An advanced, hands-on DBA program designed for professionals who already support SQL Server in production and want to operate confidently at a senior (L3) level across on-premises and Azure environments.
The course focuses on real production behavior — performance bottlenecks, availability failures, migration risks, and architectural trade-offs — covering SQL Server internals, Azure infrastructure, Always On availability, Azure SQL Database (PaaS), and advanced performance tuning techniques used by experienced DBAs.
Start Date: 5 January 2026Schedule: Monday to FridayTime: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM ISTMode: Live instructor-led sessions + recordingsLevel: Advanced DBA (L3)
Designed for professionals already managing SQL Server in production
Primary Focus
Production Troubleshooting
Performance bottlenecks, outages, HA/DR issues, and root-cause analysis
Platforms Covered
On-Prem & Azure
SQL Server on Azure VM, Azure SQL Database (PaaS), and hybrid workloads
Delivery Mode
Live + Recording
Instructor-led sessions with recordings for structured revision
Schedule
Weekday Morning Batch
Monday to Friday · 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM IST
Learning Approach
Hands-On & Scenario-Based
Practical labs aligned with real enterprise DBA workflows
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Full Course Curriculum
Below is the complete, transparent syllabus for the Azure SQL & Advanced Performance Tuning (L3 DBA) program. The curriculum is structured in progressive parts, moving from Azure fundamentals to advanced high availability, migration, and deep performance troubleshooting based on real production scenarios.
Part 1 — Azure & SQL Server on Azure
Module 1: Azure Fundamentals for SQL Server DBAs
Traditional IT infrastructure vs cloud computing
Public, private, and hybrid cloud models
IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS responsibility models
Microsoft Azure global architecture overview
Regions, availability zones, and resiliency concepts
Azure subscriptions and resource groups
Hands-on Labs: Create Azure subscription, resource groups, deploy Windows VM, connect using RDP
Module 2: SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
SQL Server architecture on Azure IaaS
Compute sizing and VM selection for SQL Server
Azure storage options (Premium SSD, Ultra Disk)
Data, log, and TempDB disk design
Networking fundamentals for SQL Server
Security and monitoring basics
Hands-on Labs: Install SQL Server on Azure VM, configure disks, validate performance and connectivity
Part 2 — High Availability on Azure (Cluster & Always On)
Module 3: Windows Failover Clustering on Azure
High availability concepts and clustering fundamentals
Windows Server Failover Cluster (WSFC) architecture
Active-Active vs Active-Passive cluster designs
Quorum models and vote assignment strategies
Cloud Witness configuration and behavior
Azure networking considerations for WSFC
Azure-specific cluster limitations and best practices
Hands-on Labs: Build Windows Failover Cluster on Azure, configure Cloud Witness, validate quorum behavior, simulate node failure
Module 4: Always On Availability Groups on Azure
Always On Availability Group architecture and components
Replica roles and synchronization modes
Synchronous vs asynchronous replication behavior
Single-subnet Always On design in Azure
Always On listener configuration using Azure Load Balancer
Multi-subnet listener concepts and scenarios
Cross-region Always On design considerations
Hands-on Labs: Enable Always On, create Availability Group, add secondary replicas, configure AG listener, perform planned failover
Module 5: Advanced Always On Scenarios & Troubleshooting
Distributed Availability Groups architecture
Data synchronization latency analysis
Monitoring replica health and synchronization state
Planned vs forced failover decision-making
Common Always On failure patterns in production
Azure-specific Always On troubleshooting scenarios
Hands-on Labs: Analyze slow queries, fix parameter sniffing, use Query Store for plan analysis
Module 18: Plan Cache & Extended Events
Plan cache architecture and behavior
Recompilation triggers and issues
Extended Events architecture
Designing Extended Events sessions
Troubleshooting real production incidents
Hands-on Labs: Analyze plan cache issues, capture data with Extended Events, troubleshoot production scenarios
Course Highlights
Coverage
End-to-End Azure SQL & DBA
Comprehensive coverage of SQL Server on-premises, SQL Server on Azure VMs, and Azure SQL Database (PaaS) from a DBA’s operational perspective.
Troubleshooting
Real Production Scenarios (L3)
Learn how to diagnose and resolve real production issues including performance degradation, outages, and HA/DR failures.
High Availability
Always On & HA/DR on Azure
Deep, practical coverage of Always On Availability Groups, clustering concepts, and Azure-specific HA designs.
Performance
Advanced Performance Tuning
Analyze waits, execution plans, Query Store, and Extended Events to identify root causes of complex performance problems.
Migration
On-Prem to Azure Migration
Plan, execute, and validate migrations with minimal downtime, including post-migration performance tuning.
Practice
Hands-On & Scenario Driven
Every major topic includes structured labs aligned with real enterprise DBA workflows and operational responsibilities.
