I used Microsoft Azure File Storage for a project focused on deploying a Windows server and connecting that server to my Active Directory domain. I synchronized the file server with Microsoft Azure File Storage. I then set up and connected the disc storage with storage in the cloud to back up the data. My intent for using the solution was to back up data in the cloud. My company doesn't use Microsoft Azure File Storage, but other organizations, government, and non-government could be using it. The usage of the solution depends on whether an organization can integrate Microsoft Azure File Storage into its environment.
IT consultant at Secoptrial
Quick to deploy, has good scalability and has no connection issues
Pros and Cons
- "I like that Microsoft Azure File Storage works fine and is quick to deploy. It's also easy to connect to it, particularly when connecting it with my on-premise file servers."
- "Microsoft Azure File Storage needs more integrations. In the future, I also want to see GRC added to the portal. If you enroll or sign up for Azure services, your country may not have GRC available in the portal, so you may have to choose a strange country, for example, Kenya, to activate credit."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
I like that Microsoft Azure File Storage works fine and is quick to deploy. It's also easy to connect to it, particularly when connecting it with my on-premise file servers. Microsoft Azure File Storage doesn't give me any connection issues.
What needs improvement?
Microsoft Azure File Storage needs more integrations.
I encountered a problem with the solution: Microsoft said you could directly integrate Azure file share on your PC by enabling that feature in Microsoft Azure File Storage. It worked at first, but then, when I restarted my PC, that feature stopped working. I did that only for research purposes, so I wonder if Microsoft fixed that bug or if that Azure file share integration feature in Microsoft Azure File Storage was designed wrong.
In the future, I also want to see GRC added to the portal to integrate it with Microsoft Azure File Storage and other Azure services. If you enroll or sign up for Azure services, your country may not have GRC available in the portal, so you may have to choose a strange country, for example, Kenya, to activate credit. Having GRC helps many students, enterprises, and users easily access Microsoft Azure File Storage.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Microsoft Azure File Storage is a stable solution.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure File Storage
February 2025
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Microsoft Azure File Storage has good scalability. Scalability-wise, it's a nine out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
My rating for the technical support for Microsoft Azure File Storage is nine out of ten.
I'm a Microsoft Student Ambassador, so I get free access to Microsoft technologies, and if I need support, I can contact other members or Microsoft directly. I can ask the community via Microsoft Teams. I'm an MVP nominee in the Windows Insider program, so I can ask a question and get an answer quickly, so I rated support as nine.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
It was my first time using a public cloud storage service, such as Microsoft Azure File Storage. It was also my first time using Azure to deploy a web application. The other tool I used wasn't in the public cloud storage but in the data visualization niche. That was Microsoft Power BI, which I connected to a database on Azure and an API gateway.
How was the initial setup?
Microsoft Azure File Storage deployment is quick but depends on your connection. A good connection takes one or two clicks, and the deployment time also depends on the data you have in Microsoft Azure File Storage.
If you have more data, then that takes more time. Still, Microsoft has improved the capabilities, quality, and protocol to help enterprises transfer even massive amounts of data many times. I don't have much data, though, just around 500MB.
What about the implementation team?
I deployed Microsoft Azure File Storage. I didn't need a consultant because I referred to the documentation. Microsoft documentation gives information on different services. For example, if you type "Azure cloud services," you'll find various topics on cloud services. If you choose, for example, "file sync," you'll see information on how to start, the steps you need to take, how to integrate, etc. If you face any issue following the steps in the documentation, you can always Google it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing cost for Microsoft Azure File Storage is very low. I viewed my bill from Azure on the portal, and the solution didn't cost much.
Microsoft Azure File Storage has a reasonable price. It's cheap, price-wise.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend Microsoft Azure File Storage to other people.
My Microsoft Azure File Storage rating is a nine on a scale of one to ten.
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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IT Consultant at a tech vendor with 11-50 employees
Has a valuable profile management feature that allows user to understand what configurations have been made
Pros and Cons
- "The profile management option is another valuable feature that allows us to manage the profiles and secure them."
- "Importing and exporting data needs to have a bit more documentation."
What is our primary use case?
I generally help customers use Microsoft Azure File Storage primarily for a lot of purposes, including the storage of files and enhancing storage security. There are private endpoints and private DNS resolver, which is basically a private endpoint resolver that resolves the IP address of the private endpoints internally. It is then further mapped within the application. It also has short file storage which accesses the storage according to the minimum privilege and rights assigned to that storage. It has networking facilities and firewall options to safeguard public data. It also has a SaaS token that can be generated around the storage and shared storage which enables customers to share their files through Azure File Storage.
How has it helped my organization?
Flexible stroage in the cloud is very use and can be cheap and programmaticlay deployed
What is most valuable?
