Azure file storage - what is it and what does it do
Azure file storage is mainly used if we want to have a shared drive between two servers or across the users. The first thing we need for Azure file storage is an Azure storage account. Unlimited number of file shares can be created within a storage account. We can then upload files into created folders. Once we create a file share, we can further arrange that on any virtual machine, whether it is in Azure or outside.
Azure File Storage is tremendously useful for many organizations, especially in “lift and shift” structure, where there is a need to shift on-premises applications to the cloud without any changes. At the same time, the Azure Files services help in sustaining large scale and enterprise requirements.
Azure File Storage Key Functions: -
Migrate existing applications to the cloud:
Many existing applications access the data using file-based APIs and are designed to share the data using Server Message Block (SMB) file shares. Azure File Storage allows you to migrate on-premises file share-based applications to Azure without having to manage highly available file server VMs.
Sharing server data across on-premises and cloud:
Users can now store server data such as files, event data, and backups in the cloud to leverage the availability, scalability, and durability into the Azure storage platform. Data can be shared by applications running in the cloud with on-premises applications by using the same stability implemented by on-premises SMB servers.
Simplifies hosting high availability workload data:
Azure File Storage delivers continuous availability; hence it simplifies the effort to host HA workload data in the cloud. The persistence enabled in SMB increases the availability of the file share which makes it possible to manage applications such as SQL Server in Azure with the files and data stored in shared file storage.
