ACG LINK

Azure Files: Overview and Configuration Example

Azure Files is a fully managed file share service in Azure that enables you to set up highly available network file shares that can be accessed using the standard Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. Azure Files is suitable for various scenarios, including shared application settings, configuration files, and storage for virtual machine workloads. Here's a detailed overview of Azure Files along with a configuration example:

Features of Azure Files:

1. Fully Managed Service:

   • Azure Files is a fully managed service, eliminating the need for manual management of file servers.
2. SMB Protocol Support:
   • Supports the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, making it compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS systems.
3. Multi-Protocol Access:
   • Allows access to the same file share from multiple protocols, including SMB and Network File System (NFS).
4. Integration with Active Directory:
   • Integrates seamlessly with Azure Active Directory for identity and access management.
5. Encryption at Rest:
   • Provides encryption at rest for data stored in Azure Files.
6. Azure File Sync (Optional):
   • Offers Azure File Sync for synchronization of on-premises file servers with Azure Files.
7. Cross-Region Replication (Optional):
   • Supports cross-region replication for disaster recovery and business continuity.
8. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC):
   • Utilizes RBAC for fine-grained access control over file shares.

Configuration Example:

Let's configure an Azure Files share and access it from a Windows virtual machine:

1. Login to Azure Portal:

   • Navigate to the Azure Portal.
2. Create a Storage Account:
   • Click on "Create a resource" and search for "Storage account."
   • Click "Create" to start the Storage Account creation wizard.
   • Specify account details, such as subscription, resource group, storage account name, region, and performance (Standard/ Premium).
3. Configure Advanced Settings:
   • Configure additional settings, such as account kind (StorageV2 for general-purpose storage), replication (Locally redundant storage, Geo-redundant storage, etc.), and access tier (Hot or Cool).
4. Create a File Share:
   • In the Storage Account blade, click on "File shares" and then "Add file share."
   • Provide a name for the file share, e.g., "myfileshare."
5. Access Key:
   • Once the Storage Account is created, navigate to the Storage Account in the Azure Portal.
   • Go to "Settings" > "Access keys" to find the account key, which is required for authentication.
6. Create a Virtual Machine:
   • Click on "Create a resource" and search for "Virtual machine."
   • Click "Create" to start the Virtual Machine creation wizard.
7. Configure Basics:
   • Provide basic information, such as subscription, resource group, VM name, region, and availability options.
   • Choose the operating system image (Windows).
8. Configure Disks:
   • Choose the disk type (Standard HDD, Standard SSD, Premium SSD), and specify the disk size.
9. Configure Networking:
   • Configure networking settings, including virtual network, subnet, and public IP address.
10. Configure Management:
    • Set up monitoring, diagnostics, and other management settings.
    • Optionally, configure auto-shutdown settings for cost savings.
11. Add File Share to VM:
    • In the Storage Account blade, go to "File shares" and copy the file share path.
    • Connect to the Windows VM using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
    • Open File Explorer and map a network drive to the Azure Files share using the copied path and the storage account key.
12. Access File Share:
    • Access the mapped network drive on the Windows VM and interact with files on the Azure Files share.
13. Azure File Sync (Optional):
    • Explore Azure File Sync to synchronize on-premises file servers with Azure Files.
14. Cross-Region Replication (Optional):
    • If needed, configure cross-region replication for disaster recovery.
15. RBAC and Access Control (Optional):
    • Explore RBAC settings in Azure to control access to the Azure Files share.
16. Clean Up Resources:
    • Once done, clean up resources by deleting the Virtual Machine and associated storage resources.