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In this guide, we explore Azure’s file-based storage offerings, including Storage Accounts, Microsoft Purview for governance, file categorization strategies, performance tiers, and geo-redundant storage for disaster recovery. You’ll learn how to optimize for cost, performance, and compliance.

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Azure Storage Accounts

Azure Storage Accounts provide a unified namespace for storing multiple data types. Choose the right service based on your workload:
  • Azure Files
    Fully managed SMB/NFS file shares—ideal for lift-and-shift migrations and legacy apps.
  • Blob Storage (Containers)
    Scalable object storage for unstructured data (images, videos, logs) with HTTP/HTTPS access and integration with big data analytics.
The image shows a Microsoft Azure storage account interface, highlighting options for Azure Files and Containers (BLOBs) with notes on backward compatibility and internet friendliness.

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Other Data Services in a Storage Account

Resource TypeIdeal ForKey Feature
Azure FilesEnterprise file sharesSMB/NFS protocol support
Blob Storage (Containers)Unstructured objectsLifecycle management, tiering
Azure TablesSemi-structured NoSQL dataFast key/attribute lookups
Data Lake Storage Gen2Big data analyticsHierarchical namespace, POSIX-compliant
The image is a diagram titled "Storage Accounts: Other Kinds of Data," showing two modules: "Tables" for semi-structured data and "Data Lakes" for analytical data.
For analytics, use Data Lake Storage Gen2 on top of Blob Storage to leverage Hadoop, Spark, and Azure Synapse workloads.

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Microsoft Purview for Data Governance

Microsoft Purview centralizes data governance, classification, and discovery:
  • Governance Policies
    Define retention schedules and lifecycle rules (e.g., retain logs for 7 years).
  • Data Protection
    Apply sensitivity labels and prevent unauthorized sharing of confidential files.
  • Catalog & Discoverability
    Index enterprise data for search, lineage, and compliance reporting.
The image illustrates data governance concepts, including rules and data retention, alongside a screenshot of Microsoft Purview's interface for data protection and risk management.
The image shows a Microsoft Purview dashboard with sections on data governance and discoverability, highlighting features like adaptive protection and insider risk management.
Without proper governance, you risk non-compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA.

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File Categorization: Hot vs. Cold

Segment your files based on access frequency to control costs:
  1. Hot Data
    Frequently accessed files, e.g., product catalogs requiring low latency.
  2. Cold Data
    Infrequently accessed archives and backups where access speed is less critical.
The image categorizes files into two types: those used frequently, which are few in number and require fast downloads, and those used less often, labeled as "everything else."

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Performance Tiers: Standard vs. Premium

Balance cost and performance by selecting the appropriate tier:
TierStorage MediumBest ForLatencyCost
PremiumSSDHot data, high IOPSMillisecond-scaleHigher
StandardHDDCold data, large archivesHigher millisecondsLower
The image compares the performance of SSD and HDD storage options, highlighting SSD's higher cost and faster download speed versus HDD's lower cost and slower download speed. It suggests SSDs for a small number of files and HDDs for a large number of files.
Use Azure Storage lifecycle policies to transition blobs automatically between hot, cool, and archive tiers.

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Geo-Redundant Storage (GRS)

Ensure business continuity with Geo-Redundant Storage:
  • Asynchronously replicate data to a paired region (>300 miles apart).
  • Automatic failover in the event of a regional outage.
  • Optionally enable read-only access in the secondary region (Read-Access GRS).
The image illustrates the concept of geo-redundant storage, showing a map with two storage locations connected by a dotted line, and two user icons.
Pair GRS with Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery for end-to-end disaster recovery.
Next, we’ll demonstrate how to create and configure an Azure Storage Account using the Azure Portal and Azure CLI.

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