This course introduces learners to the foundations of cloud analytics through the strategic partnership between SAS and Microsoft. Designed for learners who are new to cloud‑based analytics or exploring data and AI career pathways, the course explains why organizations are moving analytics to the cloud and how integrated platforms help transform data into decisions.

Learners explore common challenges such as disconnected tools, siloed teams, and the need for faster, more trustworthy insights. The course highlights how SAS and Microsoft address these challenges through four key focus areas: seamless integration, analytics for everyone, enterprise‑grade security and flexibility, and deep expertise in analytics and cloud technologies. Through real‑world context and guided explanations, learners see how cloud platforms support collaboration across technical and nontechnical roles, enable responsible AI, and scale analytics from exploration to decisioning. This course provides the conceptual foundation needed to understand how Microsoft Azure and SAS Viya work together to support the complete data and AI life cycle, preparing learners for the hands‑on courses that follow in the specialization.