Leverage Azure API Management to distribute API traffic to multiple backend services

This is a summarized edition of the following original articles, both of which were published in Japanese. This is a memo as of 27 January 2024.

Azure API Managementのバックエンドプール – Logico Inside (logico-jp.io)

Azure API Managementのバックエンドでサーキットブレーカーを構成する – Logico Inside (logico-jp.io)

Circuit breaker and load-balanced pool features have recently been added to the API Management backend. Both are in public preview as of 27 January 2024.

Azure API Management backends | Microsoft Learn

In the public preview, we must use either Bicep, ARM, or REST APIs (2023-05-01-preview or later) to configure circuit breakers and load-balanced pools. There is no command for either CLI or PowerShell and there is no dedicated configuration page in Azure Portal.

Backend – REST API (Azure API Management) | Microsoft Learn

Microsoft.ApiManagement/service/backends 2023-05-01-preview – Bicep, ARM template & Terraform AzAPI …

Load-balanced pool

Previously a backend could only contain one endpoint of a backend service. If we need to distribute traffic to multiple backend services, we need to provision and deploy an L4/L7 load balancer in front of the backend services. The load-balanced pool allows us to distribute request traffic to multiple backend services without a managed/unmanaged load balancer. This feature has already been included in other API gateway products, but finally, this comes to Azure API Management.

Limitation

There are some limitations as of 27 January 2024.

  1. Round-robin is the only load-balancing option. (We hope that other load-balancing methods will be implemented in GA.)
  2. As mentioned in the documentation, an API Management instance with Developer and Premium SKUs deployed in an internal virtual network may throw HTTP 500 BackendConnectionFailure errors when the gateway endpoint URL and backend URL are the same. Please refer to the following URL for more details read more…

Microsoft at Legalweek: Secure data and gain efficiencies with Microsoft Purview eDiscovery enhanced by generative AI

The legal profession is known for being cautious or hesitant to adopt new technologies. However, when it comes to AI, it seems like legal professionals are ready to be on the leading edge of AI implementation. A Thomson Reuters survey of legal professionals found that 82% agree that AI can be useful in legal work and 51% agree that AI should be applied to legal work.1

With the growing use of AI in litigation and the number of data storage locations, the process of discovery gets increasingly more complex and must be more agile, comprehensive, and integrated. The tools legal professionals need in today’s digital environment necessitate using advanced tools such as AI to locate the relevant data quickly and secure data in a way that complies with myriad regulations and major challenges read more…

All about Azure Cloud Certification Exams and choosing the right one for you!

We all know that cloud computing model has become a norm for computing. With data available on-demand and shared across platforms and devices, it becomes mandatory to hire skilled IT professionals who are certified and well-versed with the cloud platform and its functioning.

Microsoft’s Azure is one of the most adopted cloud platforms globally. As per industry reports, Microsoft Azure is the second-largest cloud service company across the globe. The accelerated adoption of Microsoft Azure has led to an exponential increase in demand for Azure-based jobs. Ideal candidates for such profiles are Azure-certified IT professionals.

Synergetics Learning encourages IT professionals interested in making a career in cloud computing to opt for Microsoft Azure Certification. But have you ever wondered why?  Let’s share some of the key reasons for preferring Azure Certifications –

  • Nearly 55% of the Fortune 500 companies use Azure
  • Azure contributes more than 100% towards Microsoft’s commercial cloud revenue.
  • MS Azure has received its accreditation from the UK government
  • It has also received government backing from the US government.
  • As per insider reports, more than 300,000 companies adopt Microsoft Azure in 12 months which is a good sign relating to a demand for an equally high number of Azure certified staff.

Now let us read all about role-based Azure Certifications offered by Microsoft, each of which is divided into four levels viz.  

  • Azure Fundamentals
  • Azure Associate
  • Azure Expert
  • Azure Speciality

The certifications are identified with role-based titles such as

  • Azure Administrator
  • Azure Solution Architect
  • Azure Developer
  • Azure AI Engineer

Microsoft certifications empower candidates to fit into a particular work role rather than specific Azure skill sets Hence, the above mentioned roles are offered though most subject topics overalp various certification study modules, they are perfectly align to meet a particular work profile.

