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Tony Kerr - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Consultant at a tech vendor with 11-50 employees
Consultant
Top 10
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.

Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure File Storage
March 2025
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Azure File Storage. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
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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.
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Azure Integration Engineer at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
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:
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure File Storage
March 2025
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Azure File Storage. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
842,690 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Senior Information Technology Officer at Ravi Exchange
Real User
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.
PeerSpot user
Sameer_Shah - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Solution Specialist at a construction company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 10
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.
PeerSpot user
Souai Amani - PeerSpot reviewer
Data engineer at Esprit
Real User
Top 5
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.
PeerSpot user
Manager implementation at XENOTTABYTE
Real User
An highly scalable solution with robust archival features that enhance the user experience
Pros and Cons
  • "It is a very scalable solution. I rate the solution's scalability a nine out of ten."
  • "Considering the enterprise licensing required for the solution, the cost of the solution is an area where the product needs improvement."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution in our organization for its archival functionality. We are essentially archiving data with Microsoft Azure File Storage. Even though we have the applications and the storage, we are replicating our data into different data storages.

What is most valuable?

Feature-wise, it is an easily accessible solution since Microsoft is integrating everything into its products nowadays.

What needs improvement?

The solution is expensive. Considering the enterprise licensing required for the solution, the cost of the solution is an area where the product needs improvement.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working on Microsoft Azure File Storage for around five to ten years. Presently, I am working on the latest version of the solution. I am an end user of the solution. I also work as an integrator for the solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We don't face any stability issues with the solution in our organization. I rate the solution's stability an eight out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a very scalable solution. I rate the solution's scalability a nine out of ten. Around ten to fifteen of our customers are using the solution.

How are customer service and support?

In my experience with the solution's technical support team, I would say it was okay since I faced no difficulties. I rate the solution's technical support team an eight out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We use Commvault and Veeam in our organization. The reason to use Microsoft Azure File Storage is that it is a cloud solution. Though the other ones are also cloud solutions, Microsoft offers better pricing compared to them.

How was the initial setup?

The solution's initial setup process was straightforward.

Around two weeks were needed for the solution's deployment process. Also, the deployment process is something which one can do by themselves.

Only one technical person is required to deploy and maintain the solution.

What about the implementation team?

We need a consultant with knowledge of integration and EDI-related processes to implement the solution.

What was our ROI?

I am unsure if I have seen an ROI using the solution since I don't look into the commercial part.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

One needs to pay according to the storage they plan to use in the solution. The payments are to be made yearly. It is usually monthly, but we opted for yearly subscriptions in our company. In general, all cloud solutions are expensive. Ultimately the solution of the cost depends upon how one plans to use it, which includes features like data usage backup and other such data-related stuff. So the cost can differ from customer to customer.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend the solution to those planning to use it, especially if they require a cheap cloud solution. We haven't seen any issues with the solution in our organization since it works fine. Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
PeerSpot user
Cyber Security Lead at 0
Real User
Top 20
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.
PeerSpot user
Operations Engineer at Nokia Corporation
Real User
Good file storage with an easy setup and great customization capabilities
Pros and Cons
  • "It's a scalable solution."
  • "The security could always be modernized."

What is our primary use case?

We used the product in a POC that was related to a file transfer from another cloud to our private environment.

This is a risk management tool, and these files were related to the risk management tool and related to reports.

How has it helped my organization?

We're a worldwide company, and some of the countries don't have access to the internet. It was very good to distribute the files inside of our network as this is very important to us. In the end, with this solution, it was very easy to perform this goal.

What is most valuable?

The interface, configuration, and integration were all good features. It is very easy to use. The integration in particular is very good.

We could assess the files from our laptops. We assessed the files through the portal. We have the files wherever we want and that was the goal of this POC.

Technical support was great. 

The customization capabilities are excellent. 

It is very good at file storage.

The product is easy to set up.

It's a scalable solution.

What needs improvement?

The solution offered everything we needed. It was not lacking features. 

The pricing could be better. 

The security could always be modernized. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We've used the solution over the last year. We used it for a POC. It was for about three months. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

While in our last project, there was no need to scale. That said, in previous projects, it could scale. We had 200 to 300 people on the solution across several countries. Just regular agents would use the solution. 

How are customer service and support?

Support has been great. We are very pleased with their level of responsiveness. Microsoft really cares about its products.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We did not previously use any other product.

How was the initial setup?

It was always very easy to implement. The self-storage was connected to a logic app and the part of the logic app was tricky to configure. However, in the end, after the learning path was completed, it was very easy. 

The file storage was always very easy to connect to the old tools that we needed to complete the POC.

The deployment itself was very quick.

In terms of an implementation strategy, the goal of the POC was to transfer files from a third-party company to our internal network. We implemented several file storage items for each country and we distributed the files that came from the third-party company to all of them.

We have a team of five that can handle maintenance, however, only one engineer is really needed. 

What about the implementation team?

We handled the deployment and POC in-house. 

What was our ROI?

We have seen an ROI. It's helped us with sharing files across countries and made it very easy. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I don't have any visibility on the price of the product. Someone else handled that aspect. However, my understanding is it could be lower. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did evaluate other options. We only use Microsoft products. 

What other advice do I have?

We're a partner.

I'm no longer using the solution as I have finished the POC process.

The solution works very well. I would recommend the solution to others. 

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Azure File Storage Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: March 2025
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Azure File Storage Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.