Azure Architecture Design Patterns

It's organised around the Azure Well-Architected Framework's five pillars — reliability, security, cost optimisation, operational excellence and performance — which is the same lens Microsoft's own architects use to pressure-test a design. Working through all five is what separates a system that merely runs from one that survives contact with real traffic and real budgets.

It's pitched at architects and senior engineers, so it's the wrong course if you're new to Azure or want fundamentals first. It's on a Pluralsight subscription (Standard about $29/month or $299/year, Premium about $45/month or $499/year, 10-day trial). Azure evolves, so check specifics against current guidance (as of 2026).

This course covers Azure architecture from design patterns to production deployment: applying the Azure Well-Architected Framework's five pillars (reliability, security, cost optimization, operational excellence, and performance), and implementing cloud design patterns like circuit breaker, retry, and bulkhead.