Register for the free Microsoft Azure Tour kickoff in Philadelphia

On Oct. 13, Philly-area IT professionals and enterprise developers will have the opportunity to learn all things Microsoft Azure at a free comprehensive technical training event.
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The company’s top engineers and independent experts will come into town to cover the scope of the Azure platform and the wealth of developer features, including security, networking, big data, storage, identity, web, mobile, hybrid, containers, DevOps, open source, management and the Internet of Things.
Here are four reasons you won’t want to miss it.

1. It’s here in Philly for one day only

The local one-day stop of the Microsoft Azure Tour, which also hits Washington, D.C., and Atlanta in early 2016, will benefit new and existing cloud users by offering a keynote address followed by multiple in-depth tracks, immersion sessions, hands-on labs and a reception and app showcase.
“Developers and IT pros can build skills to stay relevant or increase their value in areas that companies are hiring for, such as cloud management, cloud development and DevOps,” said Scott Woodgate, a senior director of Azure developer marketing, noting attendees will benefit in additional ways with the speakers coming from Microsoft’s Redmond, Wash., headquarters.
“First, the session content is up to date with all the latest and greatest innovations. Second, the speakers really are experts in their space,” Woodgate said. “Finally, you have the opportunity to connect with them outside of the sessions and get your deep technical questions answered.”

2. Microsoft Cloud VP Scott Guthrie’s keynote

The keynote talk, Journey to the Intelligent Cloud, brings in Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of the Microsoft Cloud and Enterprise group.
“The keynote isn’t a visionary cloud leadership business value pitch,” Woodgate explained. “Instead, it’s a practical view of the key technologies delivered by Azure across infrastructure, data, mobility, development and DevOps. We’re fairly certain IT pros and developers alike will be surprised at the breadth of scenarios supported by Azure and will take away new ideas on how they can drive innovation within their businesses using Azure.”

3. Hands-on technical training sessions

Following the keynote, the event will feature 12 technical sessions across two tracks: developer and ITI.
In the former, talks include Build and Deploy Applications Using Microsoft Azure; Take a Modern Approach to Data in Your Apps; and Identity Management as a Service for Modern Applications. With the ITI track, attendees can see topics such as Deploy and Run Any Virtual Machine in the Cloud; Create a Dynamic Datacenter With Hybrid Networking; and Modern IT Management: From Your Data Center to Any Cloud.
People also can opt for one of two full-day immersion programs: Developer, a complete hands-on solution that highlights the value proposition of Azure in a cloud-first, mobile-first scenario; and Transform the Datacenter, which helps IT professionals dive into Azure’s core tenants.
Throughout the program, people can attend freeform hands-on labs specific and supportive of the sessions. “IT pros can learn how to perform scenarios, such as management from the cloud, delivering virtual machines, using storage and data protection. Developers can learn how to build web and mobile applications and even take one away with them,” Woodgate said. “So, you can start the day not knowing about a technology, go to the session, then get hands-on experience and leave ready to implement it for your business.”

4. Network with Azure experts

The event closes with an Ask the Experts Reception and App Showcase. Here, attendees can see apps developed by customers, partners and startups in an art gallery-style installation, as well as chat with the day’s speakers in a casual setting.
“We know your time is super precious, but this might be the best training investment you make all year,” he promised. “It’s a free event where you can come and learn the latest innovations from the product experts, meet them in person and get hands-on.”
The Microsoft Azure Tour will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. While there’s no charge for the event, organizers will cap attendance. Reserve your spot and get more info here.