Microsoft Consultants Doug Strother and John Miller, both veterans of certifications, share some tips on getting your Azure certification.   Media file: https://azpodcast.blob.core.windows.net/episodes/Episode245.mp3 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwmiller5/   Other updates: You can use the Azure Backup service to help protect SQL Server instances running on an Azure VM. Azure Data Factory now supports service principal and MSI authentication for Azure Blob connectors. G-series VMs are available in Azure HDInsight. Azure Data Box: Expanded availability, plus support for NFS and RBAC From Virtual network service endpoints are generally available for Azure Key Vault in all public Azure regions. Avere vFXT for Microsoft Azure now in public preview https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/avere-vfxt-for-microsoft-azure-now-in-public-preview/ Transparent data encryption or always encrypted https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/transparent-data-encryption-or-always-encrypted/ Azure.Source - Volume 47 https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/azure-source-volume-47/ Two seconds to take a bite out of mobile bank fraud with Artificial Intelligence https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/two-seconds-to-take-a-bite-out-of-mobile-bank-fraud-with-artificial-intelligence/