Prepare for Success: Microsoft AZ-120 Certification for SAP on Azure
In a world where businesses increasingly depend on scalable, secure cloud solutions, Microsoft Azure has emerged as a dominant platform for hosting enterprise workloads. Among these, SAP systems stand out as some of the most mission-critical applications in any large organization. With this shift comes the growing demand for professionals who understand how to plan, migrate, and manage SAP workloads on Azure. The Microsoft AZ-120 certification validates this expertise and serves as a benchmark for professionals aiming to specialize in this niche but highly valuable intersection of SAP and Azure.
This article introduces the AZ-120 exam, outlining why it matters, what it covers, and how it fits into the broader context of today’s IT landscape.
What is the Microsoft AZ-120 Exam?
The Microsoft AZ-120 exam, officially titled Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads, is designed to test an individual’s ability to manage SAP solutions on Microsoft Azure. This includes everything from initial planning and architecture to migration, deployment, and ongoing operation.
The certification is part of Microsoft’s role-based certification pathway and is aimed at professionals with prior experience in both SAP and Azure technologies. The AZ-120 exam focuses on core skills that an architect or administrator must have to run SAP applications efficiently on Azure infrastructure.
Unlike generic cloud certifications, this exam zeroes in on the unique characteristics and requirements of SAP workloads. It addresses real-world challenges that businesses face when moving ERP systems to the cloud, such as high availability, compliance, and system performance under load.
Who Should Take the AZ-120 Exam?
The AZ-120 exam is ideally suited for IT professionals who already have experience working with both Azure infrastructure and SAP environments. These might include:
- Azure Solutions Architects who want to specialize in SAP deployments
- SAP Basis Administrators looking to expand into cloud infrastructure
- Infrastructure Engineers supporting enterprise cloud transformations
- Cloud Architects managing SAP workloads across hybrid environments
This exam is not intended for beginners. A solid understanding of Azure architecture and SAP application components is essential. Many candidates come from backgrounds that include working on large-scale SAP ERP or S/4HANA deployments, often in hybrid or on-premises settings.
Why the AZ-120 Certification Matters
In today’s technology-driven landscape, organizations are transitioning from legacy systems to modern cloud architectures at an accelerated pace. Microsoft Azure is one of the top platforms chosen for this shift, and SAP remains a foundational software suite for enterprise resource planning. Combining these two technologies creates a need for professionals who understand how to make them work seamlessly together.
Achieving AZ-120 certification positions you as someone with specialized skills at the intersection of cloud infrastructure and ERP systems. It’s more than just a resume booster—it signals your ability to handle complex enterprise migrations and operations with confidence and reliability.
Organizations investing in SAP and Azure expect minimal disruption, maximum performance, and optimal cost-efficiency. Certified professionals help ensure these outcomes, reducing the risk of project delays, performance bottlenecks, and unexpected costs.
Key Skills Measured in the AZ-120 Exam
The AZ-120 exam covers four primary domains, each representing a crucial skill set for managing SAP workloads on Azure. Understanding the structure of these domains helps candidates focus their study efforts and develop the practical expertise required to perform successfully in real-world scenarios.
Migrate SAP Workloads to Azure
This domain assesses your ability to plan and execute a migration strategy for SAP systems. Topics include understanding Azure’s migration tools, identifying dependencies, determining VM sizing, and evaluating migration risks. You must be familiar with services like Azure Migrate, Database Migration Services, and backup strategies tailored for SAP systems.
Migration also involves planning for minimal downtime and ensuring data integrity. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of different migration approaches, such as lift-and-shift and re-platforming, as they apply to SAP environments.
Design and Implement an Infrastructure to Support SAP Workloads
In this section, you are tested on your understanding of Azure’s architecture and how it supports SAP workloads. This includes designing virtual networks, choosing the right VM series (such as the Edsv5 or M-series for SAP HANA), configuring storage solutions, and integrating Azure services like Load Balancers and Network Security Groups.
You must understand SAP’s specific performance and redundancy requirements. Infrastructure planning also involves resource tagging, cost estimation, and adherence to compliance and security standards.
Design and Implement High Availability and Disaster Recovery
Ensuring uptime for SAP systems is mission-critical. This domain examines your ability to build high availability into every layer of the architecture—from the database tier using HANA System Replication to the application and presentation layers with Azure Availability Sets and Availability Zones.
You should be able to design backup and recovery plans using Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery. Knowing how to meet Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) is essential, along with understanding failover procedures and automation.
