What are the benefits of using Azure files?
- Convenience and flexibility
- Fast access to cloud files
- Business continuity
- Fully managed by the service provider
Azure Files is a simple and secure cloud file share solution for your business. One of its benefits is the Azure File Sync, which allows you to synchronize your corporate data in an on-premise file server and the Azure files server. You also have the option of migrating to the cloud or returning to a full on-premise setup. To know more about the benefits of using Azur Files, keep on reading!
Convenience And Flexibility
Azure Files can be deployed either by mounting the serverless file shares or by caching Azure file shares on-premises using the Azure File Sync feature. By opting for the first method, you don’t have to worry about applying software patches or maintaining physical disks. On the other hand, caching Azure file shares on-premises allows your business to centralize your files in Azure Files.
On top of these, Azure Files allows you to easily migrate your file shares and existing servers to the cloud with no downtime. To do so, you can use Storage Migration Service and Azure File Sync. This allows you to rapidly transfer data from the source servers. You can use Azure Files to move to a full cloud setup or have the option to return to a full on-premise infrastructure if you desire to do so.
Fast Access To Cloud Files
As a business, you have to keep huge volumes of data in various places. It helps to consolidate all your files in the cloud, but it could affect productivity and efficiency due to slow access times. In this situation, you could benefit from the feature of Azure Files, which is Azure Files Sync.
Unlike other cloud file share solutions in the market, Azure Files Sync allows you to synchronize data in your on-premise server and the Azure Files server. This provides your organization with one centralized location for your files.
As Azure and your server are constantly syncing, your team will have fast local access to your cloud files. With Azure Files Sync, you can ensure the productivity and efficiency of your team. This also makes work more convenient whether your team is working remotely or in the office.
Other than that, if you decide to replace your on-premise file shares with Azure file shares, you can do so while ensuring application compatibility. You can share your file system across different machines and applications. This is beneficial if you use applications that require shareability features.
Business Continuity
Premise-based servers are susceptible to data loss during disaster situations. Your team may also encounter data loss situations, where files get deleted or unwanted changes are made. Losing important files could negatively affect productivity or cause downtime for your organization. Fortunately, Azure Files Sync can help you in this situation.
When your server cannot be used, you can install Azure Files Sync on another server so you can maintain access to your files. Azure Files can also create point-in-time snapshots of your file shares, so you can immediately recover your files whenever you accidentally delete them, encounter data corruption, or make unintended alterations. You can retain these snapshots as long as your organization needs them.
With Azure Files, you can rest assured that your important files would be accessible and secure whenever a server becomes unavailable or a file accidentally gets deleted.
Platform Handled and Maintained By Microsoft
One of the benefits of using Azure Files is that it can lessen the work for your IT team because you can create Azure file shares without having to manage OS or hardware. Because the service is available via cloud, you can lessen your worries when it comes to hardware maintenance, updates, and critical issues — all because Microsoft can do this for you behind the scenes. This way, you or your team doesn’t have to deal with replacing faulty hard disks or patching the server OS.
While the platform is provided and maintained by Microsoft, you’re in full charge of the data you store and use. All you have to do is take advantage of the features offered by Azure Files.
Azure Files Sync also allows you to synchronize your data between an on-premise server and an Azure cloud server. To lessen the work of implementing this in your organization, you can also consider the services of our team here at CT Link Systems to make the process easier.
First, your current resources and infrastructure will be reviewed. Then, a customized solution will be designed according to your requirements. Once the pilot test is run and approved for implementation, your on-premise server will be connected to the Azure cloud servers. Once everything is settled, CT Link will provide your team with the knowledge and skills to maintain the servers.
Key Takeaway
Azure Files gives you the option to keep your files on the cloud and sync them with your office file server. This way, your workforce will be able to maintain their productivity and efficiency.
Now that you know the benefits of using Azure files, you might be interested in implementing it in your organization! Here at CT Link, we can help you with a solution tailor-made for your business. This way, you can have an easy and stress-free time during implementation. If you have questions and inquiries about our on-premise file server and Azure File Sync services, you can contact us here.