Microsoft’s earlier IT Pro Cloud Essentials offer bundled training with access to cloud-related resources. IT professionals looking for Microsoft training today can use Microsoft Learn for self-paced Azure courses, instructor-led events and certification practice assessments. The training is distinct from Azure usage: deploying resources may require a separate account and may incur charges.
What Microsoft’s earlier offer included
A Microsoft Community Hub post, “New Resources for IT Pros to Build Cloud Expertise,” described IT Pro Cloud Essentials as an offer for IT professionals that brought together cloud services, training, support and certification. The post excerpt also mentions Azure credits for scenarios including backup, disaster recovery, security and development or testing, along with an IT Pro Career Center featuring cloud career paths, role curricula and industry insights. Those details describe the historical offer; they should not be taken as a description of a current benefit or eligibility rules. Read the Microsoft Community Hub post.
What Azure learning options are available now?
Microsoft’s current Azure training page lists several ways to learn, from independent study to instructor-led sessions. Choose according to whether you want foundational knowledge, exam practice or practical skills.
| Option | Format and focus | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Azure learning paths | Self-paced learning, including Azure Fundamentals and paths on the Cloud Adoption Framework and Azure Well-Architected Framework. | Learners who want to study concepts or a specific area on their own schedule. |
| Microsoft Virtual Training Days | Free, instructor-led technical skilling in multiple languages and time zones; topics and schedules may vary. | Learners who prefer a scheduled session with an instructor. |
| Instructor-led training | Training delivered by an instructor; details and availability are listed on Microsoft’s Azure training page. | People seeking structured teaching rather than self-paced lessons. |
| Certification practice assessments | Practice assessments for Microsoft certifications. | Learners who want to check their readiness for an exam. |
Start with the four-part cloud infrastructure series
Microsoft Learn’s Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure is a four-part beginner series. It covers cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, Azure management and governance, then guided projects. Microsoft recommends it for people preparing for the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam and says it includes hands-on exercises. The first learning path lists basic familiarity with IT terms and concepts as a prerequisite.
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The series is a sensible starting point if you want a guided route from introductory concepts toward common Azure tasks. It connects study to practical work instead of treating exam preparation and administration as entirely separate subjects.
Use guided projects to practice administration tasks
The series’ guided-project path covers practical tasks that map to day-to-day infrastructure work. Its topics include:
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- Storing data in Azure Blob Storage.
- Using resource tags and locks.
- Creating Azure Functions.
- Working with Microsoft Entra ID and role-based access control.
- Sharing files securely.
- Setting cost guardrails and monitoring resources.
- Using Azure CLI.
These projects can help connect foundational learning to storage, identity, security, cost management and command-line administration.
Keep free training separate from Azure service charges
Microsoft describes the training paths and Virtual Training Days as learning resources. That does not mean every Azure service, lab or resource used while practicing is free. The introduction series asks learners to choose an Azure account and notes that they can pay as they go or try Azure free for up to 30 days. Check the current account offer and the terms for each service before deploying resources; availability and conditions can change. Review the series and account guidance on Microsoft Learn.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose a learning route that fits your goal
- To build a foundation: begin with the four-part Introduction to Cloud Infrastructure series.
- To prepare for AZ-900: use the series’ recommended exam-oriented path, then check Microsoft’s practice assessments.
- To practice infrastructure work: continue into the guided projects and verify account and service costs before creating resources.
- To learn with an instructor: check the current Virtual Training Days schedule and other instructor-led options on Microsoft’s Azure training page.
If you prefer a book alongside online lessons, an AZ-900 study guide can be an optional supplement. Microsoft Learn remains the official route described here; a book is not required to access its training.
Quick Recap
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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