Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure Training Course

Introduction to Azure Database Services

• Overview of the Azure SQL family: SQL Database, Managed Instance, and SQL Server on VM
• Understanding service tiers and associated pricing models
• Identifying use cases for cloud-hosted relational databases

Provisioning and Configuration

• Creating Azure SQL resources via the portal and templates
• Configuring elastic pools and managed instances
• Managing firewall rules and database connectivity

Backup, Restore, and High Availability

• Understanding built-in backup and restore capabilities
• Enabling geo-replication and failover groups
• Implementing strategies for high availability and disaster recovery

Monitoring and Performance Tuning

• Utilising Query Performance Insight and Extended Events
• Optimising indexes and reviewing query execution plans
• Analysing telemetry, setting alerts, and monitoring resource consumption

Security and Compliance

• Implementing authentication methods (SQL and Azure AD)
• Managing encryption, auditing, and threat detection
• Securing data access and enforcing role-based security controls

Automation and Maintenance

• Automating routine tasks using Azure Automation and Runbooks
• Scheduling jobs with the Elastic Jobs Agent
• Handling database updates, patching, and SLA considerations

Summary and Next Steps

• Reviewing key takeaways and industry best practices
• Exploring relevant certification options (e.g., DP-300)
• Accessing resources for continued professional development