Summary

In this chapter, we reviewed the architecture landscape and the different types of architects we may be working with in our day-to-day Azure architecture practice. Knowing the different profiles, being able to speak to each of them, as well as satisfying their own interests and preoccupations, is what every Azure architect should do.

In this chapter, we also explained the value proposal of the maps and how to read a map, which will be very useful for the next chapters. We shed some light on the various service models that exist in the cloud, and those that serve different purposes. We also tried to grasp the important differences that exist across them, in terms of functionalities, operations, and costs. All these models constitute the cornerstone of Azure, and should be wholly mastered by the Azure architect as they represent the minimal, vital must-have skills. Finally, we have understood the key success factors of a cloud journey from real-world observations and through a fictitious enterprise scenario.

In the next chapter, we will start to get closer to the actual implementation of an Azure-based solution.