Through each of these certifications, candidates can acquire relevant knowledge and skills as per their preferred role.

Let us begin with

  1. Azure Fundamentals

Beginning with the foundation level exam, AZ-900 is for those IT candidates who wish to validate their knowledge of Microsoft Azure. Candidates with basic knowledge of cloud computing can also appear for this exam. AZ-900 is considered to be a stepping stone for those who wish to pursue additional associate and expert-level certifications in Azure.

            Details of Azure Fundamentals Exams

Subjects Covered: Azure architectural components and Azure services, such as compute, networking, and storage, as well as features and tools to secure, govern, and administer Azure.

  • Azure Administrator Associate

The Exam AZ-103 is for certifying as an Azure Administrator Associate. The candidate should have knowledge and understanding related to Azure applications, cloud, operating systems, and storage infrastructure. As a candidate for this certification, should be an expert in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment, especially Virtual networks, Storage, Compute, Identity, Security and Governance

Details of Azure Administrator Associate Exam

Subjects covered: Implementing and managing storage, configuring and managing virtual networks, managing Azure resources and subscriptions, managing identities, and deploying and managing virtual machines.

  • Azure Developer Associate

The AZ-203 exam requires the candidates to be proficient in app and service development using tools and technologies provided on the Azure platform. Ideal candidates are those with work experience, in developing scalable solutions, with programming language proficiency that is supported by the cloud.

Subjects Covered: Development of Azure storage, developing Azure infrastructure as a solution for service compute, implementing Azure security, troubleshooting, monitoring, and optimizing Azure solutions, and connecting and consuming services from third-parties and Azure.

  • Microsoft Azure Administrator

In order to qualify as a Microsoft Azure Administrator, candidates need to appear for the Exam AZ-104.  In order to be eligible for this exam, candidates be experts in implementation, management, and monitoring of an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment, such as virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, security, and governance. They must be familiar with operating systems, networking, servers, virtualization, PowerShell, Azure CLI, the Azure portal, Azure Resource Manager templates, and Microsoft Entra ID.

Subjects covered: Management identity and access, secure networking, secure compute, storage, and databases, manage security operations (25–30%)

  • Azure DevOps Engineer Expert 

Candidates who clear the AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions are certified as Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.

 In order to be eligible for the Azure DevOps Engineer Exam, candidates must have a background in Azure administration and development. As  DevOps experts, they have experience in design and implementation of DevOps practices for Version Control, Infrastructure as Code, Configuration Management, Release, Compliance, Building, and Testing using the Azure technologies, as well as Agile practices.

Subjects Covered: designing a DevOps strategy, implementing continuous integration and delivery, DevOps Development Processes, continuous feedback, dependency management, and application infrastructure. 

  • Azure Security Engineer Associate 

 Candidates clearing the AZ-500 exam: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies are recognized as Azure Security Engineer Associate. The candidate should know the

implementation of security controls on the Azure platform, virtualization, Amazon Kubernetes Service, and cloud N-tier architecture.

The candidate should be able to use security tools for recognizing and addressing vulnerabilities and protecting applications, data, and networks by implementing security solutions.

Also, the candidate is an expert in maintaining security status, identity and access management, and scripting and automation are also required.

Subjects covered: management of identity and access, security operations, implementing platform protection, and securing applications and data.

Why should you take the cloud certification examination?

The industry recognizes IT professionals and developers technical expertise through the certification acquired. Hence it becomes necessary to acquire the Microsoft Certified Professional. And to begin with, candidates need to clear their first qualifying examination and acquire the Microsoft Certified Professional badge.

