In the world of IT, constant technological evolution and development are prominent. This is why certifications often lose value once they become outdated.

However, an Azure certification is likely to retain its value and, in fact, grow even more critical in 2021. This is because Azure continues to be one of the most popular cloud computing platforms worldwide. Therefore, earning a certification in Azure would open up a plethora of job opportunities.

Moreover, it would be a significant addition to your skills as an IT professional.

What makes Azure so popular?

Microsoft Azure, also known as Windows Azure, is a cloud computing platform that Microsoft has launched. After AWS, Azure is the second-largest cloud computing platform in the world. Several factors have led to the popularity of Azure across various industries and enterprises. These include:

• A wide range of products and services
• Flexibility in terms of programming languages
• Regular upgrades
• The ability to run virtual machines on cloud
• Accessible to customers around the world

Such factors naturally make Microsoft Azure a favorable choice for companies to keep their cloud computing infrastructure top-notch. 

Why should you consider learning Azure?

As mentioned earlier, it is still worth learning Azure and earning a certification. In case you are unaware of the advantages of pursuing a certification in Microsoft Azure, here is a quick overview:

• Long term benefits

It is unlikely that Microsoft Azure would lose its importance or popularity any time soon. Essentially, this also means that Microsoft certifications would retain their value for the years to come. You may have to get yourself recertified at certain intervals to keep your certification valid. However, you do not have to worry about a valid Microsoft certification becoming obsolete and useless, at least shortly. 

• Validation of the commitment

Earning a prestigious Azure certification is no easy feat. It requires a great deal of effort, commitment, and hard work. Thus, once you become a Microsoft certified professional, employers would know that you are a professional who would stay committed to your goal. Because commitment and hard work are two of the qualities that employers value the most, this is essentially a great benefit. 

• Eligibility for job roles

Many large enterprises that run their cloud infrastructure on Azure require professionals skilled in using Azure products. Thus, a certification would make you eligible for such jobs. In addition, some of the job roles, such as Azure Developer and Azure Architect, come with lucrative salary packages. Thus, a Microsoft Azure certification would make it possible for you to apply for highly coveted jobs. 

• Career advancement opportunities

Besides being able to take up lucrative jobs, you would also grow in your current organisation. For instance, a certification in Microsoft artificial intelligence would boost your value as an employee. You would then be able to bargain for a higher salary and a better package of benefits. You would also be likely to earn promotions faster than your colleagues who do not have an Azure certification. 

• Better resource management

One of the key applications of Azure is to integrate data centers with cloud infrastructure. As a result, businesses of small and medium scales can house their entire infrastructure in the cloud. This enables better management of resources and helps to curtail expenses. As a skilled professional with expertise in Azure products, you can help your organization reduce its expenditure and maximize profit. 

• Improvement of skills

Pursuing Microsoft certification courses would ultimately help you grow your IT skills. Thus, you would become much more capable of fulfilling your job responsibilities in your company. As a skilled professional, you can deliver better quality of work. Better skills ultimately lead to better jobs, facilitating career advancement.

How can you obtain an Azure certification?

There are plenty of online resources to learn about Azure and its products. However, you would want to undergo Microsoft certification training if building a lustrous career in cloud computing is your ultimate goal. 

• Firstly, decide on the job role that you wish to pursue. This would largely depend on which field you find interest in and wish to build your expertise. 
• Once you have decided on your career goals, find a suitable certification pathway. If necessary, you may consult an experienced professional for guidance.
• Look for a reputed institution that offers Microsoft online courses for all or most of the certifications that are a part of your chosen certification pathway. 
• Go through your options and carefully choose the right institute, prioritising factors like the track record, flexibility, and infrastructure. 
• Alongside your training, try to grow your expertise through as much hands-on practice as possible. 
• Learn from quality course materials that are up-to-date and come from sources that you can trust.
• Once you are ready, register for the certification exam. Completing it would grant you the certification you are after. 

Whether you wish to build a career in cloud security or any other cloud computing aspect, Azure certification would be valuable in 2021 and the years to come. Reputed institutions like Koenig can prepare you for a prestigious career in this domain.