Azure Files is a network file storage service in the Azure Cloud
File or folder share
Network share
SMB
Kind of network file server in the Azure cloud
Fully managed file sharing in the cloud
Built on top of blobs and tables
Can be accessed by using:
industry standard SMB (Server Message Block) protocol (means that multiple VMs can share the same files with both read and write access)
REST interface
torage client libraries
Can be accessed by multiple applications simultaneously
Usage
Legacy on-premises applications (that use file shares) can be easily migrated using Azure files
“lift and shift” an application to the cloud that already uses the native file system APIs to share data between it and other applications
Replacement or supplement for on-premises file servers or NAS devices
Multiple VMs can access configuration files stored on a file share
Tools and utilities used by multiple developers can be stored on a file share
Storing crash dumps
Azure Files vs corporate file share
Azure Files can be accessed from anywhere in the world using a URL that points to the file and includes a shared access signature (SAS) token
You can generate SAS tokens and SAS tokens allow specific access to a private asset for a specific amount of time
Benefits
Fully managed: can be created without the need to manage hardware or an OS
Shared access: support industry standard SMB and NFS protocols (on-premises file shares can be seamlessly replaced with Azure file shares without worrying about application compatibility)
Resiliency: Azure Files has been built from the ground up to be always available (no longer have to deal with local power outages or network issues)
Programmability:
Applications running in Azure can access data via file system I/O APIs
Developers can leverage their existing code and skills to migrate existing applications
In addition to System IO APIs, you can use Azure Storage Client Libraries or the Azure Storage REST API
Scripting and tooling:
PowerShell cmdlets and Azure CLI can be used to create, mount, and manage Azure file shares as part of the administration
Use Azure portal and Azure Storage Explorer to create and manage Azure file shares