Factors that help you decide which cloud certification to go for –

Technical experience:  A novice in cloud computing should start with the basic certification and progress to other levels of certification.  Also, professional experience and level of technical knowledge matters when seeking higher levels of certifications. IT professionals interested in cloud architect certification should have sound technical knowledge in order to qualify for the examination

Current Job Profile: it is preferable to seek a certification relevant to their current job profile. An entry level professional should seek Fundamental certification while candidates with .NET developer experience should attempt for the Azure developer certification. If you are seeking Azure Infrastructure certification then you should have experience as a Windows or network administrator.

Career Goals: The certification you aspire to clear should be aligned with your career goal. Make sure to match your skills with the prerequisite for each certification examination. Ideally, you should prepare your ground with fundamental followed by associate certification in the relevant role and then proceed to acquiring expertise in it. By following this path and with relevant work experience, you well be capable of clearing the higher level certification

Your objective: Any certification that you wish to attempt should be aligned with your future goal. For example, if you want to become a big data architect in the future, you should take a big data cloud certification, followed by an architect-level certification. There is a prerequisite for each test. Although it is not mandatory, a good background will prepare you for future job roles that align with the certification you plan on pursuing.

Synergetics is one of the leading provider of Azure learning solutions for more than two decades. Fortified with a team Microsoft Certified experts who are veterans in the Cloud Computing space, Synergetics offers ample reasons to seek Microsoft Azure Certifications –

 Let us begin with relevant insights on the global presence of MS Azure.

Market Share of Ms Azure – Microsoft Azure is rapidly gaining ground and is soon going to be on par with AWS with regards to its user base. It has already acquired considerable share of the cloud market across the globe.

Future-proof technology: Considered as one of the emerging technology solutions, Azure as a cloud service provider is rapidly evolving and growing faster than other technologies.

Adaptability: Microsoft Windows are synonymous with operating systems and hence adopting Azure-based cloud solution is the next logical step for most of Window users. Moreover, awareness and knowledge of Microsoft Windows, its commands and applications help users to get easily familiar with Azure and its principles such as operational insights and Azure Automation.

Immense Potential – Azure is growing faster than any other cloud service provider and hence gaining expertise and certification in Azure is the right choice for fast paced growth in the IT space.

Efficacy in Operations: Microsoft has empowered Azure to handle major tasks such as designing, deploying and even managing platforms. Azure cloud solutions are capable of adding value to a large development project, provide assistance to Ops aspect of Dev/ops and even handle Power shell Integration.

Synergetics is one of the distinguished provider of learning solutions for Microsoft Azure with for more than two decades. With a team of certified Microsoft Experts in cloud computing including offering solutions and managing cloud platforms, they are well-versed with upcoming trends and latest knowledge in the cloud segment. For more details on learning and training offerings, get in touch with Synergetics at info@synergetics-india.com

Microsoft named a Leader in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Container Management

Cloud-native technologies like containers and Kubernetes are the future of application development. That’s why we’re honored to announce that Microsoft has been named a Leader in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Container Management*. We believe that this recognition validates our end-to-end approach for developing and deploying enterprise-grade, cloud-native apps that run on Azure, in datacenters, or at the edge.

Figure 1. Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Container Management. Source: Gartner (September 2023). 

We feel that Gartner’s recognition of Microsoft as a Leader in this Magic Quadrant highlights the broad and deep integration of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) with other Azure services. Customers tell us that using AKS for container management helps them modernize existing apps in stages, as time and budget permit, and creates a roadmap for new, cloud-native development that takes advantage of Azure scale, security, performance, and cost optimization. Developers rely on autoscaling AKS clusters to meet the most challenging performance demands, while fully managed Azure services free teams from time-consuming infrastructure management tasks read more…

Bringing the full power of Copilot to more people and businesses

As we kick off a new year, we’re thrilled to see people increasingly using and loving Microsoft Copilot for work and life. Our goal is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more by bringing Copilot, the everyday AI companion, to millions of people around the world. We have reached another milestone in this mission with more than 5 billion chats and more than 5 billion images to date. Read More…

GHDDI and Microsoft Research use AI technology to achieve significant progress in discovering new drugs to treat global infectious diseases

The Global Health Drug Discovery Institute (GHDDI)(opens in new tab) and Microsoft Research recently achieved significant progress in accelerating drug discovery for the treatment of global infectious diseases. Working in close collaboration, the joint team successfully used generative AI and foundation models to design several small molecule inhibitors for essential target proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and coronaviruses. These new inhibitors show outstanding bioactivities, comparable to or surpassing the best-known lead compounds.

