DP 900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals

DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals is the ideal starting point for anyone looking to understand core data concepts and how they are implemented using Microsoft Azure. This course provides a clear, structured introduction to databases, analytics, modern data warehousing, and Azure data technologies—helping you build the confidence needed to move into data-focused roles or pursue advanced Azure certifications.

This foundational course introduces learners to key data concepts including relational and non-relational data, analytics workloads, data processing techniques, and data storage options. You will explore how Azure implements these concepts through services such as Azure SQL, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Data Lake. The course is designed to prepare participants for the Microsoft DP-900 certification exam and establish a strong understanding of modern cloud data solutions.

Module 1: Explore Core Data Concepts

Topics Covered:

• Understanding data: structured, semi-structured, unstructured
• Types of databases: relational vs. non-relational
• Data analytics workloads
• Batch vs. real-time data processing
• Data storage and processing roles in modern data ecosystems

Hands-On Labs:

• Identify data types and categorize datasets
• Explore structured vs. unstructured data in Azure Portal
• Work through examples of transactional vs. analytical scenarios
• Perform sample batch vs. streaming classification exercises

Module 2: Explore Relational Data in Azure

Topics Covered:

• Relational database fundamentals
• Azure SQL services overview:
• Azure SQL Database
• SQL Managed Instance
• SQL Server on Azure VMs
• Tables, keys, relationships
• Normalization & T-SQL basics
• Querying relational databases

Hands-On Labs:

• Create an Azure SQL Database instance
• Connect to the database using Query Editor / SSMS
• Create tables, insert sample data, and run SELECT queries
• Explore relational constraints (primary key, foreign key)
• Execute simple JOIN operations

Module 3: Explore Non-Relational Data in Azure

Topics Covered:

• NoSQL fundamentals
• Azure Cosmos DB
• SQL API
• Core concepts: containers, items, partition keys
• Key-value stores
• Column-family stores
• Document databases
• Graph databases

Hands-On Labs:

• Create a Cosmos DB account using SQL API
• Add containers, configure partition keys
• Insert and query JSON documents
• Explore throughput (RUs), indexing & performance options
• Execute queries using the Data Explorer

Module 4: Explore Modern Data Warehouse Analytics

Topics Covered:

• Concepts of data warehousing
• Azure Synapse Analytics overview
• Massively Parallel Processing (MPP)
• Data lakes and Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS Gen2)
• Big data processing using Apache Spark
• OLAP vs. OLTP differences

Hands-On Labs:

• Create an Azure Synapse workspace
• Explore Synapse Studio (Data, Develop, Monitor hubs)
• Create a SQL pool and run basic SQL queries
• Upload data to ADLS and analyze it in Synapse
• Run a Spark notebook for data exploration

Module 5: Explore Data Ingestion & Processing

Topics Covered:

• Batch data ingestion concepts
• Real-time data ingestion concepts
• Azure Data Factory (ADF) pipelines
• Azure Stream Analytics
• Event Hubs & IoT Hub basics
• Transforming data at scale

Hands-On Labs:

• Build a copy pipeline in Azure Data Factory
• Connect to a data source (Blob → SQL)
• Execute and monitor the pipeline
• Create a basic Stream Analytics job
• Run a simulated streaming input and produce output to storage

Module 6: Explore Data Visualization

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to data visualization
• Microsoft Power BI concepts:
• Workspace
• Datasets
• Reports & dashboards
• Connecting to Azure-based data sources
• Best practices for visualization and reporting

Hands-On Labs:

• Connect Power BI Desktop to Azure SQL Database
• Import data and build a simple report
• Add charts, filters, and slicers
• Publish the report to Power BI Service
• Build a dashboard from published visuals

Module 7: Explore Azure Data Governance & Compliance

Topics Covered:

• Data governance fundamentals
• Azure Purview / Microsoft Purview overview
• Data lineage and cataloging
• Security and compliance basics
• Role-based access and data policies

Hands-On Labs:

• Create a Microsoft Purview account
• Register Azure data sources
• Run a data scan and review classification
• Explore data lineage for assets
• Configure role-based access for data catalog users