There are various features attached to the solution, including firewall options to safeguard it. The profile management option is another valuable feature that allows us to manage the profiles and secure them. It allows the user to understand what configuration has been made to the Azure virtual desktop. Blob Table Container Tables Queues Elastic San & Azure NetApp Files are also lots of other features that can be explored.
What needs improvement?
There is always going to be room for improvement. Certain use cases will evolve where file storage is used with visual ID and group mapping. As long as the dynamic mapping is working seamlessly, there aren’t any changes needed in Microsoft Azure File Storage. As of now, I've got no such recommendations.
Importing and exporting data needs to have a bit more documentation. Recently, Microsoft has actually stepped up and provided some training about securing data but they need to have a solution in case the data needs to be migrated. They need to include a service to securely transfer the data through Microsoft and encrypt it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Microsoft Azure File Storage for a couple of years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is very rare to get an outage in Azure. If there are any issues, the data is replicated into the DR region, allowing you to access it depending on the skew that is actually applied.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Microsoft Azure File Storage can scale well because of its dynamic nature. It's quite scalable because of a file agent that is set on-premise and helps to scale out pretty much really. Azure can create large storage accounts and manage that, replicating the data securely.
Medium to large enterprises can mostly use file storage because they have a lot of data and Microsoft's features are evolving every day, making it a fit match.
How are customer service and support?
I have direct experience with customer service at Microsoft. Usually, it involved raising a ticket. However, we as consultants are expected to fix the client’s problems first, and if there is a bug, then we raise the ticket. My experience with customer support is pretty good. They've always responded very quickly, and I never had to follow up with them.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Net App
How was the initial setup?
The setup is easy and easily doable. As long as the steps recommended by Microsoft are applied, it is not very complex.
What about the implementation team?
Usually, it is our customers who implement the solution. In most cases, they don’t require assistance if they follow the guidelines laid by Microsoft. However, in case there is any kind of assistance required, we help them to set it up. Usually, it is deployed on the cloud, but there are multiple ways to mimic the deployment and in some cases, they require it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is usually dependent on your storage requirements. Overall, I believe Microsoft Azure File Storage's price is reasonable.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
On Premises San Storage
What other advice do I have?
As long as one knows how to implement and secure it, Microsoft Azure File Storage can be used efficiently. There aren’t any particular recommendations, because a lot of it is already in place.
Microsoft has been implementing these scenarios but they can work a bit more around the SaaS token scenario. If they can simplify that, it can be great as not enough people use the SaaS tokens. I think this needs to be explained on an engineering level. If they include it, customers can use and choose this facility.
Overall, I would rate Microsoft Azure File Storage an eight out of ten.
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.
Last updated: Jan 7, 2025
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Microsoft Azure File Storage
February 2025
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Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Azure File Storage. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Azure Integration Engineer at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
Helps to store critical files and link with Kubernetes
Pros and Cons
- "The tool offers a secure way to access storage. You can also easily share the files securely across Azure."
- "I have had issues migrating my data to another subscription."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution to store critical files of clients. I also use it to link with Kubernetes.
What is most valuable?
The tool offers a secure way to access storage. You can also easily share the files securely across Azure.
What needs improvement?
I have had issues migrating my data to another subscription.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for a couple of years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
My company has less than 50 users for the solution.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the product a seven out of ten.
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:
Senior Information Technology Officer at Ravi Exchange
Secure and reliable storage solution providing quick access to data
Pros and Cons
- "First of all, the solution is very secure. Secondly, the solution is very fast. It is reliable and available all the time."
- "Firewall rules should be introduced to secure the access date from any virus attacks. Anti-virus should be introduced in the work filtering and document filtering."
What is our primary use case?
We use it to easily access data from the user side into our network. Like, we have some remote sites, and we have the user on the remote site who can easily access all the data as per the permissions and our requirements.
What is most valuable?
First of all, the solution is very secure. Secondly, the solution is very fast. It is reliable and available all the time. In the backup, it allows us to create the rate servers to save our data and use our data in multiples.
What needs improvement?
Firewall rules should be introduced to secure the access date from any virus attacks. Anti-virus should be introduced in the work filtering and document filtering.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Azure File Storage for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution because we don't need to care about hardware or electricity. We need a strong internet connection to access our data everywhere, logging in with our password.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution. The number of users depends on our requirements. Sometimes it can be ten, sometimes hundred or fifty. I rate it eight out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
The technical team is good and responsive.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was easy from the user's side. They could quickly get access to the data. The deployment takes some time. First, we need to buy the storage and implement the policies per our network design. Whether it will take one week, two weeks, or one month depends on the network design. If we are on-premises, we must buy hardware according to our requirements. For the deployment, we had a technical team consisting of an assistant manager for network, system, or micro administrators. Also, there is a network engineer or system engineer. The solution is deployed on the cloud and on-premises.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay for both yearly and monthly licenses. The yearly one is cheaper than the monthly one.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend the solution to those planning to use it. I rate the overall solution an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
IT Solution Specialist at a construction company with 10,001+ employees
Excellent file storage and scalable with no issues or incidents
Pros and Cons
- "The storage in this solution is excellent."
