AMA Spotlight: Build Smarter with Azure Developer CLI 'AZD'
Weekly AMA 'Ask Me Anything': Build Smarter with Azure Developer CLI Calling all AI engineers, developers, and builders of the future, this is your backstage pass to the tools shaping scalable, agentic AI deployments. Join Kristen Womack, Product Manager for the AzureAzure Developer CLI (azd) Developer CLI (azd), and the engineering team behind azd for a live Ask Me Anything session every Thursday at 12:30pm PT in the Azure AI Foundry Discord. Whether you're: š§ Orchestrating multi-agent systems š¦ Deploying LLM-powered apps with Azure AI Foundry š Navigating least-privilege infrastructure setups š ļø Debugging and optimizing reproducible workflows ā¦this AMA is your chance to connect directly with the team building the CLI that powers it all. š” Why Join? Real-time answers from the azd engineers and product team Deployment walkthroughs for Foundry templates, from chatbots to document processors Tips for CI/CD, debugging, and reproducibility in enterprise environments Community-first mindset: bring your feedback, challenges, and ideas Kristen Womack brings deep insight into developer experience and product strategy; this is a rare opportunity to learn from the source and shape the future of AI tooling. š§ Get Ready Before you join: Install azd š Install Guide Explore Kristenās work š www.kristenwomack.io Join the Discord š Azure AI Foundry Community šļø Weekly Schedule š§ Thursdays at 12:30pm PT š Azure AI Foundry Discord Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Build with the best.Strategic Solutions for Seamless Integration of Third-Party SaaS
Modern systems must be modular and interoperable by design. Integration is no longer a feature, itās a requirement. Developers are expected to build architectures that connect easily with third-party platforms, but too often, core systems are designed in isolation. This disconnect creates friction for downstream teams and slows delivery. At Microsoft, SaaS platforms like SAP SuccessFactors and Eightfold support Talent Acquisition by handling functions such as requisition tracking, application workflows, and interview coordination. These tools help reduce costs and free up engineering focus for high-priority areas like Azure and AI. The real challenge is integrating them with internal systems such as Demand Planning, Offer Management, and Employee Central. This blog post outlines a strategy centered around two foundational components: an Integration and Orchestration Layer, and a Messaging Platform. Together, these enable real-time communication, consistent data models, and scalable integration. While Talent Acquisition is the use case here, the architectural patterns apply broadly across domains. Whether you're embedding AI pipelines, managing edge deployments, or building platform services, thoughtful integration needs to be built into the foundation, not bolted on later.Swagger Auto-Generation on MCP Server
Would you like to generate a swagger.json directly on an MCP server on-the-fly? In many use cases, using remote MCP servers is not uncommon. In particular, if you're using Azure API Management (APIM), Azure API Center (APIC) or Copilot Studio in Power Platform, integrating with remote MCP servers is inevitable.Quest 3 - I want to add a simple chat interface to my AI prototype
In this quest, youāll give your Gen AI prototype a polished chat interface using Vite and Lit. Along the way, youāll also manage application infrastructure with Bicep and Azure Developer CLI (azd), making your prototype more structured and ready for deployment.The Startup Stage: Powered by Microsoft for Startups at European AI & Cloud Summit
š The Startup Stage: Powered by Microsoft for Startups Take center stage in the AI and Cloud Startup Program, designed to showcase groundbreaking solutions and foster collaboration between ambitious startups and influential industry leaders. Whether you're looking to engage with potential investors, connect with clients, or share your boldest ideas, this is the platform to shine. Why Join the Startup Stage? Pitch to Top Investors: Present your ideas and products to key decision-makers in the tech world. Gain Visibility: Showcase your startup in a vibrant space dedicated to innovation, and prove that you are the next game-changer. Learn from the Best: Hear from visionary thought leaders and Microsoft AI experts about the latest trends and opportunities in AI and cloud. AI Competition: Propel Your Startup Stand out from the crowd by participating in the European AI & Cloud Startup Stage competition, exclusively designed for startups leveraging Microsoft AI and Azure Cloud services. Compete for prestigious awards, including: $25,000 in Microsoft Azure Credits. A mentoring session with Marco Casalaina, VP of Products at Azure AI. Fast-track access to exclusive resources through the Microsoft for Startups Program. Get ready to deliver a pitch in front of a live audience and an expert panel on 28 May 2025! How to Apply: Ensure your startup solution runs on Microsoft AI and Azure Cloud. Register as a conference and submit your Competiton application form before the deadline: 14 April 2025 at European Cloud and AI Summit. Be Part of Something Bigger This isnāt just an exhibitionāitās a thriving community where innovation meets opportunity. Donāt miss out! With tickets already 70% sold out, nowās the time to secure your spot. Join the European AI and Cloud Startup Area with a booth or launchpad, and accelerate your growth in the tech ecosystem. Visit the [European AI and Cloud Summit](https://ecs.events) website to learn more, purchase tickets, or apply for the AI competition. Download the sponsorship brochure for detailed insights into this once-in-a-lifetime event. Together, letās shape the future of cloud technology. See you in DĆ¼sseldorf! šUnlocking Java and AI Potential: Learning Plan, JavaOne, and JDConf 2025