Maintain SAP Workloads on Azure
This domain evaluates your capability to manage and maintain SAP workloads after deployment. Key responsibilities include monitoring system health, managing system patches, optimizing performance, and ensuring security.
Familiarity with Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Azure Security Center is important. You should also understand automation tools for scheduled maintenance and how to apply updates with minimal disruption.
Exam Details and Language Availability
The Microsoft AZ-120 exam is offered in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. The format includes multiple-choice questions, case studies, and scenario-based tasks. The total exam duration is typically 120–150 minutes, and the passing score is usually 700 out of 1000.
Microsoft recommends that candidates have prior experience with SAP solutions and a strong foundation in Azure services before attempting the exam. While no prerequisites are officially required, having certifications like AZ-104 or SAP certifications can be beneficial.
Exam Strategy: Study Smarter, Not Harder
Preparing for the AZ-120 exam requires a balanced mix of theoretical learning and practical experience. Focus first on understanding the exam domains and how they apply to your current work. Then move into labs, sandbox environments, or live projects to reinforce your knowledge.
Use official Microsoft Learn paths to cover fundamental concepts. Follow this up with instructor-led training or third-party courses that offer deeper dives into specific topics like SAP HANA sizing, VM configurations, and migration planning.
Practice tests help simulate the exam environment and allow you to identify areas where you need improvement. Make use of forums and online communities to ask questions and share insights. Collaboration with peers can often clarify complex topics more efficiently than studying alone.
Building a Foundation for Cloud Career Growth
Passing the AZ-120 exam not only gives you a certification but also sets the stage for broader career growth. Cloud skills continue to be in high demand, and SAP experience adds a unique specialization that few professionals possess.
With this certification, you become part of a select group of professionals who can manage enterprise-grade systems in cloud environments. It shows your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to work across business-critical platforms.
Many certified professionals go on to lead cloud migration projects, consult for global enterprises, or take on senior technical roles. The skills learned in preparing for the AZ-120 exam are directly transferable to real-world projects and often result in increased responsibilities and compensation.
The Microsoft AZ-120 exam serves as a vital stepping stone for professionals who want to specialize in running SAP workloads on Microsoft Azure. It validates your ability to plan, migrate, deploy, and maintain complex ERP systems in the cloud.
If you’re ready to stand out in the job market, lead enterprise migrations, or future-proof your technical skill set, then this certification is a worthwhile investment. Start by understanding the exam domains, gain hands-on experience, and use trusted study resources to guide your learning.
In this series, we will walk you through how to create a structured and effective study plan for the AZ-120 exam, including resources, schedules, and practical labs to reinforce your learning.
Building an Effective Study Plan for the Microsoft AZ-120 Exam
Passing the Microsoft AZ-120 exam requires more than just familiarity with cloud concepts or SAP terminology. It demands a deep understanding of how SAP systems function on Microsoft Azure, how to design infrastructure to support them, and how to maintain high availability, performance, and security.
We introduced the exam’s purpose, core skills, and importance in the IT landscape. Now, we’ll guide you through how to build a customized study plan that ensures you cover each domain thoroughly, allocate your time efficiently, and make the most of available resources.
Assess Your Current Knowledge
Before diving into study materials, it’s important to evaluate your starting point. Some professionals come into AZ-120 preparation with solid Azure or SAP experience, while others may need to build that foundation first. Begin by asking yourself a few key questions:
- Have you worked on SAP migrations to Azure?
- Do you understand Azure IaaS concepts like virtual machines, virtual networks, and managed disks?
- Are you familiar with the architecture and components of SAP applications like S/4HANA, NetWeaver, or BW?
An honest assessment of your current knowledge helps you identify which exam domains need more attention. If you’re completely new to either Azure or SAP, it might be worthwhile to begin with more foundational certifications or training before committing to AZ-120.
Break Down the AZ-120 Domains
The AZ-120 exam covers four main skill areas. Structuring your study plan around these domains ensures comprehensive coverage and helps you tackle the material in manageable phases.
- Migrate SAP Workloads to Azure (25–30%)
- Design and Implement Infrastructure for SAP Workloads (25–30%)
- Design and Implement HA/DR (20–25%)
- Maintain SAP Workloads on Azure (15–20%)
Aim to dedicate at least one week to each domain, allowing extra time for areas where your knowledge is weakest.
