Azure Storage Account

Overview

• Azure Storage Account provides scalable cloud storage for:
  • Blobs (object storage)
  • Files (SMB/NFS shares)
  • Queues (messaging)
  • Tables (NoSQL key-value)
  • Disks (VM storage)
• Acts as a single namespace to manage all types of storage.
• Provides high availability, durability, and security.

Key Features

• Multiple storage types:
  • Blob Storage: unstructured data (images, videos, logs).
  • File Storage: managed file shares.
  • Queue Storage: reliable messaging between apps.
  • Table Storage: NoSQL key-value database.
  • Disk Storage: for Azure VMs.
• Replication Options:
  • LRS (Locally Redundant Storage)
  • GRS (Geo-Redundant Storage)
  • ZRS (Zone-Redundant Storage)
• Access Control:
  • Shared Access Signature (SAS)
  • Azure AD integration
• Secure: Encryption at rest, HTTPS only access.

Workflow

     +--------------------+
     | User / Application |
     +--------------------+
             |
             v
  +-------------------------+
  |  Azure Storage Account  |
  +-------------------------+
    |      |      |      |
    |      |      |      +---> [ Blob Storage ] (Objects/Files)
    |      |      |
    |      |      +----------> [ File Storage ] (SMB Shares)
    |      |
    |      +-----------------> [ Queue Storage ] (Messaging)
    |
    +------------------------> [ Table Storage ] (NoSQL)
    |
    +------------------------> [ Managed Disks ] (VM Storage)

Common Use Cases

• Storing application logs, backups, and media files.
• File shares for applications.
• Messaging between microservices using queues.
• Storing structured NoSQL data using tables.
• Persistent storage for VMs.

Steps to Manage Storage Account using Azure CLI

1. Login to Azure

az login

2. Create a Resource Group (if not exists)

az group create --name MyResourceGroup --location eastus

3. Create a Storage Account

az storage account create \
  --name mystorageacct123 \
  --resource-group MyResourceGroup \
  --location eastus \
  --sku Standard_LRS \
  --kind StorageV2

4. List Storage Accounts

az storage account list -o table

5. Get Storage Account Keys

az storage account keys list \
  --resource-group MyResourceGroup \
  --account-name mystorageacct123

6. Create a Blob Container

az storage container create \
  --name mycontainer \
  --account-name mystorageacct123

7. Upload a File to Blob

az storage blob upload \
  --container-name mycontainer \
  --file ./localfile.txt \
  --name remotefile.txt \
  --account-name mystorageacct123

8. Download a Blob

az storage blob download \
  --container-name mycontainer \
  --name remotefile.txt \
  --file ./downloadedfile.txt \
  --account-name mystorageacct123

9. Delete Storage Account (Caution!)

az storage account delete --name mystorageacct123 --resource-group MyResourceGroup --yes

Notes

• Storage Account Names must be globally unique and lowercase.
• StorageV2 is recommended (supports all features).
• Use Azure AD authentication for secure access instead of account keys.
• Select replication type based on durability requirements.
• Blob Storage supports Hot, Cool, and Archive tiers for cost optimization.