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How can you save money with Azure Files?

Feb 04 2023
Azure Azure FIles Storage Accounts
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azure files

Azure Files introduction

Azure Files is a cloud-based file storage service offered by Microsoft that allows users to store and access file shares in the cloud. It is built on the same technologies as Azure Blob Storage, but with the added functionality of SMB and NFS protocols, making it easy to move existing file-based applications to the cloud without any code changes.

When it comes to saving money with Azure Files, there are several strategies that you can employ. The first is to use the appropriate storage tier. Azure Files offers several storage tiers, including the standard storage tier and the premium storage tier. Choosing the appropriate storage tier for your workload can help to reduce costs.

Another strategy for saving money with Azure Files is to use Azure FileSync. Azure FileSync allows you to tier files to Azure Files, Azure Blob Storage, or both, and store only the active files on the local file server, reducing costs of storing rarely accessed files.

You can also use Azure Data Box, a physical device that you can use to transfer large amounts of data to Azure. This can be a cost-effective option for users who have a large amount of data to transfer.

Additionally, Azure provides a number of built-in tools that can help you optimize your storage costs, such as the Azure Cost Management tool. You can also use Cloud Storage Manager to monitor your storage usage and adjust your storage settings accordingly, potentially reducing costs.

Finally, using Azure’s pay-as-you-go pricing model can be a cost-effective option for users who don’t need a large amount of storage. This pricing model allows you to only pay for the storage that you actually use.

Overall, there are many ways to save money with Azure Files. By using the appropriate storage tier, taking advantage of Azure’s built-in cost optimization tools, and using Azure FileSync and Azure Data Box, you can optimize your storage usage and reduce your costs.

What are Azure Files?

Azure Files is a fully managed file share in the cloud that allows users to store and access files, similar to a traditional file server. It is built on the same technologies as Azure Blob Storage, but with the added functionality of SMB and NFS protocols, making it easy to move existing file-based applications to the cloud without any code changes. It allows users to create multiple file shares and access them from anywhere, and it also supports built-in data protection, encryption, and access-control features.

In another blog post we have a  more in-depth look at Azure Files 

How to efficiently reduce the cost of your Azure Files:

  1. Use the appropriate storage tier: Azure Files offers several storage tiers, including the standard storage tier, and the premium storage tier. Choosing the appropriate storage tier for your workload can help to reduce costs.

  2. Use Azure FileSync: Azure FileSync allows you to tier files to Azure Files, Azure Blob Storage, or both, and store only the active files on the local file server, reducing costs of storing rarely accessed files.

  3. Use Azure Data Box: Azure Data Box is a physical device that you can use to transfer large amounts of data to Azure. This can be a cost-effective option for users who have a large amount of data to transfer.

  4. Use Azure’s built-in cost optimization tools: Azure provides a number of built-in tools that can help you optimize your storage costs, such as the Azure Cost Management tool.

  5. Use Cloud Storage Manager to scan all your Azure Files in your Tenancy, then use one of the many reports available to see which Azure Files storage accounts are no longer being used.

How to further save money with Azure Files:

Use Azure Reserved Instances:

Reserved Instances allow you to pre-pay for a certain amount of storage for a period of time, which can result in significant savings.

Use Azure’s pay-as-you-go pricing model:

Azure’s pay-as-you-go pricing model allows you to only pay for the storage that you actually use. This can be a cost-effective option for users who don’t need a large amount of storage.

Use Azure FileSync to store rarely accessed files in Azure cool storage tier:

By using Azure FileSync, you can store rarely accessed files in Azure cool storage tier, which is a lower-cost storage option for data that will be infrequently accessed.

Use Azure FileSync to move archive data to Azure cool storage tier:

By using Azure FileSync, you can move archive data to Azure cool storage tier and reduce the cost of storing infrequently accessed files.

Take advantage of Azure’s free trial:

Azure offers a free trial that allows users to test out the service before committing to a paid subscription.

Use Cloud Storage Manager;

to gather analysis of your Azure Files usage, consumption and growth. From within Cloud Storage Manager you will be able to analyse your Azure Files storage and reduce your Azure costs.

Best practices for managing Azure Files

  1. Properly size the file share: It’s important to size the file share appropriately, based on the expected number of files, their size, and the anticipated growth over time. This will help you avoid performance issues and unexpected costs.

  2. Use appropriate storage tiers: Azure Files offers several storage tiers, including the standard storage tier and the premium storage tier. Choose the appropriate tier based on your workload and access patterns, as this can help reduce costs.

  3. Use Azure FileSync: Azure FileSync can help tier files to Azure Files, Azure Blob Storage, or both, and store only the active files on the local file server, reducing the cost of storing rarely accessed files.

  4. Use Azure Data Box: Azure Data Box is a physical device that can be used to transfer large amounts of data to Azure, making it a cost-effective option for users with large data transfers.

  5. Take advantage of Azure cost optimization tools: Azure provides several built-in tools, such as the Azure Cost Management tool, to help you optimize your storage costs.

  6. Use reserved instances: Reserved instances allow you to pre-pay for a certain amount of storage for a period of time, resulting in significant savings.

  7. Use pay-as-you-go pricing: Azure’s pay-as-you-go pricing model allows you to only pay for the storage you actually use, making it a cost-effective option for users with lower storage needs.

  8. Store rarely accessed files in Azure cool storage tier: By using Azure FileSync, you can store rarely accessed files in the Azure cool storage tier, which is a lower-cost option for infrequently accessed data.

  9. Move archive data to Azure cool storage tier: You can also use Azure FileSync to move archive data to the Azure cool storage tier and reduce the cost of storing infrequently accessed files.

  10. Monitor usage and consumption: Regularly monitor your Azure Files usage, consumption, and growth to identify any areas where you can optimize and reduce costs. Cloud Storage Manager will provide you with indepth reports on your Azure Files usage to solve this problem.

Conclusion:

Azure Files is a fully managed file share in the cloud that allows users to store and access files, similar to a traditional file server. It is built on the same technologies as Azure Blob Storage, but with the added functionality of SMB and NFS protocols. By understanding the different storage options available, using Azure FileSync, using Azure Data Box, and taking advantage of Azure’s built-in cost optimization tools, IT admins can efficiently reduce the cost of their Azure Files and save money with Azure Files.

by Mark