Set a Realistic Timeline
The total preparation time depends on your background and availability. Most candidates spend between four to eight weeks studying for AZ-120. If you’re working full-time, plan for an average of 10–12 hours per week. A sample 6-week schedule might look like this:
- Week 1: Introduction, infrastructure design
- Week 2: Deeper infrastructure planning and sizing
- Week 3: Migration planning and implementation
- Week 4: High availability and disaster recovery strategies
- Week 5: Maintenance, monitoring, and security
- Week 6: Practice exams and review
Adjust this timeline to fit your pace, but ensure you stay consistent with your study sessions.
Choose the Right Learning Resources
Your study plan is only as effective as the resources you use. A variety of tools are available, each offering a different learning style or focus. Combine these to get a full-spectrum understanding of the material.
Microsoft Learn
Microsoft’s official platform offers free learning paths tailored for the AZ-120 exam. The content is regularly updated and aligned with the latest exam objectives. Interactive labs help reinforce theoretical knowledge.
Use Microsoft Learn to understand core concepts like:
- Azure VM series optimized for SAP
- Architecture of SAP systems on Azure
- Network and storage configuration for high throughput
Instructor-Led Training
For those who benefit from classroom structure, Microsoft and its training partners offer instructor-led courses such as “Planning and Administering Microsoft Azure for SAP Workloads.” These often include labs, assessments, and real-world use cases.
Instructor-led formats provide access to experienced professionals and give you the chance to ask questions and discuss problem scenarios.
Online Video Courses
Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight, and Udemy offer video-based training for AZ-120. These are ideal for candidates who prefer visual learning or want the flexibility to study at their own pace.
Focus on courses that include demonstrations of:
- SAP HANA installation and configuration on Azure
- Use of Azure Site Recovery for failover planning
- Performance monitoring using Azure-native tools
Documentation and Whitepapers
Microsoft’s documentation is a valuable resource for understanding deployment patterns, architectural guidelines, and best practices. You can find specific documents on:
- SAP Certified Infrastructure for Azure
- Azure VM types for SAP HANA
- Networking best practices for SAP workloads
Whitepapers from SAP and Microsoft jointly offer deep insights into hybrid cloud environments and help clarify how to achieve compliance and certification standards.
Embrace Hands-On Practice
Reading and watching are important, but nothing beats hands-on experience when preparing for a technical certification. Azure provides a variety of ways to practice:
- Azure Free Account: New users can access a free account that includes credits for exploring services like Virtual Machines, Load Balancers, and Azure Storage.
- Microsoft Learn Sandbox: Many interactive exercises come with temporary Azure environments so you can practice without needing your subscription.
- Trial SAP Systems: SAP offers trial versions of its software that you can install in an Azure VM. This allows you to simulate real-world deployment tasks.
Hands-on practice helps solidify your understanding of architecture decisions, resource configurations, and operational procedures. It’s also the best way to retain complex concepts like SAP HANA replication or network peering between SAP systems and backend services.
Track Your Progress with Short Notes
During your study, take notes—not just on facts but also on your thought process when solving configuration problems or planning architectures. Short notes serve as quick revision tools later and can highlight relationships between topics.
Your notes should include:
- Step-by-step procedures (e.g., migrating SAP workloads)
- Command syntax or configuration paths
- Key performance indicators (e.g., throughput, latency benchmarks)
- Differences between VM types for SAP
Organize your notes by exam domain to make your final review efficient.
Study With Peers
Studying with others can help reinforce your learning and expose you to different problem-solving approaches. Join online forums, study groups, or social media communities focused on Azure or SAP certifications.
Discussion groups help you:
- Test your understanding by explaining topics to others
- Stay motivated through peer support.
- Get real-time answers to doubts and roadblocks.s
Platforms like Reddit, TechCommunity by Microsoft, and certification-focused Discord groups are popular for collaborative learning.
Test Yourself With Practice Exams
Practice exams simulate the test environment and help you identify knowledge gaps before the real exam. They also build your confidence and improve your time management skills.
When reviewing practice questions, don’t just memorize answers. Understand the reasoning behind each option—why one answer is right and the others are wrong.
Take at least two full-length practice exams during your final week of preparation. Use your scores to pinpoint domains that need review.
Optimize Your Final Week
The last week before the exam should focus on review and reinforcement. This is not the time to learn new material; instead, focus on consolidating your knowledge. Use this time to:
- Review your notes
- Revisit difficult concepts
- Watch quick recap videos.
- Redo key labs or configuration exercises.
