Use cases for Microsoft Azure Block Storage involve cloud storage for website publishing and customer data sharing. Many customers utilize it for data-sharing purposes. Customers commonly use flash storage to store and access data. Storage is integral to various Software as a Service solutions, where Block Storage is automatically provisioned for premium or standard tiers.
Chief Technical Officer at Evangelist
Provides secure access and helps to monitor logs
Pros and Cons
- "The tool is most valuable for scenarios involving logs and monitoring. For example, logs are generated when using services like Front Door."
- "Improving the pricing structure would be beneficial."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
Performance improvement depends on how we utilize the resources. The tool is most valuable for scenarios involving logs and monitoring. For example, logs are generated when using services like Front Door. The tool's most valuable function is providing secure access. Additionally, it connects with websites, allowing users to upload and download data.
The tool is reliable and works fine.
What needs improvement?
Improving the pricing structure would be beneficial. If the pricing could be more flexible and reduced, Microsoft Azure Block Storage would likely see increased usage.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with the product since 2014.
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Microsoft Azure Block Storage
December 2024
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the solution's stability a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the tool's scalability a ten out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
I've had a poor experience with Microsoft's technical support. Even without premium support, Microsoft's assistance hasn't been satisfactory. There have been instances where support staff lacked sufficient expertise to address issues.
How was the initial setup?
The tool's deployment is simple.
What other advice do I have?
The solution is useful for enterprise customers. I rate it a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Last updated: Apr 15, 2024
Flag as inappropriateConsultant at MultiThread
Allows for efficient data transfer without significant delays and has a straightforward setup process
Pros and Cons
- "The product scalability is excellent."
- "The platform's technical support services could be enhanced. They could provide better resolution and improve the response time."
What is our primary use case?
I primarily use Block Storage for migration purposes within the broader Azure ecosystem.
What is most valuable?
The product's most valuable feature is its capability for migrations. It allows for efficient data transfer without significant delays or complications.
What needs improvement?
The platform's technical support services could be enhanced. They could provide better resolution and improve the response time.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Microsoft Azure Block Storage for approximately four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable. I have not encountered any issues, and it consistently performs well. I rate it a nine out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product scalability is excellent. It seamlessly supports vertical and horizontal scaling.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support services need improvement in terms of response time.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward. Deploying takes just a few minutes and does not involve significant challenges.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product's pricing is reasonable, but premium applications can be costly.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I evaluated other cloud providers like AWS and Google Cloud but chose Microsoft Azure due to its flexibility.
What other advice do I have?
Block Storage is a robust solution for Azure data migration and storage requirements.
I rate it an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Jul 30, 2024
Flag as inappropriateBuyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure Block Storage
December 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Azure Block Storage. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2024.
824,067 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Managing Director at IdeaBytes
A highly scalable and stable solution that can be used for storage purposes
Pros and Cons
- "Storing and then retrieving data are the most valuable features of Microsoft Azure Block Storage."
- "The solution’s user interface could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We are using the solution for storage purposes.
What is most valuable?
Microsoft Azure Block Storage is an easy-to-use solution. Storing and then retrieving data are the most valuable features of Microsoft Azure Block Storage.
What needs improvement?
The solution’s user interface could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Azure Block Storage for three to four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Microsoft Azure Block Storage is a stable solution.
I rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage a nine out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Microsoft Azure Block Storage is a highly scalable solution. Most of our clients for Microsoft Azure Block Storage are medium and large sized businesses.
I rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage an eight out of ten for scalability.
How was the initial setup?
I rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage a nine out of ten for the ease of its initial setup.
What about the implementation team?
The solution's deployment doesn't take much time and can be done in a few minutes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing a six or seven out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
We are using the latest version of Microsoft Azure Block Storage.
Overall, I rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Sr. Information Officer at Merino Industries Ltd (Merino Group)
Provides secure data storage although at a high price
Pros and Cons
- "Data is securely stored."
- "Licensing costs are pretty high."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for data storage.
What is most valuable?
We can store data and not worry that it might be lost.
What needs improvement?
Although cheaper than Amazon, licensing expenses for Block Storage are pretty high.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using this solution for several years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable although we have very few users.
How are customer service and support?
The customer support is very good.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward, we had assistance from a third party.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Licensing is paid on a monthly basis and it's on a pay as you use basis.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated Amazon as an option but went with Microsoft because it was a cheaper solution.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend this solution and rate it seven out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Technical Content Manager at Intellipaat Software Solutions Private Limited
It performs well with large files
Pros and Cons
- "The most important reason we use Azure Block Storage is the ability to store large files. When we were building the solution, we knew we needed to store images and video files that are 100 MBs or more. The second thing is speed when dealing with such large file sizes."
- "There should be a discount on Block Storage for people who use it more often."
What is our primary use case?
We deployed our website on Azure, and Block Storage is for storing large objects. We use Azure Block Storage for embedded videos that any person coming on the website needs to use.
What is most valuable?
The most important reason we use Azure Block Storage is the ability to store large files. When we were building the solution, we knew we needed to store images and video files that are 100 MBs or more. The second thing is speed when dealing with such large file sizes.
What needs improvement?
It would be nice if the Azure Block Storage could integrate with microservices-based mobile apps, too.
For how long have I used the solution?
We started using Azure Block Storage for a project two or three weeks ago.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Block Storage is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I can't say much about scalability because these are small projects, so it's not like we've utilized Block Storage for a million users. We only have a few hundred users.
How was the initial setup?