This breakthrough is a testament to the team’s combined efforts in generative AI, molecular physicochemical modeling, and iterative feedback loops between scientists and AI technologies. Normally, the discovery and in vitro confirmation of such molecules could take up to several years, but with the acceleration of AI, the joint team achieved these new results in just five months. This research also shows the tremendous potential of AI for helping scientists discover or create the building blocks needed to develop effective treatments for infectious diseases that continue to threaten the health and lives of people around the world.

Synergetics Mumbai – Pave Your Way to an AI Career with Minimal Programming Skills or Coding

Artificial intelligence has widened career opportunities for many individuals, even for those with considerably less coding knowledge. Nevertheless, for using AI, we need to gain expertise in user design and data engineering.

Artificial intelligence is an emerging technology that includes natural language processing and machine learning. The facets of AI are text AI, visual AI, interactive AI, analytics AI, and functional AI. Within this framework, there are job profiles that require knowledge of basic coding.

Recent industry trends show the precedence of cloud solutions which implies the need for artificial intelligence to operate and manage them. For instance, Microsoft Azure is the most preferred hybrid cloud solution across the Microsoft ecosystem and is a leader in this segment.

As per industry reports, Microsoft’s revenue from the cloud was $25.7 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2023, up by 24% YoY. In the same quarter, revenue from Azure and other cloud services increased by 35%. Microsoft Azure was recently recognized as a leader in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Strategic Cloud Platform Services (SCPS)

These statistics imply that most businesses worldwide use and trust Azure and its offerings to improve their business processes and performance.  Azure AI services contain a set of exemplary AI tools, APIs, and models that can be customized by businesses.

Using Azure AI services, it is possible to simplify document processing, extract business insights and analytics, improve customer services, develop innovative solutions, and forecast demand and supply trends.

Now, let us discuss high-in-demand AI-related career options across the globe. Also, remember that their training and certification thereafter are globally recognized. If you are keen to pursue an AI-related career, then seeking an AI certification is a must which is offered by Synergetics India, Mumbai.

Synergetics India, one of the leading learning solutions partners associated with Microsoft, offers value-added Microsoft Azure certification in Mumbai for the benefit of students. Its association with Microsoft Azure has been for more than three decades and recommends the following AI careers:

 AI Consultant:

Being an AI consultant does require having sound technical knowledge of AI, but what is more crucial is understanding how to resolve client’s issues using AI. The AI consultant will analyze various options and help them with sold AI-based strategies and support while they implement the recommended AI strategies.

AI Technical Writer:

As the name suggests, AI technical writers develop user guides and documentation for AI systems. Learning and reference materials for AI must be lucid, easy-to-understand, and comprehensive. Readers should be able to operate and manage AI systems and applications by referring to AI manuals and documentation.

AI Project Manager:

As project managers for AI projects, they should be well-versed with AI and its nuances, newer applications and offerings. Apart from overseeing the project, the role of an AI manager entails supervising the prerequisites of a project, such as managing and scheduling project-related tasks, coordinating between various teams involved in the project, and mitigating project risks. Apart from good managerial skills, the AI Project Manager should have adequate AI Knowledge to fulfil their responsibilities.

AI UX Designer:

A UX designer is one of the most challenging job profiles; the entire set of deliverables assumes new parameters with the application of AI parameters. The AI UX designer must focus on user research and trends, user interface, and develop solutions fortified with AI design principles and tools.

AI Business Development:

Emerging technology service providers are capable of offering comprehensive and resolute AI solutions and applications. However, they must be marketed and promoted to the relevant segment for monetization. For this purpose, sales and marketing professionals with adequate knowledge of AI and its offerings and who are experts in understanding client needs, building and maintaining client relationships, and developing sales strategies

AI Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing:

Proficient quality analysts can test AI system applications for quality standards and deliverables. The role of quality assurance professionals is directed toward the working of AI applications and their performance. In this role, basic knowledge of coding is sufficient to fulfil the role of a quality analyst.