You should also simulate the test-taking environment by setting aside time for a full-length, timed practice test. Eliminate distractions and practice focusing under exam conditions.
Manage Your Mindset
Preparing for the AZ-120 exam can be intense, especially if you’re balancing work or personal commitments. Stay consistent but also realistic. Avoid burnout by including short breaks in your study schedule, and don’t let one tough topic shake your confidence.
Remind yourself of the value this certification brings to your career. Whether you aim to become a cloud architect, SAP migration expert, or infrastructure consultant, the skills you gain during this process will open doors for years to come.
Stay Updated With Exam Changes
Microsoft periodically updates certification content to reflect changes in technology or best practices. Always verify the latest exam objectives on Microsoft’s certification website before starting your preparation. Even if the domains remain the same, subtle shifts in emphasis can affect your study plan.
Subscribe to Microsoft Learn notifications, follow relevant Azure and SAP blogs, and check forums regularly for the latest announcements.
The Microsoft AZ-120 exam demands a high level of expertise and preparation. By creating a structured study plan, using high-quality resources, and committing to hands-on experience, you set yourself up for success. Take time to assess your strengths and weaknesses, break the material into manageable domains, and practice both theory and application.
In this series, we will dive into domain-specific guidance, starting with how to plan and execute successful SAP workload migrations to Azure, covering tools, processes, and real-world strategies for minimizing downtime and ensuring data integrity.
Mastering SAP Migration to Azure for the Microsoft AZ-120 Exam
Migrating SAP workloads to Microsoft Azure is one of the most significant and complex phases in any enterprise’s digital transformation journey. This isn’t simply about moving workloads from on-premises systems to the cloud; it involves intricate planning, dependency analysis, system redesign, and integration with cloud-native services while maintaining uptime, performance, and data integrity.
The Microsoft AZ-120 exam tests your ability to lead these complex migrations with confidence. In Part 3 of this series, we’ll dive deep into how to approach SAP workload migration to Azure effectively, both from a certification and real-world perspective.
Understanding the SAP Migration Process
SAP environments are multifaceted, often involving numerous components like SAP NetWeaver, S/4HANA, ECC, BW, SAP Fiori, and large HANA databases. Each of these components must be migrated in a sequence that minimizes business disruption while ensuring performance and security.
Migrating to Azure typically involves:
- Discovery and assessment of existing SAP workloads
- Designing the target architecture in Azure
- Selecting a migration strategy
- Testing and validating the migration
- Performing the actual cutover and post-migration optimizations
Each of these phases is crucial and interdependent. Skipping detailed planning can result in major disruptions, such as system outages, data loss, or costly rollback procedures.
Prerequisites for Migration
Before initiating any SAP migration, it’s important to validate that both the SAP applications and Azure infrastructure meet compatibility standards. Microsoft and SAP provide a list of certified virtual machines and configurations approved to run SAP workloads on Azure.
Here are some foundational prerequisites you need to understand:
- The SAP version must be supported on the Azure infrastructure
- The underlying operating system (SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or Windows Server) must be compatible.
- Network throughput and disk IOPS must meet SAP’s sizing requirements.
- Azure resources like ExpressRoute may be needed for low-latency hybrid access.s
- Database platform (SAP HANA, SQL Server, Oracle, etc.) must be supported and licensed appropriately.
These details not only affect technical implementation but also influence project timelines, migration windows, and budget.
Azure Tools for SAP Migration
Azure provides a range of tools and services to help migrate SAP systems efficiently:
Azure Migrate
Azure Migrate is a central hub that helps assess, plan, and migrate various workloads, including SAP environments. While it’s not SAP-specific, it’s essential for initial discovery and dependency mapping of infrastructure that supports SAP systems.
You can use it to:
- Inventory your current environment
- Evaluate Azure readiness for each machine.
- Estimate costs and identify right-sized VM options
Database Migration Service (DMS)
Azure Database Migration Service facilitates the transfer of on-premises databases (SAP HANA, SQL Server, Oracle, etc.) to Azure-hosted databases. While migrating SAP HANA databases may require third-party tools or manual scripting, DMS can assist in moving supporting databases efficiently.
SAP Note and SAP Software Provisioning Manager
SAP provides tools like the Software Provisioning Manager (SWPM) to install and migrate systems. Using SAP’s tools ensures compliance with support guidelines and helps streamline post-migration troubleshooting.
