Azure Files
Simple, secure, and serverless enterprise-grade cloud file shares.
Overview
Azure Files offers fully managed file shares in the cloud that are accessible via the industry-standard Server Message Block (SMB) and Network File System (NFS) protocols. This means you can mount Azure file shares concurrently by cloud or on-premises deployments of Windows, Linux, and macOS. Azure Files can be used to replace or supplement traditional on-premises file servers or NAS devices. Azure File Sync allows for caching and synchronization of Azure file shares on Windows Servers for local access.
✨ Key Features
- Fully managed serverless file shares
- Support for SMB 3.1.1, SMB 3.0, and NFSv4.1 protocols
- Accessible from Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Integration with Microsoft Entra ID for identity-based authentication
- Azure File Sync for caching shares on-premises
- Multiple performance tiers (Premium, Transaction Optimized, Hot, Cool)
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Strong support for SMB protocol and Windows ACLs with Entra ID integration
- Azure File Sync provides a unique and powerful hybrid cloud capability
- Serverless model simplifies management compared to running a file server VM
Unique Value: Provides simple, serverless, and enterprise-grade file shares in the cloud, eliminating the need to manage and patch traditional file servers.
🎯 Use Cases (5)
✅ Best For
- Creating a central file share for a distributed team to access from anywhere
- Migrating a legacy application that relies on an SMB file share to the cloud
- Using Azure File Sync to create a hybrid file sharing solution with a cloud tier
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Object storage for cloud-native applications (use Azure Blob Storage)
- High-performance block storage for databases (use Azure Disk Storage)
🏆 Alternatives
Its key advantage is Azure File Sync, which enables seamless integration between cloud and on-premises file shares, a feature not directly matched by competitors.
💻 Platforms
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Live Chat
- ✓ Phone Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (Professional Direct, Premier tier)
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
✓ 30-day free trial
Free tier: Part of the 5GB of standard storage included for 12 months in the Azure Free Account.
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