You: curious about Azure, wondering if it’s right for your organization. You run some SQL Server databases, but don’t know if you would use a VM in Azure, or should jump into an Azure SQL Database. You know there are some differences and complexities, but aren’t sure how to work with them.

Me: ready to spend a day teaching you how to get started!

I’ll be presenting my full-day class Get Started With SQL Server in Azure at Globe University in Madison, WI on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Conveniently, the day before the fifth annual SQLSaturday in Madison.) You can get a full day of learning for only $125! Here are the details about the class:

Microsoft Azure is a mature, stable ecosystem, but some people and companies are still hesitant to adopt it. In this full day class, I'll teach you why building SQL Server environments in Azure is safe, easy, and reliable and how to do it.

We'll begin with an overview of the Azure ecosystem. SQL Server is one of a large number of services being offered, and many work together. I'll walk through the main management tool, the Azure Portal, to show you how to use it. I'll cover the security and compliance of features of Azure, which are numerous. You'll understand the differences between Azure Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) offerings.

You'll see how to build IaaS SQL Server VMs. I'll talk through licensing, networking, security, and what you'll pay for. We'll talk about how to move your current data into the VM, how to connect to the databases for management or from the application, and uses for VMs such as DR. The HA/DR options for IaaS will be explained.

You'll also see how to build PaaS Azure SQL Databases, with the same information networking, security, and what you'll pay for. I'll show you how to move your current data to the database, and how it differs from the IaaS product. You'll learn how to connect to and manage the databases. We'll also cover how HA/DR is handled with PaaS databases.

I'll cover intricacies learned from hands-on experience, such as security and networking settings to be aware of, and how to use Azure's ability to scale up and down as necessary. You'll come away from this class fully prepared to build your first IaaS or PaaS deployment.

Call To Action

Register today for this one-day training opportunity. Don’t forget to register for SQLSaturday Madison – a free, one-day event where you can choose from over 30 SQL Server sessions – as well!