Azure File Sync

One of the most compelling features of Azure File storage is its integration with Azure File Sync. Azure File Sync allows for the centralization of files shares in Azure while maintaining the compatibility and accessibility of an on-premises file server.

Azure File Sync uses a sync group, which defines the sync topology for a set of files. The

sync group contains a cloud endpoint (an Azure File share) and one or more server endpoints (a path on your Windows Server). Changes to the file share are then tracked and propagated to connected servers via Azure File Sync, and vice versa.

This process offers several benefits:

■■ Multisite access: It gives you cloud-based access to your data while maintaining local access to the same dataset across your Windows Servers.
■■ Cloud tiering: Infrequently used or accessed files can be tiered to Azure Files, freeing up on-premise storage.
■■ Integrated cloud backup: Azure File shares can be protected using Azure Backup.

SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL

Azure File storage provides multiple levels of security:

■■ Firewalls and virtual networks: You can restrict access to your Azure File storage at the network layer.
■■ Access keys: You can grant access to your Azure File storage using shared keys.

■■ Shared access signatures (SAS): You can provide secure, delegated access to resources in your storage account through SAS tokens.

Skill 3.1: Describe capabilities of Azure Storage CHAPTER 3 85

■ Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): You can use Azure AD credentials in a domain environment for SBM access.
■ Encryption: Data stored in Azure File storage is encrypted at rest using Microsoft Storage Service Encryption (SSE), and data transmitted to/from Azure File storage is secured using SSL/TLS.

USE CASES

Azure File storage is suitable for a variety of use cases, including the following:

■ Shared application data: You can use Azure File storage to replace or supplement on-premises file servers or NAS devices.
■ Diagnostics logging and performance metrics: Applications running on Azure VMs can write and store their logs/metrics to Azure File shares.
■ Dev/test environments: You can create shared settings and diagnostics tools available to all VMs in a development or test environment.

With an understanding of these Azure File storage details, you will be able to leverage Azure File storage’s capabilities effectively. By incorporating Azure File storage in your cloud architecture, you can maintain a flexible and scalable data sharing and storage strategy.