2.3.7 Identify Azure File Movement Options

Description of different Azure file movement options.

AzCopy

A CLI utility used to copy blobs or files to or from your account. AzCopy can upload, download, copy or synchronize files. AzCopy can be setup to work with other cloud providers. AzCopy only synchronizes unidirectionally.

Azure Storage Explorer

This is a standalone app with a GUI to manage files and blobs. It works on Windows, macOS and Linux. It uses AzCopy in the backend.

Azure File Sync

Lets you centralize file shares in Azure Files. Its like turning a file server into a mini CDN. Azure File Sync will automatically stay bi-directionally synced once active. Azure File Sync lets you:

• Use any protocol available on Windows Server to access your data locally, including SMB, NFS and FTPS.

• Have as many caches as you need.

• Replace a failed local server by installing Azure Files in a new server

• Configure cloud tiering so the most accessed files are replicated locally, whilst others are kept in cloud.