It’s also important to consult SAP Notes for guidance on installation paths, prerequisites, and known limitations specific to Azure.
Migration Strategies for SAP Workloads
Choosing the right migration strategy is critical for balancing downtime, cost, and effort. For the AZ-120 exam and real-world scenarios, you must be familiar with the main strategies:
Lift-and-Shift (Rehost)
This is the simplest and most common approach, involving moving existing SAP workloads as-is to Azure virtual machines. It’s ideal for organizations looking for quick cloud adoption without redesigning applications.
Pros:
- Faster and less expensive
- Minimal changes to application logic
Cons:
- Doesn’t take advantage of cloud-native features
- Potential for resource underutilization or inefficiencies
Replatform
This approach involves moving SAP applications while optimizing them for the cloud. It may include switching to Azure-native storage or network services, modifying VM series, or resizing databases.
Pros:
- Improved scalability and performance
- Better integration with Azure tools
Cons:
- Requires more planning
- Higher initial complexity
Refactor or Re-architect
This method involves rebuilding the SAP landscape, often transitioning from SAP ECC to S/4HANA. It takes full advantage of Azure services like SAP HANA on Azure Large Instances or deploying through Azure Resource Manager templates.
Pros:
- Future-proof architecture
- Long-term operational benefits
Cons:
- Costly and time-intensive
- Involves significant business process changes
Designing a Migration Plan
A structured migration plan includes the following phases:
Discovery and Assessment
Begin by understanding the full landscape: which SAP components exist, how they interact, and what dependencies they have with other systems. Azure Migrate and SAP Solution Manager are useful tools for this step.
Assess:
- Number of systems and their configurations
- Data volume and growth patterns
- Custom code and third-party dependencies
- Downtime tolerance and service-level agreements
Target Architecture Design
Based on the assessment, design the Azure infrastructure:
- Choose the right VM series (e.g., M-series for SAP HANA, D-series for application servers)
- Configure networking: virtual networks, subnets, and ExpressRoute
- Define storage needs using Azure Managed Disks or Ultra Disks.
- Plan high availability with Availability Zones or Load Balancers
Ensure the design aligns with both SAP and Microsoft recommendations. Use the SAP Deployment Automation Framework if you’re managing large, complex environments.
Test Environment Setup
Before executing the migration, deploy a test environment in Azure that mirrors your production setup. This step helps validate:
- System performance and sizing
- Network latency and bandwidth
- Application functionality post-migration
Perform end-to-end testing, including user acceptance tests, to avoid surprises during the final cutover.
Migration Execution
Depending on your strategy, use a combination of tools like Azure Site Recovery, SAP SWPM, and DMS to move workloads. During the migration:
- Follow a strict change freeze policy
- Back up all systems before cutover
- Monitor system health closely.
For critical systems, plan the migration during off-peak hours or use blue-green deployment models to minimize disruption.
Post-Migration Validation and Optimization
After migration, ensure everything functions as expected:
- Run SAP checks and verify log files
- Confirm database integrity and user access.
- Fine-tune VM sizing and performance settings
- Implement monitoring using Azure Monitor and Log Analytics.
You may also need to update licenses, reconfigure backup policies, or establish disaster recovery protocols based on your new architecture.
Common Migration Challenges
Even with careful planning, challenges may arise:
- Data replication inconsistencies
- Compatibility issues between Azure VMs and SAP applications
- Unoptimized VM sizing leading to performance degradation
- Delays due to change management or internal approval cycles
These issues are covered in both the AZ-120 exam and real-world implementations. Being able to troubleshoot and quickly pivot is essential.
Best Practices for SAP Migration
Following best practices can significantly reduce risks and increase your chances of success:
- Use SAP and Microsoft’s joint reference architectures
- Start with non-production systems to refine the process.
- Validate every system configuration before the final move.
- Maintain open communication between SAP, the network, and the Azure teams.
- Automate repetitive tasks wherever possible using PowerShell or Azure CLI
Document every step of the migration. This not only helps in troubleshooting but also supports future audits and compliance requirements.
What the AZ-120 Exam Will Expect
The AZ-120 exam expects candidates to:
- Identify prerequisites for migrating SAP workloads
- Recommend appropriate Azure tools for migration.
- Design the target infrastructure for SAP workloads on Azure.
- Determine a suitable migration strategy based on business and technical needs.
- Monitor and optimize SAP system performance post-migration
Expect scenario-based questions that test your ability to make decisions, identify risks, and recommend solutions under constraints like limited downtime, regulatory compliance, and performance expectations.
