Practice Azure DevOps Through High-Fidelity Simulation

The AZ-400 Helix Software-Defined Lab gives learners an interactive way to practice essential Microsoft DevOps workflows directly in their browser.

Learners complete realistic, carefully designed exercises covering source control, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), build and release pipelines, automation, security, and monitoring. High-fidelity screens, interactive hotspots, and responsive interface elements closely recreate key experiences within Azure DevOps and related Microsoft Azure tools.

There is no virtual machine to launch and no Azure subscription or temporary cloud credentials to manage. The lab opens quickly in the browser, allowing learners to focus on practicing the targeted skills.

What Learners Can Practice

Depending on the exercises included in the course, learners may practice workflows related to:

• Configuring and managing source control repositories
• Implementing branching strategies and pull request workflows
• Creating and managing continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines
• Configuring build and release processes using Azure Pipelines
• Managing dependencies and software packages
• Implementing security and compliance within DevOps workflows
• Configuring infrastructure and deployment automation
• Monitoring applications and deployment performance
• Navigating Azure DevOps and related Azure management tools
• Following common DevOps collaboration and automation workflows

Why Choose a Helix Software-Defined Lab?

Learn by Doing

Reinforce technical concepts through interactive exercises instead of passive instruction alone.

Practice Authentic Workflows

Complete tasks modeled on the interfaces, terminology, and processes used by DevOps engineers and development teams.

Start in the Browser

Access the learning environment without provisioning a virtual machine or connecting a live Azure subscription.

Practice Safely

Work through guided scenarios without changing or affecting live cloud resources.

Repeat Important Tasks

Revisit targeted workflows in a consistent environment to strengthen familiarity and confidence.

Focus on the Learning Objective

Each experience is purpose-built around specific skills, helping learners concentrate on the tasks they need to master.

Who Is This Lab For?

This lab is designed for:

• Learners preparing for Microsoft AZ-400 training
• Current or aspiring DevOps engineers
• Developers and IT professionals building DevOps and automation skills
• Cloud professionals working with Azure DevOps and CI/CD pipelines
• Instructors adding interactive practice to their courses
• Training providers delivering scalable technical education
• Organizations improving DevOps practices and collaboration across their teams

Software-Defined Labs and Live Labs

Helix supports different types of hands-on learning for different objectives.

Helix Software-Defined Labs provide focused, high-fidelity simulations for guided practice, repeatable exercises, and targeted skill development.

Helix Live Labs connect learners to real technology environments and support open-ended exploration, configuration, experimentation, and troubleshooting.

The two experiences are complementary. This product is a Software-Defined Lab delivered through simulation and does not provide access to a live Microsoft Azure or Azure DevOps environment.

The Helix Learning Ecosystem

Helix brings together XtremeLabs’ hands-on learning solutions, including Software-Defined Labs and live virtual machine–based labs. Through Helix Labs and Helix Exchange, learners, instructors, training providers, and organizations can access practical learning experiences across Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Copilot, Windows, and other technologies.

One hands-on learning ecosystem. Multiple ways to practice. The right environment for every skill.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• High-fidelity Azure DevOps interface simulations
• Interactive, scenario-based exercises
• Browser-based access
• No live Azure subscription required
• No virtual machine provisioning
• Safe, consistent learning experience
• Practice aligned with DevOps engineering and automation skills
• Designed for DevOps engineers, developers, and IT professionals

Labs are available in English.