Unlocking FREE TLS Certificates on your Azure Web App

In the dynamic world of cloud computing, Azure stands out as a powerhouse, offering many services to meet the diverse needs of developers and businesses alike. A TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificate is an essential component of a secure and trustworthy website. In this article, we’ll explore Azure Tips and Tricks to add a TLS certificate to your Azure Web App without breaking the bank – in fact, for FREE!

Why TLS Matters?

TLS is crucial for ensuring secure communication between users and your website, safeguarding sensitive information such as login credentials and personal data. It encrypts the data exchanged between the user’s browser and your web server, preventing unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

Azure App Service and TLS.

Azure App Service makes hosting web applications, APIs, and mobile backends easy. However, enabling TLS on your Azure Web App traditionally involved purchasing a certificate, which could be a deterrent for smaller projects or developers on a tight budget. But fear is not! Azure offers a fantastic solution to obtain a TLS certificate for free.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Access the Azure Portal

  • Log in to your Azure portal at https://portal.azure.com/ and select the Azure Web App for which you want to add the TLS certificate.

Step 2: Configure TLS Settings

  • In the left-hand menu, under the “Settings” sections, select “Certificates”. Here, you’ll see options for configuring your certificates.

Step 3: Create the TLS Certificate

  • Select “Managed Certificates” and then “+ Add certificate”.

Azure allows you to create a free App Service Managed Certificate, simplifying the process.

Step 4: Add Domain and Validate

  • Select your custom domain name and select “Validate”. Azure will automatically validate your domain, ensuring that you have ownership. After the validation process is completed, select “Add”.

Conclusion:

You’ve just added a free TLS certificate to your Azure Web App, enhancing the security and trustworthiness of your website. Azure’s user-friendly interface and App Service Managed Certificates have made the once daunting task of obtaining and configuring TLS certificates a breeze.

With this knowledge, you can confidently deploy your web applications on Azure, knowing you’re providing a secure environment for your users without breaking the bank. Stay tuned for more Azure Tips and Tricks to unlock the full potential of Microsoft’s cloud platform!

My Journey as an MCT Regional Lead for 2024

MCT Regional Lead 2024 Badge

With great excitement and honor, I share the news of being selected as the MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) Regional Lead for 2024. Becoming an MCT Regional Lead has been challenging and rewarding, filled with countless hours of dedication to honing my skills and staying abreast of the latest technology. As I step into this new role, I look forward to contributing to the vibrant MCT community and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Having served as a Regional Lead since 2015, being selected for 1 more year represents a continued commitment to excellence and leadership within the MCT community.

The MCT Program:
The Microsoft Certified Trainer program is renowned for bringing together a community of passionate and knowledgeable professionals dedicated to enhancing technical skills and fostering learning experiences. Serving as an MCT Regional Lead provides an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the community’s future and contributing to fellow trainers’ success.

The New Badge:
One of the highlights of this year’s MCT program is the introduction of the new badge for MCT Regional Leads. This badge symbolizes expertise in Microsoft technologies and a commitment to leadership and community engagement. The badge serves as a visual representation of the dedication and passion that MCT Regional Leads bring to their roles, setting them apart as critical contributors to the success of the MCT community.

The Responsibilities:
As an MCT Regional Lead, I am committed to supporting and guiding trainers within my region, facilitating communication, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among MCTs. The responsibilities include organizing local events, providing mentorship, and ensuring the MCT community remains a dynamic hub for continuous learning and collaboration.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
Collaboration has always been at the heart of the MCT community, and this year will be no different. I am eager to collaborate with other MCT Regional Leads, Microsoft, and the broader community to create meaningful initiatives and events. Together, we can empower trainers to stay at the forefront of technology and deliver top-notch learning experiences.

As I embark on this exciting journey as an MCT Regional Lead for 2024, I am grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead. The MCT community has been instrumental in my professional growth, and I am eager to give back by contributing to the success and development of fellow trainers. The new badge is not just a symbol; it represents a commitment to excellence, leadership, and a passion for continuous learning. Here’s to a year filled with collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the collective success of the MCT community!

Taking the Stage at Microsoft Ignite!