Knowledge of coding amplifies the capabilities of professionals seeking AI-based roles, although it is not a necessary skill. These career profiles allow professionals to develop their interests and skills while being associated with upcoming technology. 

Now, let us delve into the world of AI and its scope. It is necessary to understand the foundation of AI for excelling in the preferred career option and progressing in it.

Insights into the Purview of AI

It is essential to understand the foundation of AI and its concepts, which include deep learning, machine learning, neural networks, and AI-based algorithms. Armed with this knowledge, professionals in AI-based profiles can relate to AI and effectively communicate with it. 

Artificial intelligence is based on the interplay of mathematics and statistics, especially calculus, mathematics, probability, linear algebra, and statistics. Professionals with expertise in mathematics and statistics can easily understand and interpret AI charts and models. They can also perform data analysis and build various AI-based ML models.

A deep understanding of data is a must for an AI-based career because AI is based on data. Professionals should be familiar with data analysis, visualization, and other data-based details.

Data analytics and visualization skills are essential for an AI professional. They should be capable of using software, programs, and tools such as Google Sheets, Excel, Python, and so on. They should also be able to work on data such as cleaning, analyzing, and visualizing it for AI use.

Challenges in AI need to be tackled with great tact, skill, and logical reasoning. The key to resolving these issues lies in a methodical approach, i.e., resolving issues in a well-defined and structured way, whereas dependency on coding is not of much use.

AI in strategic planning and implementation is an important aspect as it helps in achieving business goals. A clear understanding of the mission and vision of the business and the organizational processes is vital in ensuring the success of the business. Understanding AI-based data insights and analytics plays a crucial role.

As a learning delivery partner, Synergetics Learning offers globally recognized certification in Microsoft Azure and encourages continuous learning, especially in AI, for professionals who wish to pursue a career in AI. They offer a plethora of online courses, webinars, boot camps, meetups, and much more focusing on AI and its related career paths.

If you are keen on becoming an expert AI professional, contact Synergetics for extensive training in acquiring AI certification in Mumbai.

Reasons to Get Microsoft Azure Certified             

Synergetics India, best Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Azure certification, Microsoft Azure certification in Mumbai    

Cloud computing has emerged as a game-changer in the computing world. The transformation towards a web-based computing model wherein PC sharing across different devices happens on-demand across various geographies without any or minimal time lag. Its rapid and seamless adoption across the globe by enterprises irrespective of their size, nature of businesses and their turnover, is the most solid proof that Cloud computing is the order of the day.

Microsoft Azure is the cloud computing service offered by Microsoft, a globally recognised IT major. Ms Azure offers a plethora of services and advantages to its cloud customers along with regular cloud services including smooth sharing of computing assets, and exchange and/or transfer of data. Cloud computing offers the added advantage of storage and processing of data at locations external to the organization.

Microsoft Azure has generated sizeable revenue for Microsoft since its launch in 2010. Over time, Azure has very well adapted to the dynamics of the cloud computing space and is gaining ground. Taking an overview of this scenario, Synergetics India highlights the immense scope of Azure-certified professionals seeking well-paying job opportunities worldwide including in India. 

This brings fore the need for suitably skilled IT professionals who can work on the cloud, for which acquiring certification is a must. If you are reading this blog and are keen to get the Microsoft Azure certification, then make sure to approach Synergetics India, one of the most committed learning partners offering Microsoft Azure certification in Mumbai.

Why do we offer Azure certification courses?

There are two responses to this question –

We need to understand the key features of Azure that make it so popular

  • Competency

Azure’s competency lies in building, deploying and managing applications of varying sizes, multiple languages, frameworks and databases

  • Accessibility

Businesses find it convenient to use Azure’s tools which allow them to access and scale applications seamlessly along with flexible support 24×7.