- "If the file is large, there may be a delay in download time."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution for storing our log data from SIM. We store our files and map our server to have an archive on all the logs generated for SIM.
What is most valuable?
The storage in this solution is excellent.
What needs improvement?
We don't have anything that we would improve. We are happy with how it has worked and have not encountered any challenges.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable product, and we have had no issues or incidents.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution, and we have about 500 users with 250 in each office using Microsoft Azure File Storage daily.
If the file is large, there may be a delay in download time.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have not used any other cloud solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Our costs are only related to space, and the price is comparable to other competitive solutions. Customers always want to pay less too.
What other advice do I have?
I rate the product a ten out of ten. I would recommend file storage because there are no issues. It is simple, easy, and stable. It is suitable for medium-sized and enterprise companies.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Data engineer at Esprit
A highly expandable solution that can be managed effortlessly
Pros and Cons
- "It's a stable product."
- "The solution is not user-friendly."
What is our primary use case?
Microsoft Azure File Storage has multiple functionalities, and you can use it as a source, but you may face some problems when contributing something in Azure. This is hard to do. The configuration in Azure doesn't help. This is okay, and it's not a big problem since I am not too aware of Azure resources. That's why I might have faced problems at first.
What needs improvement?
The solution is not user-friendly.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Azure File Storage for a year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution can be expanded because one can manage and install huge amounts of data in Azure. Those using the solution in my organization are using it for DevOps. We have around 20 users using the solution in my company.
How are customer service and support?
I never faced any issues that prompted me to contact technical support.
How was the initial setup?
The solution is deployed on the cloud.
What other advice do I have?
To those looking into using the solution, I recommend getting Azure documentation. This will help you to configure the solution with other tools.
Owing to the fact that some features might get added in the future after sending my notes to Azure, I rate the overall solution an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Cyber Security Lead at 0
A reliable cloud solution, with good performance and ease of use
Pros and Cons
- "The product is a reliable cloud solution."
- "The product name keeps changing. It can be confusing when product names change frequently, especially with Microsoft. Sometimes, if you refer to a product by a certain name last year, it might have a different name six months later."
What is most valuable?
The product is a reliable cloud solution. Its performance and ease of use are good.
What needs improvement?
The tool needs to be more intuitive.
Also, the product name keeps changing. It can be confusing when product names change frequently, especially with Microsoft. Sometimes, if you refer to a product by a certain name last year, it might have a different name six months later.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for 2 to 3 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the product's stability an eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I didn't face any issues with the solution's scalability. My company has 1000 users who use it extensively.
How are customer service and support?
The tool's support is not bad if you have a premium contract.
How was the initial setup?
Microsoft Azure File Storage's deployment is not complex.
What other advice do I have?
I rate the overall solution an eight out of ten. If you're considering using it, I'd say it's a reliable product. However, in terms of costs, it's important to plan to avoid unexpected expenses. Each solution has its strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your specific needs, you may find one solution better suited than another. That's why most larger companies don't stick to just one solution.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Cyber Security Specialist at Galeboe Professional Services
A simple, 100% stable solution that saves a lot of money and suits growing businesses
Pros and Cons
- "Its simplicity of use is most valuable. It's easy to start working with it and understand it. It's easier to transfer files between different users. I'm able to move files from my device to my manager's device without any issues or without facing any problems in between."
- "It's a bit complex to set up. Other than that, there is nothing to improve."
What is our primary use case?
It's used to store our files safely, and we are able to transfer them between different devices and users without having to move them around physically.
I'm using its latest version.
What is most valuable?
Its simplicity of use is most valuable. It's easy to start working with it and understand it. It's easier to transfer files between different users. I'm able to move files from my device to my manager's device without any issues or without facing any problems in between.
What needs improvement?
It's a bit complex to set up. Other than that, there is nothing to improve.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using this solution for a few years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's 100% stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's a very scalable solution. So far, there are about 20 users. We will increase its usage if there are more inquiries and more people.
For maintenance, we have two engineers and one solutions architect.
How are customer service and support?
We haven't contacted their tech support so far.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I don't believe so, but I can never be sure because I was not around.
How was the initial setup?
It's a cloud solution. Its setup is a bit complex, but once you get started, you don't have any issues going forward. In terms of setup duration, I wasn't around when it was deployed. It was already deployed when I came to work here, so I'm not sure how long it took.
What about the implementation team?
We most probably didn't use any third-party help.
What was our ROI?
We saved a lot when we moved to the cloud. It has saved us a lot of money, and we have seen an ROI.
What other advice do I have?
I'd definitely recommend it. If you are looking for a very simple solution for your file services, I'd definitely recommend Microsoft Azure File Storage. It's a very good solution for businesses that are looking to grow.
I'd rate it a ten out of ten.
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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