The setup process is pretty straightforward. The documentation from Microsoft is clear enough for anyone to set up a storage account. Two or three people are enough to maintain the solution we've built. It's a stable solution that more or less works on its own.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There should be a discount on Block Storage for people who use it more often. Right now we pay somewhere around maybe 30,000 rupees monthly.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Most of our solutions are built on Azure, so that is our first choice. However, we also considered AWS Storage Services. We thought about using the AWS S3 bucket, but our in-house team mostly has experience on Azure, we stuck with that. I think the Azure documentation is easier to understand than AWS's, so that's the main advantage. The costs are more or less the same.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Azure Block Storage eight out of 10. My biggest concern is the pricing.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
General Manager - AsiaPac at iPortalis.
Helps to develop SaaS platforms on Azure but stability needs improvement
Pros and Cons
- "We use the solution to develop SaaS platforms on Azure. We utilize various Microsoft components like block storage and databases for this purpose."
- "Microsoft Azure Block Storage should improve its stability."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution to develop SaaS platforms on Azure. We utilize various Microsoft components like block storage and databases for this purpose.
What needs improvement?
Microsoft Azure Block Storage should improve its stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The tool is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Microsoft Azure Block Storage's support depends on what you pay. If you pay a high price, you can get good support.
How was the initial setup?
The tool's deployment is easy since it is a Microsoft cloud-based product.
What about the implementation team?
I did the deployment myself.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Microsoft Azure Block Storage is expensive. Its licensing costs are monthly.
What other advice do I have?
I rate the overall solution a seven out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Last updated: Apr 16, 2024
Flag as inappropriateEnterprise architect at Tech Mahindra Limited
Helps to download, upload, backup and store data but needs improvement in stability
Pros and Cons
- "We use Microsoft Azure Block Storage to store, upload and download data. We can also use it as a backup."
- "Microsoft Azure Block Storage's stability needs improvement."
What is our primary use case?
We use Microsoft Azure Block Storage to store, upload and download data. We can also use it as a backup.
What needs improvement?
Microsoft Azure Block Storage's stability needs improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with the tool for three to four months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage's stability an eight out of ten.
How was the initial setup?
Microsoft Azure Block Storage's setup is straightforward. You need to create a storage account and give a unique name to it. We have deployed the solution on the cloud.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I use Microsoft Azure Block Storage's free version.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the product an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Solution Architect at Ten-X
Supports many different file types, highly reliable, and high level support
Pros and Cons
- "The major benefit of using Microsoft Azure Block Storage is that it supports various types of data, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, without requiring different tools to read each type. This comprehensive approach simplifies the data handling process for data engineers and allows for seamless data transfer to downstream applications. In essence, this is a data paradigm shift that enables easy ingestion of diverse data types."
- "I encountered a challenge where certain metadata was located on a secured network that could only be accessed through a VPN. As there was no direct connector available to reach the private networks that require VPN access, we had to rely on manual effort to access the data. This could potentially be addressed as an area of improvement, especially with regard to accessibility issues where data is only accessible through a VPN connection."
What is our primary use case?
We are managing numerous data sources, including Excel, CSV, and ZIP files, with some of them being located on the public Internet. Our current task involves transferring this data into a data warehouse using Microsoft Azure Block Storage.
What is most valuable?
The major benefit of using Microsoft Azure Block Storage is that it supports various types of data, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, without requiring different tools to read each type. This comprehensive approach simplifies the data handling process for data engineers and allows for seamless data transfer to downstream applications. In essence, this is a data paradigm shift that enables easy ingestion of diverse data types.
What needs improvement?
I encountered a challenge where certain metadata was located on a secured network that could only be accessed through a VPN. As there was no direct connector available to reach the private networks that require VPN access, we had to rely on manual effort to access the data. This could potentially be addressed as an area of improvement, especially with regard to accessibility issues where data is only accessible through a VPN connection.
It appears that the solution we are working with is already in a beta version, and we have been managing a large volume of files by pulling them in at fixed schedules to determine whether a file is new or has been modified, we need to obtain the last modified date and compare it with the previous value. However, there is a new concept of a rolling window that can automatically detect newly arrived files and push them into downstream processes. From the logs I have seen, it appears that Microsoft is actively working on simplifying the file management process and reducing the need for engineers to manually pull files using specific logic. This includes developing a feature that automatically identifies new files and distinguishes them from old ones based on their metadata. It would be helpful to have this feature implemented.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Azure Block Storage for approximately two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I did not face any glitches or stability issues.
I rate the stability of Microsoft Azure Block Storage a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have more than 20 developers and 50 to 100 business users using the solution in my company.
The scalability of Microsoft Azure Block Storage has different options.
When opting for a pay-as-you-go service, several options exist, such as enabling the Autoscale feature or fixing the scalability ratio. It is essential to keep in mind that choosing the scale-out option comes with additional costs. Therefore, it is crucial to select whether to go with auto-scaling or manual scaling carefully. The system provides the flexibility to choose either option based on specific needs and budget constraints.
I rate the scalability of Microsoft Azure Block Storage an eight out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
The level of support provided by Microsoft Azure Block Storage is impressive, as they offer three different levels of assistance based on the priority level of the issue. For technical issues, they can typically provide support within one day for critical issues, two days for high-priority issues, and three or four days for normal-priority issues.
I rate the support of Microsoft Azure Block Storage a nine out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Microsoft Azure Block Storage does not take long to deploy. Each service can take 10 to 15 seconds to set up.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of Microsoft Azure Block Storage has a fair price. However, the price could be lower.
I rate the price of Microsoft Azure Block Storage a seven out of ten.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We have evaluated Amazon AWS. They provide a good service. However, Microsoft solutions have more user-friendly interfaces.
What other advice do I have?
I would advise others that this is a good solution and it is reliable. I strongly recommend this solution.
I rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage a nine out of ten.
The solution is compatible with every format, and different types of data. This is useful for data engineers. This is the best solution to have because everything is in a single point.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Updated: December 2024
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