Discover the world of data engineering in an on-premises setting versus the Azure cloud

Key Features
● Explore Azure data engineering from foundational concepts to advanced techniques, spanning SQL databases, ETL processes, and cloud-native solutions.
● Learn to implement real-world data projects with Azure services, covering data integration, storage, and analytics, tailored for diverse business needs.
● Prepare effectively for Azure data engineering certifications with detailed exam-focused content and practical exercises to reinforce learning.

Book Description
Embark on a comprehensive journey into Azure data engineering with “Ultimate Azure Data Engineering”. Starting with foundational topics like SQL and relational database concepts, you'll progress to comparing data engineering practices in Azure versus on-premises environments. Next, you will dive deep into Azure cloud fundamentals, learning how to effectively manage heterogeneous data sources and implement robust Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) concepts using Azure Data Factory, mastering the orchestration of data workflows and pipeline automation.

The book then moves to explore advanced database design strategies and discover best practices for optimizing data performance and ensuring stringent data security measures. You will learn to visualize data insights using Power BI and apply these skills to real-world scenarios. Whether you're aiming to excel in your current role or preparing for Azure data engineering certifications, this book equips you with practical knowledge and hands-on expertise to thrive in the dynamic field of Azure data engineering.

What you will learn
● Master the core principles and methodologies that drive data engineering such as data processing, storage, and management techniques.
● Gain a deep understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL) and relational database management systems (RDBMS) for Azure Data Engineering.
● Learn about Azure cloud services for data engineering, such as Azure SQL Database, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Blob Storage.
● Gain proficiency to orchestrate data workflows, schedule data pipelines, and monitor data integration processes across cloud and hybrid environments.
● Design optimized database structures and data models tailored for performance and scalability in Azure.
● Implement techniques to optimize data performance such as query optimization, caching strategies, and resource utilization monitoring.
● Learn how to visualize data insights effectively using tools like Power BI to create interactive dashboards and derive data-driven insights.

Who is this book for?
This book is tailored for a diverse audience including aspiring and current Azure data engineers, data analysts, and data scientists, along with database and BI developers, administrators, and analysts. It is an invaluable resource for those aiming to obtain Azure data engineering certifications.

Ashish Agarwal currently works as an Engineering Architect in the Azure SQL Engineering team at Microsoft, where he works with large and complex SQL modernization projects spanning from SQL On-Premises to Azure IaaS and PaaS Platforms.

He holds an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering from BMIT, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, affiliated with Rajasthan Technical University, Kota, Rajasthan, India. He earned the title of Best Outgoing Student in      Computer Science Engineering for his graduating batch. He has worked at top product-based companies, FinTech organizations, as well as large MNCs across various domains.

An Azure Data Engineer, Business Intelligence SME, and Data Warehousing professional with over 13 years of extensive experience across multiple industries. He has hands-on experience and expertise in handling multiple projects across geographies and delivering solutions with minimal supervision.

He also has vast experience as a business expert for various domains, collaborating with various business partners to understand their needs and derive critical business metrics to help in business growth and resolve problems.

Ashish is currently working on the Azure data engineering stack, Azure data migration from heterogeneous source systems, SQL Server 2019, Azure Analysis Services, and Power BI for implementing business solutions. He has also written and contributed to Microsoft Tech community blogs.

He has a history of working closely with business users to understand and translate business requirements into effective business intelligence solutions. His domain knowledge includes Risk Management (Credit Card Industry), Human Resources, Nano Semiconductor, In-Store Solutions, Retail, and Pharmaceuticals.

When not working on technical projects, Ashish enjoys reading books, listening to music, and writing poetry.

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ABOUT TECHNICAL REVIEWS

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Narendra Ragho Angane  is a Principal Engineering Architect Manager for the SQL CSE/Ninja Team at Microsoft Engineering, specializing in SQL Server and Azure Data Services. With over 25 years of experience in data and software technologies, he leads a team of engineering architects, providing top-tier service for complex SQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Mainframe, and Sybase workload modernizations.

Narendra holds a bachelor's degree in commerce from Mumbai University, a postgraduate diploma in computer applications, and several certifications in data science, computer programming, and RDBMS. He has completed the Data Science Degree Program and Azure Data University program from Microsoft, as well as a Business Model Innovation course from Microsoft-INSEAD. He has also passed numerous Microsoft-certified exams, including Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions and Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions.

Before joining Microsoft in 2010, Narendra worked with Wipro Technologies, Hostway Solutions, Scalability Experts, and Lilavati Hospital, focusing on database administration, performance tuning, upgrades, migration, data warehousing, and business intelligence