Why This Course Exists
Most SQL Server and Azure training programs focus on features, commands, and basic configurations. They explain what to click or how to enable something, but rarely explain why systems fail, where performance breaks down, or how senior DBAs actually troubleshoot production incidents.
In real enterprise environments, databases do not fail in isolation. Performance problems are usually the result of multiple interacting factors — storage latency, memory pressure, CPU contention, poor query patterns, suboptimal indexing, or incorrect high availability design. Generic courses do not prepare DBAs for this reality.
This course exists to bridge that gap. It is designed around the way L3 DBAs think and operate — starting from symptoms, analyzing signals, correlating metrics, and arriving at root causes under real production pressure.
Instead of isolated topics, the curriculum connects SQL Server internals, Azure infrastructure, Always On availability, and performance tuning into a single operational mindset. The goal is not certification-style knowledge, but the ability to make confident decisions when systems are slow, unstable, or failing.
This is why the course emphasizes hands-on labs, real-world scenarios, and production-style troubleshooting — preparing participants to move beyond routine administration and operate as senior, production-ready DBAs.
Who Should Join
This program is designed for professionals who already work with SQL Server and want to build confidence in handling production, performance, and Azure-based workloads.
SQL Server DBAs supporting on-premises or Azure-hosted production systems
Senior support engineers handling database performance and incident escalations
Infrastructure or system DBAs transitioning into Azure SQL environments
Professionals preparing for senior DBA, lead DBA, or cloud DBA roles
DBAs involved in HA/DR, migration, or performance tuning projects
Important: This is an
advanced (L3-level) course. It assumes prior experience with SQL Server administration and focuses on real production scenarios rather than introductory or certification-only topics.
Looking for a
complete SQL Server DBA learning path — from
SQL Server fundamentals to
advanced on-prem administration,
Azure SQL, and
advanced performance tuning?
If you are unsure which level is right for you, you can connect with
industry mentors for guidance on the most suitable learning path.
By the end of this program, you will be able to operate confidently as a production-ready DBA, applying structured thinking and practical skills to complex SQL Server and Azure environments.
Design, deploy, and manage SQL Server workloads on both on-premises infrastructure and Azure platforms
Diagnose and resolve complex performance problems using waits, execution plans, Query Store, and Extended Events
Design and troubleshoot Always On Availability Groups and high availability architectures in Azure
Identify root causes of CPU, memory, and I/O pressure and apply appropriate corrective actions
Plan and execute on-prem to Azure migrations with minimal downtime and post-migration validation
Secure and manage Azure SQL Database (PaaS) including backup, restore, and connectivity scenarios
Respond to live production incidents with a structured troubleshooting approach rather than trial-and-error
Communicate technical findings and decisions clearly to application teams, architects, and management
Schedule, Delivery & Rules
Batch Schedule
Start Date: 5th January 2026
Days: Monday to Friday
Time: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM IST
Delivery Format
Instructor-led
live sessions conducted online, with interactive discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on walkthroughs.
Session Recordings
Session recordings will be shared for revision purposes. Recordings are intended to support learning continuity and are not a replacement for live participation.
Hands-On Practice
Participants are expected to actively follow along during labs and exercises using their own practice environments to gain maximum benefit.
• This is a
live, instructor-driven program; regular attendance is strongly recommended for effective learning.
• Recordings are provided for
revision and missed sessions, but active participation during live classes yields the best outcomes.
• The course focuses on
practical, production-oriented learning; participants should allocate time outside sessions for practice.
• Questions are encouraged during sessions, especially around real-world scenarios and use cases.
• Basic familiarity with SQL Server administration is expected before joining this advanced-level program.
Final Learning Outcomes
After completing this program, participants will be able to operate confidently in complex SQL Server and Azure environments, applying structured thinking and hands-on experience to real production challenges.
Work independently with SQL Server across on-premises, Azure Virtual Machines, and Azure SQL Database (PaaS)
Design, implement, and troubleshoot high availability and disaster recovery solutions in Azure
Diagnose complex performance issues using SQL Server internals, waits, execution plans, Query Store, and Extended Events
Identify and resolve CPU, memory, storage, and concurrency bottlenecks in production systems
Plan and execute on-premises to Azure migrations with minimal risk and validated outcomes
Apply a structured, L3-level troubleshooting approach during live production incidents
Communicate technical decisions, findings, and trade-offs clearly with application teams, architects, and management
Operate with the confidence and mindset expected from senior, lead, or cloud DBA roles
Ready to Move Forward?
If you are planning to strengthen your skills in SQL Server, Azure SQL, high availability, migration, and advanced performance tuning, this program is designed to prepare you for real production responsibilities.
For batch details, enrollment guidance, or help choosing the right learning path, reach out using the options below.
This is an advanced, production-focused program. Guidance is available to help you confirm whether this course aligns with your experience and career goals.