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Cloud solution architect at Ernst & Young
Real User
Top 5
A data storage solution with a hard-to-understand setup and low scalability
Pros and Cons
  • "We have had a good experience with customer service and support."
  • "The initial setup is not easy to understand."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case for the solution is data storage and on-premises backups to the cloud.

What needs improvement?

The initial setup is not easy to understand and the scalability can be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using the solution for approximately two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

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Microsoft Azure Object Storage
October 2024
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable. I rate it a five out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

We have had a good experience with customer service and support. I rate them a seven out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

How was the initial setup?

I rate the initial setup a five out of ten.

What about the implementation team?

We have deployed the solution on-premises.

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

Licensing fess are charged monthly.

What other advice do I have?

I rate the solution a six out of ten. The solution is good but the scalability and initial setup process can be improved.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Syed Irtaza Ali - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Software Engineer Team Lead at a consultancy with 51-200 employees
Real User
A secure object storage solution for the cloud with a useful regional set up for storage
Pros and Cons
  • "The best thing is it's on the cloud. It's easily accessible to everyone through a mobile device, tablet, or laptop. Secondly, it's secure. Like any URL shared will not work after a few hours. Only the person concerned who has that URL can use it within a few hours to download the document. After that, it expires. Thirdly, we all keep an archive. For example, if there are old documents, they are still stored over there. Another nice Azure feature is that they have the regional set up for that storage, and there's no downtime, and I'm grateful for that. We don't have to worry, because it's secure. If something goes down, they have other copies of it on a separate server, and it's accessible."
  • "The initial setup could be more straightforward. It would be best if you had a little bit of training or an understanding of the concepts. It's important because if you don't do that, then you might end up not following the best practices. Then you will learn it the hard way by making mistakes and then know that you shouldn't have done this or that. It's better to attend workshops and take a hands-on approach."

What is our primary use case?

Microsoft Azure Object Storage is integrated into the applications that we provide our customers. Job dockets, regulatory documents, licenses, and insurance-related are the most common types of documents that our application users store in their storage containers. 

Apart from that, the job docket probably moves from one person to another and only authorized users can have access to view or download using a secure URL with a token and the shared access signature. This comes with an important feature that allows us to limit the time the users have access to the files on the storage.

Another aspect we have is for internal purposes, like having database backups over specific timelines. Internal application docket messages between the web and mobile application users including attachments that can be retained or archived for several years. All of this works under a multi-tenant structure.

How has it helped my organization?


What is most valuable?

The best thing is that it's on the cloud and accessible through any mobile, tablet, or laptop device. Easily configurable and integrated with any of our applications through its client libraries. 

Secure and having the option to setup additional regions for high availability.

What needs improvement?

.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Azure Object Storage consistently for the past two years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Microsoft Azure Object Storage is stable. I haven't had any issues. Initially, when I was conducting hands-on workshops in the past few years most of the client-side libraries used to connect with Azure Storage have become obsolete and the newly updated libraries are simple and easy to work with.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Microsoft Azure Object Storage is a scalable solution. I believe this will grow, just like AWS, because it's totally isolated, and even websites could use that separately. I think Azure is beginning to take that path where other applications could directly connect to it and use the storage system. I believe there is a feature to interconnect all the other products they have.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was quick. You definitely need some help with that, and Microsoft provides resources for learning. I have in the past attended workshops that came in handy when working with this solution. It's easy to use if you have some hands-on experience. There are online courses with hands-on labs available in some cases on Microsoft Learn which makes understanding and using this solution easier.

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

Pay per-use subscription has been our option and I see no problem using this subscription model as we are able to keep track of our costs on a daily basis

What other advice do I have?

 

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.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure Object Storage
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Azure Object Storage. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
814,763 professionals have used our research since 2012.
HemantJoshi - PeerSpot reviewer
TEM Practice at Expleogroup
Real User
Top 5
Easy to set up with good features but it's hard to find resources that understand the product
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution offers good documentation."
  • "The setup process could always be a bit easier."

What is our primary use case?

For us, there was a specific use case where we were trying to collect some of the information and this was a project related to IoT information collection. That is where we used Object Storage. There was bot storage used as well. We were trying to collect some information from smart meters. That smart meter solution that we developed for the customer required both Object Storage as well as Block Storage.

What is most valuable?

There are a variety of good features. Which one is best really depends on the customer's focus or specific deployment. 

The initial setup is pretty straightforward. 

The solution offers good documentation.

When you get the right support person, you can deal with issues very fast.

What needs improvement?

