Overview

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This course introduces the core concepts of modern data architecture and the evolution from traditional data warehouses to cloud-native lakehouses. You will explore the essential components of Microsoft Fabric and learn how to design modular architectures with OneLake as the foundation. The course covers setting up OneLake, working with different data formats, and implementing advanced virtualization techniques. By the end of this course, you will understand the fundamentals of a modern data architecture and be able to design a comprehensive blueprint for a data solution.

Syllabus

Evolution of modern data architecture

Trace the journey from traditional data warehouses to modern cloud-native lakehouses through a comprehensive exploration of data architecture history and transformation. You'll analyze the limitations of conventional approaches, understand the emergence of lakehouse architecture, and discover how unified platforms like Microsoft Fabric resolve enterprise data fragmentation. Through hands-on labs, interactive visualizations, and real-world case studies, you'll develop a solid foundation in modern data architecture principles that will inform your design decisions when implementing Microsoft Fabric solutions.

Microsoft Fabric as unified platform

Explore Microsoft Fabric's approach to unifying enterprise data platforms and eliminating architectural fragmentation. You'll navigate the Fabric interface, understand how its components seamlessly integrate, and compare its capabilities to other platform approaches. Through guided demonstrations, hands-on lab exercises, and interactive comparisons, you'll gain insight into how Fabric's unified architecture addresses common data integration challenges. By the end of this module, you'll be able to articulate Fabric's unique value proposition and identify how its integrated services can solve real-world business scenarios.

Components of modern architecture

Examine the essential building blocks that form a modern data architecture and how they interact within Microsoft Fabric's unified platform. You'll explore storage layer components including OneLake, understand distributed compute models, investigate transformation and integration approaches, and discover the importance of metadata governance. Through demonstrations, interactive exercises, and component mapping activities, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of how these architectural elements work together to create scalable, flexible data platforms that meet diverse business needs.

OneLake foundations

Master the fundamentals of OneLake as the central storage foundation for Microsoft Fabric workloads. You'll understand OneLake's underlying architecture, learn how to set up and organize workspaces, implement proper organizational hierarchies, and work with multiple data formats. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on labs, you'll gain practical experience creating OneLake environments and configuring them according to best practices. By the end of this module, you'll be able to establish a solid foundation for building modular data architectures with OneLake as your unified data storage layer.

OneLake architecture patterns and virtualization techniques

Apply advanced OneLake capabilities to design flexible, modular data architectures that seamlessly integrate with external systems. You'll implement virtualization techniques using shortcuts and mounting, create low-latency modular architectures, and develop frameworks for selecting the right architectural patterns based on specific business requirements. Through comprehensive hands-on labs and a guided architecture design project, you'll gain practical experience creating sophisticated data architectures that leverage OneLake's powerful virtualization capabilities. This module culminates in a capstone project where you'll design a complete Microsoft Fabric architecture for a realistic business scenario.