Microsoft Azure Automation
Infrastructure automation is no longer optional—it’s the difference between scaling efficiently and firefighting outages. This course teaches you to build runbooks and leverage Desired State Configuration (DSC) to eliminate manual toil and enforce consistency across your Azure estate.
AIU.ac Verdict: Ideal for DevOps engineers and cloud operators who need hands-on automation skills without deep scripting expertise. The 2h 41m duration is lean and focused, though you’ll want prior Azure familiarity to get maximum value.
What This Course Covers
You’ll work through Azure Automation fundamentals, including runbook creation, scheduling, and webhook integration. The course covers Desired State Configuration (DSC) for enforcing infrastructure standards, managing variables and credentials securely, and integrating automation into CI/CD pipelines. Expect practical labs in Pluralsight’s sandbox environment where you’ll build real-world automation scenarios.
Mike McKeown structures the content around operational patterns: automating routine tasks, responding to alerts, and maintaining compliance at scale. You’ll learn when to choose PowerShell runbooks versus graphical workflows, how to handle error handling and logging, and best practices for managing secrets in automated processes.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- DevOps Engineers: Need to automate repetitive Azure tasks and integrate automation into deployment pipelines without spending weeks on deep scripting.
- Cloud Operations Teams: Responsible for maintaining Azure infrastructure consistency and want to enforce standards through DSC and runbooks.
- Azure Administrators: Looking to reduce manual overhead and scale operations without hiring additional staff.
May not suit:
- Complete Azure Beginners: You’ll need foundational Azure knowledge (subscriptions, resource groups, VMs) before this course becomes actionable.
- Enterprise Architects: If you’re designing multi-cloud strategies or governance frameworks, this tactical automation course won’t address your scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Microsoft Azure Automation take?
2 hours 41 minutes of video content. Most learners complete it in one or two focused sessions, though hands-on lab time may extend that.
Do I need PowerShell experience?
Not essential. The course covers PowerShell basics within the automation context, though familiarity with scripting concepts helps.
Will I get hands-on practice?
Yes. Pluralsight includes sandbox labs where you’ll build runbooks and DSC configurations in a live Azure environment.
Is this course up-to-date with current Azure features?
Pluralsight instructors like Mike McKeown regularly update content. Check the course date and reviews to confirm it covers current runbook types and DSC capabilities.
Course by Mike McKeown on Pluralsight. Duration: 2h 41m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