As the Microsoft world converges at the Microsoft Ignite conference, get ready to be captivated by the insights and expertise of the impressive speaker lineup. I will deliver a session about “Microsoft Certifications”.

If you’re in Seattle, join me this Wednesday, November 15, 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM Pacific Standard Time. If you’re online, join us at https://ignite.microsoft.com/en-US/sessions/ee0c3cee-c72a-4ae3-adeb-83569526cd6f

 

Proctoring Lab experience

But this is not the only part I will be doing this year. I will also run two labs on Generative AI.

LAB: Implement a Generative AI Solution with Azure OpenAI Service

  • Wednesday, November 15 |1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Pacific Standard Time
  • Thursday, November 16 |2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Pacific Standard Time

 

Booth dual Presence: Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Learn Booth

But it doesn’t stop at the speaker’s podium. I will also share my expertise in the Azure and Microsoft Learn booths. This dual presence reinforces my commitment to the community by sharing my knowledge and hands-on engagement with the tech community.

At the Azure Booth, I will share real-world experiences, provide live demonstrations, and offer personalized advice on navigating the Azure ecosystem. From cloud infrastructure to AI solutions, attendees can expect to gain practical insights beyond the theoretical realm.

At the Microsoft Learn booth, I will interact with participants eager to explore the vast array of resources and educational opportunities offered by Microsoft Learn. I will serve as a source of inspiration for those embarking on their learning journeys.

 

Networking Opportunities:

Beyond the sessions and booths, I invite attendees to connect, share experiences, and foster meaningful relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a novice in the tech industry, reach out to me, and let’s interact and enrich our Microsoft Ignite experience.

Next conferences I’m Speaking at!

2022 is getting to be a great year! Many unique consulting projects and great classes teach amazing Microsoft Azure, but all is not complete without contributing to the community. As in previous years, with Pedro Sousa, I have been leading the Azure User Group Portugal and doing monthly meetups. If you’re interested, you can check at https://www.meetup.com/azure-user-group-portugal/.

Until the end of the year, I’m speaking at 3 conferences:

  • European MCT Summit 2022
  • European Cloud Summit 2022
  • ESPC 2022

The MCT Summit had become kind of a tradition to attend. There are also versions in other locations like North America, Africa, Middle East, … It’s always amazing to review my MCT peers have great discussions and learn a lot! The European Cloud Summit goes to its second edition, and I believe it will become a reference in the Cloud computing area in Europe. It’s a great honor to speak and deliver a pre-day tutorial to their audience for the second time. ESPC used to be focused on SharePoint, but today, it’s so much more; it also includes Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and of course, Azure!

Here are some more details about the conference and I would love to say Hi to you if you’re around!

 

European MCT Summit 2022

Website: https://www.mctsummit.eu
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Date: 12 to 14 September 2022

Session 1: Lessons learned when teaching Azure with real-world implementations
Session 2: Creating classroom demo environments using Bicep and Azure Policy

 

European Cloud Summit 2022

Website: European Cloud Summit 2022
Location: Mainz, Germany
Date: 26 -28 September 2022

Tutorial: IaaS On Microsoft Azure PowerClass
Session: Building an Azure Adoption Strategy

 

ESPC 2022

Website: https://www.sharepointeurope.com/

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Date: 28 November – 01 December 2022

Session: I Find your Lack of Azure Governance Disturbing!

 

Hope to see you there!

Selected as a MCT Regional Lead for 2022-2023

 

I’m excited to share that Microsoft re-appointment me as a Microsoft MCT Regional Lead for 2022-2023. I’m a MCT Regional Lead since 2015 and Microsoft keeps trusting my advice by renewing me all these years. Couldn’t been prouder to help shape the program for the MCTs! The MCT Regional Lead program was created to identity community leaders to server as representatives in their regions. A Regional Lead acts has a point of contact between the local MCTs and Microsoft Learning.

Looking forward to work side-by-side with the MCT Program team and help shape the MCT program for the next years. Training is changing at a fast pace, ILT is no longer the king, micro-learning, Video-based Learning, … are all here and students no longer want to sit on a 5-day classes, but this is a topic for another post

Let’s help Microsoft Learning and MCTs to achieve more! Excited for the next 2 years!