7.2. Azure Files and File Sync
Azure Files offers fully managed file shares in the cloud that are accessible via the industry-standard Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. This feature of Azure provides shared storage for applications using the standard SMB 3.0 protocol. Azure virtual machines and cloud services can share file data across application components via mounted shares, and on-premises applications can access file data in a share via the File service REST API.
Understanding Azure Files and Azure File Sync
Azure Files is a service that allows you to create and use network file shares that are located in the cloud. These file shares can be accessed and managed like a typical file share on a corporate file server or accessed using an API.
Azure File Sync, on the other hand, is an additional service that extends Azure Files. It enables your on-premises file servers to be synchronized with Azure Files. This allows organizations to centralize file services in Azure while maintaining local access to the files.
Core Concepts of Azure Files:
● Fully Managed: Azure Files requires no hardware maintenance, and the infrastructure is fully managed by Microsoft.
● Accessible from Anywhere: File shares can be accessed from anywhere in the world using a URL pointing to the file share. For on-premises access, Azure Files can be mounted as a network drive.
● SMB and REST Protocols: File shares can be accessed via SMB protocol or the File service REST API.
● Scripting and Automation: Azure CLI, PowerShell, and Azure portal can be used to create and manage Azure file shares.
Core Concepts of Azure File Sync:
● Centralized File Services: Synchronize your on-premises file servers with Azure Files.
● Multi-site Sync: Share the same data across multiple locations.
● Cloud Tiering: Store only frequently accessed data on local servers, while less frequently accessed data is tiered to Azure Files.
● Integrated Backup: Azure Files can serve as a backup, eliminating the need for a separate backup solution.
Features of Azure Files
Multiple Protocols Support: Azure Files supports SMB, which is the standard messaging protocol used by Microsoft Windows, and other operating systems. Additionally, it offers support for Network File System (NFS) protocol for Linux and macOS clients.
Compatibility: Azure Files is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS and can be mounted as a network share by clients running these operating systems.
Security and Protection: Azure Files has integrated security features such as encryption in transit and at rest, integration with Azure Active Directory Domain Services for SMB access control, and the ability to restrict access to the file share via network endpoints.
Snapshots and Backup: The service allows you to take share snapshots, which are read-only versions of the file share at points in time, providing a way to do point-in-time restores. Azure Backup can also be used for protection against accidental deletion and corruption.
Advantages of Using Azure Files
Simplicity and Flexibility: Azure Files eliminates the complexity of managing file servers and storage systems. It provides a straightforward solution for sharing files that can be easily scaled up or down based on your needs.
Hybrid Flexibility with Azure File Sync: By integrating with Azure File Sync, organizations can keep their on-premises file servers while taking advantage of cloud storage. It allows for a smooth transition to the cloud and provides a hybrid solution that can be adapted over time.
Integration: Azure Files can be used with other Azure services, like Azure Web Apps, Azure Kubernetes Service, and Azure Virtual Desktop. It offers a consistent file system interface for services and applications running in Azure.
Disaster Recovery: Azure Files provides natural disaster recovery capabilities. File shares can be replicated across Azure regions, ensuring that if one region goes down, you still have access to your data. Cost-Effective: With no upfront costs and pay-as-you-go pricing, you only pay for the storage you use. Azure’s tiered storage options allow for cost savings, as you can store less frequently accessed data on cheaper storage tiers.