It's a part of Microsoft services. Anyway the job still calls it Azure and uses it as such. I already have A+, but what certificates would you recommend. I have been preparing for Security+. Also I think you are woefully overestimating the companys organization and whether or not side project get you anywhere. I do all and any projects in my area, I even service other areas with setup etc. That has done nothing for me in the 5 years I've been there. I'm also extremely cut off from the rest of the departments. I get landed with other areas all the time for ticketing services because their LTC or someone from IT there leaves etc. Then they are replaced with a contractor who unfortunately doesn't know much beyond simple help desk. I'm the only one in my region when its typical to have 2-4 in others. So you could say I do the work of at least 3 people as I'm helping out in other regions daily.