  • Application development

Businesses can build, launch, scale and manage their applications

  • Suitable for every business

Azure perfectly caters to the requirements and demands of startups and global companies with convenience and ease.

  • Technical Compatibility

Azure encompasses a wide range of numerous programming languages, operating systems, databases, frameworks and devices. Businesses can take full advantage of Azure compatibilities to efficiently pursue their business goals.

Microsoft Azure: The World’s most comprehensive Cloud Solution

With Azure widely accepted as a reliable and secure cloud solution, it is very obvious to witness increasing job opportunities in Azure.   IT candidates armed with a Microsoft Azure certification are much more likely to land suitable Azure-based jobs with better salaries and perks. Moreover, there is always a scope for progressing further in their career by opting for higher and newer certifications in Azure.

Summing it up, we can say Azure certification offers

  • Immense career possibilities,
    • Most expansive global presence
    • Most comprehensive cloud knowledge and skills

Why should IT candidates seek Azure certification?

Stable Career in Cloud Computing

With Microsoft Azure preceding as a leader in cloud services, IT candidates must be deliverable with the right Azure skills. Hence, getting certification in Azure ensures that they are well-versed in these technologies and can perform well

Industry-approved Certification

The industry has acknowledged Microsoft Azure certification. Employers value candidates who are experts in Azure and ready to deliver as soon as they are retained. Synergetics India offers valuable training along with in-depth practice sessions in Microsoft Azure certifications along with doubt-clearing assistance. 

Access to the latest developments in Azure

Microsoft Azure is in the limelight as one of the most emerging technologies offering a plethora of services, especially machine learning, artificial intelligence, IoT and much more. Armed with an Azure certification, certified Azure professionals can access them easily and also acquire expertise in them. This helps in recognizing the expanding potentialities of the cloud.  

Satisfying Industry Demand

Across the world, there is an increasing demand for certified cloud professionals as more and more enterprises are adopting the Azure platform. They look forward to a smooth and seamless cloud experience that can be easily managed and scalable as per demand. Hence, there is an increasing demand for certified Azure professionals Hence, Azure certification is a must for IT professionals seeking a rewarding career in the cloud.

Scope of worldwide opportunities and recognition

All Azure certifications are globally recognized and hence, Azure certified professionals can seek opportunities abroad as well as their home countries. This helps them to explore better job prospects and countries.  With comprehensive Azure certification, IT professionals are better armed to explore new job opportunities and international placements.

Azure Certification through Synergetics India

Team of certified Microsoft Experts

A team of certified Microsoft experts fortifies Synergetics India. Their expert team has decades of experience in handling Cloud solutions. They are well-versed with considerable experience in offering cloud solutions across various industries and real-world scenarios. Moreover, they are committed to training and equipping IT professionals with the requisite and latest newer skills.

Network of certified Azure Professionals

Synergetics has been a learning and solutions partner for over three decades. They have nurtured, mentored and shaped the careers of many dedicated IT professionals over the years. Hence, their network comprises astute and certified professionals who have emerged as experts and peers in their respective domains and are willing to connect for knowledge exchange, better job prospects and overcoming cloud challenges.

Stay aware of Azure Updates:

Microsoft Azure undergoes continuous updates and improvisations, the training of which is always provided by Synergetics. They make timely efforts to offer newer and latest Azure certifications, as and when they are introduced. IT professionals associated with Synergetics can rest assured of getting ample opportunities to upgrade with the latest Azure skillsets and capabilities and stay ahead of the rest within the organization and network as well.

Summary

With increasing reliance on cloud solutions, especially Azure, there is a rising demand for Azure-certified professionals across the globe.  Moreover, the Azure certification is recognized globally. Hence seeking Azure certification is one of the best strategic move for advancing in an IT career. Synergetics India, is one of the well-established learning delivery partners for corporates as well as individuals and offers every Azure certification in Mumbai through comprehensive training sessions. Do not miss out on the valuable opportunity to advance your IT career with a valuable Azure certification and seize the best of the cloud openings across the world.