While we defined the solution, it was not fully implemented before I left. Therefore, it would be difficult to point to an area that was lacking. 

Technical support with Microsoft is a bigger challenge as finding the right person to support you and actually getting that person on the call is hard. If you are able to get the right person on the call, then he is able to help fast. That said, in most cases, getting the right person on the call itself is a challenge.

The setup process could always be a bit easier. It's hard to find good resources. With the cloud being new, it's difficult to find the people who have done it already.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for three to six months. It's been less than a year so far. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I left before the solution was fully implemented. Therefore, while I did not see any instability, I can't speak to how stable it was once it was up and running. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

From our requirement perspective, the required scalability existed in the solution. We had no issues with scaling. 

How are customer service and support?

I've interacted with technical support. They were okay. However, getting the person you need to assist you can be a challenge. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

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

I have been comfortable with Microsoft technology, in general, and Microsoft approaches in the past as well. That's the reason, in most cases, I prefer to use Microsoft solutions as such.

How was the initial setup?

The process is not that complex. There is a challenge finding resources who understand the cloud, however. With most of the technologies, there is enough documentation, however, what happens is, when you are looking at the whole ecosystem as such, you need resources that know what is happening. Generally, there are articles that can assist you with the setup. Therefore, for those who have knowledge with the solution, it's straightforward, however, newer users would find it possibly a bit complex. 

I'm not sure how many people would be required to maintain the solution. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I haven't gotten a chance to evaluate this solution in comparison to others. For example, I've never been able to compare Object Storage on AWS.

What other advice do I have?

The company I worked for was a Microsoft gold partner. We were Azure partners as well. 

We use a private cloud deployment. There were some sensitive products that were supposed to only be available as a part of the private cloud, even though they were in the Azure cloud, they were fully accessible from the internal network.

I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Information Technology & Cloud Systems Manager at a hospitality company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Comes with quick support and useful AzCopy utility, and it is a suitable solution for Microsoft ecosystem
Pros and Cons
  • "AzCopy is probably the best feature. It's a scripting app or a scripting function. Whether it's a Linux batch or a PowerShell script, you can essentially just send a file via a line of code with a specific key."
  • "Currently, the Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer is just a Windows app. I don't know if it's available on mobile, such as iOS or Android. I don't know if the app is mobile-friendly. It should be mobile-friendly."

What is our primary use case?

Our use case is related to a data lake. It is just a file collection.

I am using its latest version. It is in the cloud through a private company.

What is most valuable?

AzCopy is probably the best feature. It's a scripting app or a scripting function. Whether it's a Linux batch or a PowerShell script, you can essentially just send a file via a line of code with a specific key.

What needs improvement?

Currently, the Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer is just a Windows app. I don't know if it's available on mobile, such as iOS or Android. I don't know if the app is mobile-friendly. It should be mobile-friendly.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using it every day for four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I haven't hit any limitations yet, and I'd say it is scalable. There are probably different scaling solutions, such as a data lake or a data warehouse. Those would be the next version of this, as opposed to binary large object storage.

We have less than five users.

How are customer service and support?

It's a Microsoft product. They're the best software company in the world. So, the support is quick. It is immediate. Sometimes, it is too quick but pretty helpful. They'll get you through the problem. Their support is definitely very good.

How was the initial setup?

It is easy to set up. You just sign in. You have to have a cloud subscription. Once you deploy a disk or any sort of object that can be manipulated in the cloud on a cloud-based model, all you do is sign in, and access should be granted to that resource.

What about the implementation team?

It was implemented in-house. I take care of its deployment and maintenance.

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

It has a pay-as-you-go model. So, you are only paying for what you store. It's an attractive model. You don't pay for a set; you pay for what you actually use.

What other advice do I have?

It's definitely one of the top Azure Cloud objects out there for file storage and accessing files. Especially if you're using the Microsoft ecosystem, it's definitely one of the best tools for cloud storage for files.

I would rate it a nine out of ten just because of the mobile presence.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Real User
Top 5
Has a professional layout, but the password retrieval process is difficult
Pros and Cons
  • "The layout of Microsoft is professional."
  • "The password retrieval process was very difficult."

What is our primary use case?

I used the solution for email and messaging.

What is most valuable?

The layout of Microsoft is professional. It is suitable for office purposes.

What needs improvement?

The product hangs sometimes. The password retrieval process was very difficult.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The tool’s stability has improved. It is much better now. It was not good 10 to 12 years ago. It used to freeze a lot. The UI has improved a lot.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The tool’s scalability is good.

