Azure Storage

Introduction to Azure Files

Azure Files offers fully managed cloud file shares that are accessible through the industry-standard Server Message Block (SMB) protocol and Network File System (NFS) protocol. This means you can "lift and shift" legacy applications that rely on file shares to Azure without significant code changes. Azure Files shares can be mounted concurrently by cloud or on-premises Windows, macOS, and Linux deployments.

Key benefits include:

• Managed Service: No need to manage underlying hardware or operating systems.
• Protocol Support: Access via SMB and NFS.
• Cloud & On-Premises Access: Mount shares from anywhere.
• Hybrid Scenarios: Integrate seamlessly with on-premises environments using Azure File Sync.
• Scalability & Durability: Built on Azure's robust infrastructure.

Key Features

Azure Files provides a rich set of features to meet various storage needs:

• Multiple Access Tiers: Choose between Premium (SSD-backed, low latency) and Standard (HDD-backed, cost-effective) tiers for your file shares.
• SMB and NFS Support: Utilize industry-standard protocols for broad compatibility.
• Azure File Sync: Synchronize on-premises Windows file shares with Azure Files for cloud tiering and disaster recovery.
• Identity-Based Authentication: Integrate with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Domain Services for domain-joined clients and on-premises Active Directory.
• Snapshotting: Create point-in-time snapshots of your file shares for backup and recovery.
• Performance Tiers (Premium): Select IOPS and throughput based on your application's demands.

Common Use Cases

• Shared Application Settings: Store configuration files for applications deployed across multiple virtual machines.
• Development and Testing: Provide shared storage for development teams and testing environments.
• Lift-and-Shift Applications: Migrate existing applications that rely on file shares to the cloud without significant re-architecture.
• Container Storage: Use Azure Files as persistent storage for containers.
• Backup and Archiving: Store backup data or archive infrequently accessed files.

Getting Started

Creating and using an Azure File share is straightforward:

1. Create a Storage Account: All Azure Files shares are created within an Azure Storage account.
2. Create a File Share: Within the storage account, create a new file share, specifying its name, tier, and quota.
3. Mount the File Share: Use the provided connection string or authentication details to mount the share to your Windows, Linux, or macOS client.

Example: Mounting an Azure File Share (Linux)

Using the CIFS protocol (requires cifs-utils package):

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install cifs-utils -y

# Replace with your storage account name, access key, and desired mount point
STORAGE_ACCOUNT_NAME="your_storage_account_name"
STORAGE_ACCOUNT_KEY="your_storage_account_key"
SHARE_NAME="your_file_share_name"
MOUNT_POINT="/mnt/azurefile"

sudo mkdir -p $MOUNT_POINT
sudo mount -t cifs //$STORAGE_ACCOUNT_NAME.file.core.windows.net/$SHARE_NAME $MOUNT_POINT -o vers=3.0,username=$STORAGE_ACCOUNT_NAME,password=$STORAGE_ACCOUNT_KEY,dir_mode=0777,file_mode=0777,serverino
                

Security Considerations

Securing your Azure Files is paramount. Consider these aspects:

• Access Control: Use shared key authorization for simple access or integrate with Azure AD DS for more granular, identity-based access control.
• Network Security: Restrict access to your storage account using firewalls and virtual network service endpoints or private endpoints.
• Data Encryption: Data is encrypted at rest by default using AES-256. You can also use customer-managed keys for enhanced control.
• HTTPS: Access file shares over SMB 3.0 encryption or securely over HTTPS for REST API operations.