In this blog, we will explore how to use Azure Monitor Workbook to collect and analyze metrics for all or selected storage accounts within a given subscription. We will walk through the steps to set up the workbook, configure metrics, and visualize storage account data to gain valuable insights into usage.

Introduction

For a given individual blob storage account, we can calculate the used capacity or transactions count or blob count by making use of PowerShell or Metrices available on Portal or Blob Inventory reports. However, if we are supposed to perform the same activity on all the storage accounts under a given subscription and create a consolidated report, it will be a huge task. For such cases, the Blob Inventory reports will not be of much help as it works on individual storage account level and PowerShell script could time out.

In such scenarios, the Azure Monitor Workbook is a solution. It will help collect monitoring data of all the storage accounts under a given subscription and present you with a consolidated report.

Azure Monitoring Workbook is a powerful tool that allows you to collect, analyze, and act on telemetry data from your Azure resources, in this case, storage account. For more information on Azure Monitoring Workbook, the link is: Azure Workbooks overview - Azure Monitor | Microsoft Learn

Prerequisites

1. We will need an Azure Storage account under an active subscription.  
2. Create an Azure Monitor workspace or we can make use of Monitor resource.

Now, let’s set-up Azure Monitoring Workbook to collect the storage account telemetry.

1. Accessing an Azure Monitoring Workbook

We can access it from the Monitor -> Workbook or from Log Analytics -> Workbook.  You can refer to the below screenshot: 

In the Azure portal, select Monitor > Workbooks from the menu bars on the left.

In a Log Analytics workspaces page, select Workbooks at the top of the page.

2. Configure Data Collection

Once the workbook is selected, you need to configure data collection. For this, we can select either one storage account or multiple storage accounts from a given subscription.

• Under Workbook, click on “+New”

• Click on “+Add” and then select "+Add Metrices” option.

• Once the page loads, select “Resource Type as Storage Account”. Set the metrices granularity based on your requirement.

• Now, we need to select the metrices that we want to capture. For this blog, let us check on the used capacity of storage account. You can use the metrices option as below:

• Once you save the metrices, you can now run the metric. You will be able to see graph as below: 

3. Export the report as excel sheet

We can export the metrices seen as excel sheet as well. You can refer to the below screenshot:

Benefits of Using Azure Monitoring Workbook for Azure Blob Storage

1. Enhanced Visibility

Azure Monitoring Workbook provides enhanced visibility into the metrices of your Azure Blob Storage accounts. By collecting and analyzing metric data, you can gain insights into key performance indicators, such as storage capacity, transaction rates, and latency. This visibility allows you to proactively manage your storage account resources across the subscription.

2. Proactive Monitoring

By setting up alerts and notifications, Azure Monitoring Workbook enables proactive monitoring of your Azure Blob Storage accounts. You can define thresholds for critical metrics and receive notifications when these thresholds are exceeded. This proactive approach helps you quickly detect and address potential issues before they impact your applications and services.

3. Centralized Monitoring

Azure Monitoring Workbook allows you to centralize the monitoring of all your Azure resources, including Azure Blob Storage accounts. This centralized approach simplifies the management of your monitoring infrastructure and provides a single pane of glass for viewing and analyzing metric data.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up data collection, alerts, and analysis to gain valuable insights into your storage environment.

We hope this blog provided you with information on how to gain more insights into your storage account environment for a given subscription.

Happy Learning!