Migrating SAP workloads to Microsoft Azure is a complex but rewarding process. Mastery of this domain not only helps you pass the AZ-120 certification exam but also equips you with the skills to lead critical digital transformation projects.
By understanding migration strategies, mastering Azure tools, and following proven planning and execution frameworks, you can ensure a smooth, secure, and successful transition for enterprise SAP systems to the cloud.
We will explore how to design and implement infrastructure and high availability for SAP workloads on Azure, including VM sizing, storage options, availability zones, and disaster recovery strategies that align with SAP’s stringent uptime and performance requirements.
Designing Infrastructure, High Availability, and Disaster Recovery for SAP Workloads on Azure
As organizations modernize their IT infrastructure and migrate business-critical workloads to the cloud, ensuring system reliability, scalability, and uptime becomes paramount. SAP systems are mission-critical for enterprises, handling operations such as finance, logistics, HR, and supply chain. Therefore, designing an infrastructure on Azure that supports high performance and business continuity is not just important—it’s essential.
In this final installment, we’ll guide you through building the right architecture for SAP on Azure, ensuring high availability, preparing for disaster recovery, and maintaining workloads post-deployment. These competencies are directly aligned with the AZ-120 exam and serve as the foundation for cloud-based SAP administration.
Infrastructure Design for SAP on Azure
Designing infrastructure for SAP workloads involves selecting appropriate compute, storage, and network configurations that meet SAP’s stringent requirements.
Selecting Azure VM Types for SAP
Azure offers several virtual machine series that are certified by SAP to run different parts of the SAP application stack. VM selection depends on the workload size, database type, and performance needs.
- M-Series VMs: Optimized for SAP HANA workloads. They offer high memory configurations (up to 4 TB and more) and are designed for in-memory computing.
- D and E-Series VMs: Used for application servers or smaller SAP databases that don’t require HANA.
- Dv5 and Ev5 VMs: The Latest generation VMs that provide improved performance and pricing efficiency.
Choosing the right VM involves more than just matching specs. You must consider:
- SAPS (SAP Application Performance Standard) requirements
- Memory-to-core ratio
- Support for Accelerated Networking
- I/O throughput limitations per VM size
Storage Design for SAP Workloads
SAP applications are sensitive to latency and throughput, especially in database operations. Azure provides multiple types of storage to suit different parts of an SAP deployment:
- Premium Managed Disks: Ideal for database files and logs
- Ultra Disks: Provide high IOPS and low latency for intensive workloads like HANA
- Standard HDD/SSD: Suitable for boot disks or archive storage
When designing storage:
- Separate database files, logs, and backups
- Use caching appropriately (ReadOnly/ReadWrite) based on workload.
- Consider striping disks for higher throughput.t
- Plan for backups using Azure Backup or third-party tools
SAP HANA storage configurations must follow Microsoft’s and SAP’s shared guidelines, especially in terms of disk layout, redundancy, and I/O testing using tools like fio.
Network Design Considerations
SAP deployments require robust, low-latency network configurations to ensure system performance and inter-service communication.
- Use Azure Virtual Network (VNet) to create an isolated, secure network for your SAP environment.
- Deploy SAP components in subnets separated by roles (e.g., DB, app, web tier)
- Utilize Network Security Groups (NSGs) to manage traffic between SAP components.
- Enable Accelerated Networking to reduce latency and improve throughput on supported VMs
- Use ExpressRoute for secure, high-speed hybrid connectivity from on-premises to Azure.
You should also plan for DNS resolution, time synchronization, and secure communication between different layers of the SAP stack.
Implementing High Availability for SAP Workloads
High availability ensures that your SAP systems remain operational even when components fail. For enterprise-grade reliability, each SAP component must be designed with redundancy and failover mechanisms.
High Availability for SAP Application Layer
SAP application servers are stateless and can be deployed in a load-balanced configuration:
- Deploy multiple app servers in an availability set or an availability zone
- Use Azure Load Balancer or Azure Application Gateway to distribute traffic.
- Implement Auto-Healing policies using Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets for automatic recovery.
Application server redundancy minimizes the impact of server-level failures and supports load distribution across regions.
High Availability for SAP HANA
For SAP HANA databases, Microsoft Azure supports several HA solutions:
- HANA System Replication (HSR): The most common method for achieving HA in SAP HANA. It involves replicating data from a primary HANA instance to a secondary instance.
