🔹 Overview

Azure Storage is a scalable, secure cloud storage platform for storing structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data with high availability and durability.

🔸 Types of Azure Storage Services

1. Blob Storage

• Use Case: Unstructured data like images, videos, logs.
• Tiers: Hot, Cool, Archive
• Blob Types: Block Blobs, Append Blobs, Page Blobs
• Access Levels: Private, Blob, Container

2. File Storage (Azure Files)

• Use Case: Shared file systems for apps.
• Protocols: SMB 3.0, NFS
• Features: Azure File Sync, AD Integration

3. Queue Storage

• Use Case: Asynchronous messaging between application components.
• Message Size: Max 64 KB
• Retention: Up to 7 days

4. Table Storage

• Use Case: NoSQL key-value store for structured data.
• Alternative: Cosmos DB Table API

5. Disk Storage

• Use Case: VM virtual hard disks (VHDs)
• Disk Types: HDD, SSD, Premium SSD, Ultra Disk
• Managed Disks: Azure-managed VHDs

🔸 Storage Account Types

• General-purpose v2: Supports all storage services and access tiers.
• General-purpose v1: Legacy, fewer features.
• Blob Storage Account: Optimized for blobs only.
• Premium Storage Accounts: For high performance needs.

🔸 Access Tiers Summary

🔸 Redundancy Options

• LRS: 3 copies within a single datacenter
• ZRS: Across 3 availability zones
• GRS: Replicated to another region
• RA-GRS: GRS + read access to secondary
• GZRS: Combines ZRS + GRS
• RA-GZRS: GZRS + read access

🔸 Security & Access

• Authentication: SAS tokens, Azure AD, Access Keys
• Encryption: SSE, CMK via Key Vault
• Private Endpoints: Secure access via private IP

🔸 Monitoring & Management

• Use Azure Monitor, Activity Logs
• Diagnostic logs to Log Analytics or Event Hub
• Azure Storage Explorer for GUI management

🔸 Pricing Factors

• Storage size and operations
• Data transfer (egress)
• Redundancy type and access tier

🔸 Real-world Use Cases