Azure - NetApp Files

Introduction

• Azure NetApp Files is a high-performance, scalable, and enterprise-grade file storage solution offered as a fully managed service by Microsoft Azure.
• It is designed to meet the demanding requirements of various workloads such as databases, analytics, and file services. Here are some key points about Azure NetApp Files:

Key Features

1. Performance Tiers:
   • Azure NetApp Files offers multiple performance tiers (Standard, Premium, and Ultra) to meet the different performance needs of applications.
   • You can select and adjust the performance tier based on your workload requirements.
2. Protocols Supported:
   • It supports NFSv3, NFSv4.1, and SMB protocols, making it versatile for various types of workloads and applications, including those that require Windows or Linux file shares.
3. Fully Managed Service:
   • As a fully managed service, Azure NetApp Files handles the underlying infrastructure, enabling you to focus on your applications and data rather than on managing storage infrastructure.
4. High Availability:
   • Azure NetApp Files is designed for high availability with built-in redundancy.
   • It provides robust data protection and business continuity features.
5. Scalability:
   • It offers scalable storage with high throughput and low latency, which is ideal for large-scale and performance-sensitive applications.
6. Security and Compliance:
   • It includes features like encryption at rest, role-based access control (RBAC), and integration with Azure Active Directory (AAD) for secure and compliant data storage.

Use Cases

1. Database Workloads:
   • Ideal for hosting databases that require high performance, such as Oracle, SAP HANA, and SQL Server.
2. Analytics:
   • Suitable for big data and analytics workloads that need high throughput and low latency.
3. File Services:
   • Can be used to provide high-performance file shares for applications, user home directories, and departmental file shares.
4. Disaster Recovery:
   • Useful for disaster recovery solutions due to its high availability and data protection features.