Last year, Microsoft teamed up with Udacity to offer machine learning courses and scholarships through the learning platform. Today, the tech giant has announced a partnership with a different, yet similarly well-known online courses provider - Coursera. The partnership focuses on introducing the necessary skills for Azure through new specializations and scholarships.
The three new specializations that are being launched as part of this collaboration include Azure Fundamentals, AI Fundamentals, and Data Fundamentals. Azure Fundamentals brings to students the basic, foundational knowledge of the services provided through Microsoft's cloud platform, with general security, network security, and privacy among some of the topics under discussion. Those who successfully complete this course should be suitably prepared for the Microsoft AZ-900 exam.
As far as the other two specializations are concerned, they will be arriving on Coursera next month. The former will provide insights on machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. The latter, meanwhile, will be focused on the roles and tasks that come into play when handling data through Azure.
With regards to scholarships, 600 eligible Women in Cloud members will receive free access to the specializations and the associated certifications.
Women in Cloud President Chaitra Vedullapalli shared her appreciation for the initiative, noting:
"We are excited to partner with Microsoft and Coursera to provide access to Azure skilling and certifications to advance digital skilling for women that enable them to secure economically fulfilling jobs in the current market."
Those who are interested in availing the latest courses on offer can register for Azure Fundamentals right now, and be on the lookout for the other two specializations in May.