- Pacemaker Cluster: Used in combination with HSR for automated failover. It’s configured on Linux to monitor system health and promote the standby node as needed.
To implement this:
- Deploy HANA nodes in different availability zones
- Use Shared NFS for /hana/shared mount (via Azure NetApp Files)
- Configure virtual IP (VIP) or Azure Internal Load Balancer for seamless failover
For the AZ-120 exam, you should understand:
- The difference between scale-up and scale-out HANA deployments
- The configuration steps for Pacemaker and HSR
- How Azure Load Balancer enables automatic failover
Availability Sets vs. Zones
- Availability Sets: Protect against hardware failures within a datacenter by distributing VMs across multiple fault and update domains
- Availability Zones: Offer greater resilience by hosting VMs in separate physical locations within the same Azure region
Use availability zones whenever SAP HA architecture guidelines require separation at the data center level.
Planning and Implementing Disaster Recovery
Disaster Recovery (DR) is your safeguard against complete site failures, whether due to natural disasters, power outages, or major incidents. Unlike HA, which ensures local continuity, DR provides geographic redundancy.
DR Strategies for SAP on Azure
- Active-Passive DR: A standby SAP landscape in a different region that can be activated in case of failure
- Backup and Restore DR: Periodic backups are stored in another region, with manual system restoration.
- Asynchronous Replication: For databases like HANA, asynchronous HSR can be set up across regions
Tools and Services for DR
- Azure Site Recovery (ASR): Allows replication of VMs to a different region with failover and failback capabilities.y
- Azure Backup: For regular backup of the SAP application and database layers
- SAP Landscape Management (LaMa): Automates DR testing, failover, and orchestration for complex SAP deployments
DR Testing and Compliance
Testing your DR plan is critical. Ensure:
- RTO (Recovery Time Objective) and RPO (Recovery Point Objective) are defined and met
- Regular DR drills are conducted.
- DR configurations comply with regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 27001)
Maintaining SAP Workloads on Azure
Once your SAP systems are live on Azure, ongoing maintenance ensures stability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
Monitoring and Logging
Azure provides powerful tools to monitor the health and performance of your SAP environment:
- Azure Monitor: Centralized monitoring service that collects metrics and logs from all Azure resources
- Log Analytics: Enables complex queries on system logs and generates custom dashboards.
- Azure Workbooks: Visualize SAP KPIs and system health
- SAP EarlyWatch Alert (EWA): Continue using SAP tools for internal health analysis
Monitoring focuses on:
- CPU, memory, disk I/O
- SAP-specific logs and application trace files
- Network throughput and latency
- Backup and patching status
Performance Tuning
Azure offers elasticity, but system tuning is still essential:
- Right-size VMs based on actual usage patterns
- Optimize storage layout for database performance.e
- Remove unused resources to control cost.s
Use Azure Cost Management + Billing to analyze cost and recommend savings opportunities.
Security and Compliance
Securing SAP on Azure involves:
- Role-based access control (RBAC) to limit administrative access
- Use of Managed Identities for secure app connections
- Encryption of data at rest and in transit
- Azure Policy to enforce compliance rules.
- Integration with Azure Security Center for threat detection
For the AZ-120 exam, understanding basic principles of cloud security, network segmentation, identity management, and logging is crucial.
Patching and Updates
- SAP recommends applying OS and DB patches regularly
- Use Azure Update Management to schedule and automate updates.
- Monitor compatibility between updates and SAP kernel or HANA versions
Establish a change management policy and test patches in staging before rolling out to production.
Real-World Scenarios in the AZ-120 Exam
The AZ-120 exam tests your ability to:
- Design infrastructure components that meet SAP’s sizing and availability requirements
- Recommend appropriate VM and storage types for different SAP tiers.s
- Create a HA/DR plan based on customer needs.
- Monitor and maintain SAP workloads using Azure-native and SAP-native tools
Expect scenario-based questions that require not just theoretical knowledge but applied understanding of customer priorities, regulatory needs, and system interdependencies.
Mastering the Microsoft AZ-120 exam is about much more than passing a test. It’s about acquiring the skills and confidence to design, deploy, and manage SAP environments on Azure that meet enterprise-level demands.
This article series has covered everything from understanding the exam structure, preparing a study plan, mastering SAP migration, and now designing resilient, performant, and secure infrastructure.
