.
• Hybrid Cloud Integration: Learn to integrate on-premises databases with Azure SQL and Managed Instances for hybrid cloud environments.

Day 5: Advanced Topics in Azure Database Administration

• Advanced Performance Tuning: Deep dive into advanced performance tuning techniques, including indexing strategies, query plan analysis, and query optimization for large-scale workloads.
• Enhanced Security Features: Learn about the latest security features in Azure databases, such as advanced threat protection, data masking, and auditing.
• Scaling Large-Scale Workloads: Understand how to scale databases in Azure to meet the demands of high-performance applications.
• Cost Optimization and Resource Management: Best practices for optimizing costs in Azure database environments, including resource scaling, reserved capacity, and cost monitoring.

Conclusion
The Advanced Azure Database Administration course provides participants with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to effectively manage Azure-based database solutions. By focusing on advanced topics like performance optimization, automation, and hybrid integration, this course prepares administrators to handle complex database environments. Ideal for those seeking to advance their careers as Azure database administrators or for those preparing for Azure Database Administrator certification, this course equips participants with the practical skills and theoretical understanding required to drive efficiency, scalability, and security in cloud-based database management.