Microsoft 365 technical overview of core services and identities for the IT Professional

This one-day instructor-led course provides IT professionals with a focused technical introduction to Microsoft 365, covering its core services, administrative tools, and identity framework. Delegates will gain clarity on how the platform is structured, how its services integrate, and what administrators need to manage and secure Microsoft 365 effectively. The course also introduces the growing role of AI in Microsoft 365 — including tools like Microsoft Copilot — to support better planning and decision-making.

Key focus areas include service architecture, identity and access models, administration, compliance, automation, and connectivity considerations.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Explain the differences between Microsoft 365 and Office 365
• Compare licensing models and service entitlements
• Describe the integration of core Microsoft 365 services including Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Apps
• Understand Microsoft Entra ID and its role in identity and access management
• Compare identity models (cloud-only, hybrid, federated)
• Configure domains and apply conditional access, access reviews, and delegated admin
• Interpret Microsoft Purview and Defender tools in relation to compliance and security
• Use PowerShell for administrative automation and bulk operations
• Evaluate network and service connectivity requirements
• Monitor updates and roadmap visibility using the Message Center and lifecycle tools

Delegates should have general familiarity with IT infrastructure, user management, and cloud services. No prior experience with Microsoft 365 is required.

Target audience

This course is designed for IT professionals responsible for evaluating, planning, or supporting Microsoft 365 deployments. It is especially valuable for those seeking a clear technical foundation in Microsoft 365's architecture, identity framework, and administrative tools.

Microsoft 365 overview and licensing

• Microsoft 365 vs Office 365
• Licensing models: Business vs Enterprise
• Core services and how they work together

Core services in Microsoft 365

• Microsoft Exchange Online
• SharePoint Online
• OneDrive for Business
• Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft 365 Apps and Groups
• Microsoft Copilot

Identity and access management with Entra ID

• Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) overview
• Identity models: cloud-only, hybrid, and federated
• DNS and custom domain configuration
• Role-based access control and delegated administration
• Conditional Access, privileged identity management, and access reviews

Administration tools and techniques

• Microsoft 365 admin centers: purpose and roles
• Graphical vs PowerShell administration
• Automation and bulk management with PowerShell

Security, compliance, and information protection

• Overview of Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Defender
• Microsoft Information Protection model: know, protect, prevent, govern
• Compliance Score and Secure Score
• Applying Zero Trust and device trust in identity governance

Service connectivity and operational considerations

• Network and service access requirements
• Using Message Center and roadmap for lifecycle planning
• Evergreen updates and change management tools

Exams and assessments

There are no formal exams associated with this course. Learners will complete scenario-based discussions and walkthroughs to reinforce key concepts.

Hands-on learning

This course includes guided walkthroughs and real-world scenario reviews to demonstrate key Microsoft 365 administrative processes. Delegates will engage in practical discussions on identity setup, access control, and policy configuration to support hands-on understanding.