Power AI-app development at Microsoft JDConf and with Azure Java skilling Microsoft is advancing Java AI development with JavaOne 2025 and JDConf 2025, alongside the "Letās Explore Java Together on Azure" learning plan. Developers can leverage Azure AI services, Cognitive Services, Machine Learning, and Databricks to build intelligent Java applications. With Azure Container Apps, App Service, and Functions, Java workloads become scalable and high-performing. Join JavaOne (March 18-20, 2025) in California or JDConf (April 9-10, 2025) virtually to explore AI-driven Java innovations, Spring Boot 3.x, Quarkus, and GraalVM. Learn more and start building AI-powered Java solutions today! Register Now | Start LearningGet certified as an Azure AI Engineer (AI-102) this summer?
For developers, the accreditation as an Azure AI Engineerācertified through the rigorous AI-102 examāhas become a golden ticket to career acceleration. It isnāt just about coding chatbots or fine-tuning machine learning models; itās about gaining the confidence (for you and for your business) that you can wield Azureās toolkits to configure AI solutions that augment human capability. Before we dive in, if youāre planning to become certified as an Azure AI Engineer, you may find this Starter Learning Plan (AI 102) valuableārecently curated by a group of Microsoft experts, purposed for your success. We recommend adding it to your existing learning portfolio. Itās a light introduction that should take less than four hours, but it offers a solid glimpse into what to expect on your journey and the breadth of solutions you might craft in the future. From revolutionizing customer service with intelligent agents to optimizing supply chains through predictive analytics, Azure AI engineers sit at the confluence of technological ingenuity and business transformation. For those with an appetite for problem-solving and a vision for AI-driven futures, this certification isnāt just another badgeāitās an assertion of expertise in a field where demand is outpacing supply. Securing that expertise, however, requires more than just a weekend of cramming. Todayās aspiring AI engineers navigate an ecosystem of learning that is as modern as the field itself. Gone are the days when one could rely solely on a stack of manuals; now, candidates immerse themselves in a medley of Microsoft Learn modules, hands-on labs, AI-powered coding assistants, and community-led study groups. Many take a pragmatic approachābuilding real-world projects using Azure Cognitive Services and Machine Learning Studio to cement their understanding. Others lean on practice exams and structured courses from platforms like Pluralsight and Udemy, ensuring they arenāt just memorizing but internalizing the core principles. The AI-102 exam doesnāt reward rote knowledgeāit demands fluency in designing, deploying, and securing AI solutions, making thorough preparation an indispensable part of the journey. In addition to the above learning plan, we want to provide a few other tips. Understand the Exam Objectives: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the AI-102 study guide. This document outlines the key topics and skills assessed, including planning and managing Azure AI solutions, implementing computer vision and natural language processing solutions, and deploying generative AI solutions. Familiarizing yourself with these areas will provide a structured framework for your study plan. Continuous memorization is part of your study. But if you get a bit bored from your flashcards and look for more āstorylineā style learning content, we recommend adding MSFT employee created learning plan to your mix. They are scenario-based and focus more on providing you with a structured understanding of how to do XYZ on Azure. Here are 3 examples: Modernize for AI Readiness Build AI apps with Azure Re-platform AI applications Hands-On Practice: Practical experience is invaluable. Engage with Azure AI services directly by building projects that incorporate computer vision, natural language processing, and other AI functionalities. This hands-on approach not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also enhances problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Utilize Practice Assessments: Assess your readiness by taking advantage of free practice assessments provided by Microsoft. These assessments mirror the style