Let’s recap what you’ve learned:
- How to assess and migrate SAP workloads to Azure using structured, phased approaches
- What tools like Azure Migrate, DMS, and SAP SWPM offer during migration
- Which Azure VM, storage, and networking options are best suited for SAP applications
- How to build high availability and disaster recovery into every layer of your SAP environment
- How to monitor, maintain, and optimize SAP workloads once deployed
By following the strategies and best practices outlined in this series, you’re not only prepared to pass the AZ-120 exam—you’re equipped to lead SAP-on-Azure transformations for some of the world’s most demanding organizations.
Final Thoughts
The Microsoft AZ-120 certification is far more than a credential. It represents a practitioner’s deep understanding of the intersection between enterprise resource planning (ERP) and cloud infrastructure. SAP workloads are at the heart of countless global businesses, and Microsoft Azure continues to dominate the public cloud space for hosting and managing mission-critical systems. As such, the AZ-120 validates not just your technical knowledge, but also your ability to think holistically, architect with precision, and deliver resilient solutions that align with enterprise needs.
Traditionally, SAP Basis administrators and architects have focused on on-premises systems, dealing with complex hardware configurations, operating system tuning, and manual maintenance procedures. Azure transforms this landscape. It provides flexibility, automation, and scalability—but also introduces new paradigms like infrastructure as code, hybrid identity management, and continuous availability across geographic regions.
By earning the AZ-120, you’re positioning yourself as a bridge between classic SAP knowledge and modern cloud-native operations. This hybrid expertise is in high demand, as businesses struggle to transition legacy ERP systems to scalable, cost-efficient cloud platforms without disruption.
One of the key challenges enterprises face is migrating without risk. A poorly designed migration can lead to downtime, data loss, or performance degradation. The AZ-120 certification prepares you to mitigate those risks by using Azure’s native toolsets—Azure Migrate, SAP Migration Assessment tools, ExpressRoute connectivity, and high-availability templates that follow SAP’s standards.
But migration is just one part of the journey. The AZ-120 also ensures that you can help organizations operate, monitor, and optimize their SAP workloads once they’re live on Azure. For many companies, this is the most important phase—ensuring uptime, meeting compliance, and continuously improving performance.
You’ll be expected to implement backup strategies, fine-tune the infrastructure, manage patch cycles without disruption, and leverage Azure Monitor or Azure Automation for proactive maintenance. This level of operational maturity separates certified professionals from general cloud practitioners.
Cloud and SAP professionals are among the highest-paid in the IT sector. According to global job data, employers consistently list Azure knowledge and SAP experience among the most sought-after skill sets. By blending both with an AZ-120 certification, you create a niche for yourself that stands out in a competitive market.
Whether you’re an Azure architect, SAP consultant, DevOps engineer, or IT project manager, this certification enhances your professional value. It gives you credibility during stakeholder meetings, boosts your ability to contribute to architectural discussions, and shows that you’re prepared to handle critical enterprise systems.
In consulting roles, it helps you justify design decisions with real-world, tested frameworks. In in-house enterprise environments, it positions you as a trusted technical leader who can handle the business’s most sensitive data and applications.
Technology will continue evolving—fast. Today’s best practices could be outdated tomorrow. The AZ-120 certification helps you cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. You won’t just pass an exam—you’ll gain a roadmap for exploring advanced topics like hybrid cloud deployments, SAP S/4HANA conversions, SAP Business Technology Platform integration, and AI/ML enhancements for ERP data.
Moreover, once you earn the AZ-120, you’re better equipped to pursue related certifications, such as:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
- SAP Certified Technology Specialist – SAP HANA on Azure
Each of these builds on the foundation established in AZ-120 and further sharpens your specialization.
Ultimately, preparing for and passing the Microsoft AZ-120 exam is about becoming a reliable solution builder in a world where business continuity and performance matter more than ever. You’ll be a vital part of teams responsible for ensuring that supply chains function, finance systems operate smoothly, and enterprise data remains secure and accessible.
The future belongs to professionals who can combine platform knowledge with strategic thinking. If you understand SAP and know how to run it efficiently on Azure, you’re not just a technician—you’re a business enabler.
So, take the time to prepare thoroughly. Use practice labs, hands-on deployments, and scenario-based learning. Revisit the architectural blueprints recommended by both SAP and Microsoft. And when you’re ready, walk into the AZ-120 exam with confidence.
You won’t just be passing a test—you’ll be opening the door to some of the most exciting, rewarding, and impactful roles in enterprise IT today.