How was the initial setup?

The setup was complex. We created an account and decided on ways to retrieve passwords. We must also add our mobile number to the account.

What about the implementation team?

I could do the deployment myself.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Google is better than Microsoft. Google's password retrieval process is very easy. However, Microsoft's layout and setup are much more professional. Google is much more user-friendly and interactive. Google is more secure than Microsoft. I often get emails on Microsoft that someone is trying to access my account.

What other advice do I have?

I worked for a company that was a Microsoft Gold partner. I will not recommend the product to others. Google is a better tool. Overall, I rate the product a seven out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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PeerSpot user
Gavin Lowe - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Consultant at a tech vendor with 5,001-10,000 employees
Consultant
Top 10
Provides robust data protection and immutability, but the solution can be quite slow
Pros and Cons
  • "You can peer into different levels of the archive."
  • "The solution can be quite slow."

What is our primary use case?

There are a couple of different use cases. One is a cheaper form of storage and also robust protection of data. We also use it for its immutability. If you have enough copies, then it will always be available.

What is most valuable?

Storage accounts are used for things like logic analyzers that feed into the different archives. It also feeds into Azure Backup. You can peer into different levels of the archive.

What needs improvement?

The solution can be quite slow. 

Having some sort of caching algorithm could be quite good so that it is placed on the edge of the customer network. But this will lead you back to on-premise infrastructure, so it cannot fix the whole cloud.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Azure Object Storage for a few years now, but it's very sporadic.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the stability of this solution an eight out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I would rate the scalability an eight out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

I contacted technical support a few times. Our technical support is under a premium plan. They were very good.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is fairly easy. It's not difficult. It is mainly a hybrid solution.

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

I would rate the pricing a four out of ten because there is a lot of competition out there.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Microsoft Azure Object Storage a six out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Information Technology Project Manager at a logistics company with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Storage solution that is easy to set up with excellent technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "With Microsoft Azure Object Storage, they are an open market."
  • "The cost of support is always expensive."

What is our primary use case?

Previously, all of our mail processes and mail access were on-premises and we were facing problems with storage, licenses, and maintenance. Once we moved to Office 365 Microsoft Azure Object Storage, all of the headaches were reduced.

We are using the latest version with Office 365.

What is most valuable?

Most of the brands are certified coupled with partners, such as AWS and Oracle. With Microsoft Azure Object Storage, they are an open market.

What needs improvement?

Support and cost are areas that can be improved. The cost of support is always expensive.

They can be more competitive in their pricing and the data center doesn't compare to other solutions such as Google. Microsoft is still growing. In the Middle East and these areas, there is less support.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for the last two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This solution is stable. We have not had any issues to date. There are still some issues with spam in the emails, at 2% to 5%.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This solution is scalable.

How are customer service and technical support?

Microsoft's technical support is excellent.

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

We are using Oracle as well.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward and it is not complex.

It is very easy to migrate all of the mail processes.

Knowledge is very important, which is why we used the help of Microsoft integrators.

What about the implementation team?

Because we are in the partner's program, they connected remotely and resolved all of the implementation tasks. They do a complete inspection.

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

We have a separate package and pay extra for additional technical support.

What other advice do I have?

You can reduce operational costs and the cost of resources. It is easy to maintain, and I would recommend this product.

I would rate this solution a nine out 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.
PeerSpot user
CTO at Media Link Concepts
Real User
Reliable and secure storage, but the technical support should be faster
Pros and Cons
  • "This product is very reliable and all of the security that our client requires is available."
  • "Technical support should be a little bit faster."

What is our primary use case?

We are currently evaluating this product. We have been able to explore certain things and are testing it. We are system integrators and we are not using it for our purposes but rather, for our clients. They have different applications, environments, and products, and we are looking to see if this is suitable.

Our clients want to use this for safely storing their data, and they would like high performance. At the same time, cost is an important factor for them. One of the things that they are storing is digital video.

What is most valuable?

This product is very reliable and all of the security that our client requires is available.

What needs improvement?

Technical support should be a little bit faster.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Azure Object Storage for one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

In the time that we have used it, Azure Object Storage has been very stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This is definitely a scalable solution.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support from Microsoft is good, although it could be a little bit faster.

How was the initial setup?

As with everything from Microsoft, the initial setup is straightforward.

It took about two months for us to deploy for our client.

What other advice do I have?

Based on the requirements given to us by our client, this is a product that I will recommend.

I would rate this solution a five 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: Integrator
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Azure Object Storage Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: October 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Azure Object Storage Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.