and difficulty of actual exam questions, offering detailed feedback and links to additional resources for areas that may require further study. Stay Updated on Exam Changes: Certification exams are periodically updated to reflect the latest technologies and practices. Regularly consult the official exam page to stay informed about any changes in exam content or structure. Participate in Community Discussions: Engaging with peers through forums and study groups can provide diverse perspectives and insights. The Microsoft Q&A platform is a valuable resource for asking questions, sharing knowledge, and learning from the experiences of others preparing for the same certification. By systematically incorporating these strategies into your preparation, you'll be well-positioned to excel in the AI-102 exam and advance your career as an Azure AI Engineer. If you have additional tips or thoughts, let us know in the comments area. Good luck!Microsoft Startup Spotlight Live Series
As a founder, developer, or AI enthusiast, have you ever wondered what AI startups are solving, the technologies they use, or the journeys their founders have taken? How do they tackle challenges and create impactful solutions? These are questions we often ask, and thereās no better way to find answers than by hearing directly from the innovators themselves. Iām excited to introduce the Startup Spotlight Seriesāa bi-weekly live event hosted on the Microsoft Reactor YouTube channel. This series offers a unique opportunity to: Hear exclusive stories from AI startup founders. See live demonstrations of their technologies. Learn about the latest AI trends and real-world solutions for customersā challenges š” Why Should You Tune In? The Startup Spotlight Series isnāt just another livestreamāitās a unique opportunity designed to provide insights, inspiration, and practical value for a variety of audiences: Startups Founders: Learn from the successes (and struggles) of AI startup leaders. Gain actionable insights into building innovative products, scaling businesses, and navigating challenges. Developers: Dive into the technical details with live product demos and behind-the-scenes discussions. See how their solutions are being built and deployed. Students: Discover the latest AI trends and practical applications. Discover how startups are leveraging AI to create impactful solutions. Whether you're looking for inspiration or considering a future in AI, this series is packed with insights to help you grow. AI Enthusiasts: Stay ahead of the curve by learning how startups are revolutionizing industries. From transformative use cases to the stories behind the technologies, youāll leave every episode inspired. Have burning questions about AI? Each session includes a live Q&A, where you can ask founders directly about their journeys, challenges, and advice. This is your chance to engage with the people shaping the future of AI! Thursday Jan 30 2025, Startup Spotlight: Activeloop Join us for the second episode of the Startup Spotlight Live Series, a space where AI startups share their journeys, showcasing their innovative technologies and demonstrating live product use cases. In this episode, Gabriela de Queiroz sits down with Davit Buniatyan from Activeloop to explore how theyāre leveraging Microsoft to grow, scale, and address real-world challenges. Thursday Feb 13th 2025, Startup Spotlight: Synthesized Join us for the third episode of the Startup Spotlight Live Series, a space where AI startups share their journeys, showcasing their innovative technologies and demonstrating live product use cases. In this episode, Gabriela de Queiroz sits down with Nicolai Baldin from Synthesized to explore how theyāre leveraging Microsoft to grow, scale, and address real-world challenges. Thursday Feb 27th 2025, Startup Spotlight: Dataloop Join us for the fourth episode of the Startup Spotlight Live Series, a space where AI startups share their journeys, showcasing their innovative technologies and demonstrating live product use cases. In this episode, Gabriela de Queiroz sits down with Dataloop to explore how theyāre leveraging Microsoft to grow, scale, and address real-world challenges. Join Us If youāre as excited about the future of AI as I am, I encourage you to tune in to the Startup Spotlight Series. Episodes air every other Thursday at 10:00 AM Pacific Time on the Microsoft Reactor YouTube channel. Canāt make it live? Donāt worryāepisodes will be recorded and available for you to watch later at your convenience at Microsoft Reactor Youtube Sign up now to receive reminders and updates for upcoming episodes: aka.ms/startup-spotlight š' But that's not all... Startups can apply (aka.ms/ss-credits) and get tons of benefits: Up to $150,000 in Azure credits Free access to leading AI models through Azure, including OpenAI's models, Llama 2 from Meta, and more. 1:1 meetings with experts who can help solve immediate business challenges, plus provide technical guidance on the latest in AI. 30+ additional free and discounted tools, tech, and services from Microsoft and our partners including M365, GitHub, LinkedIn Premium and more. š See you there!
