L9. Core Storage: Blob, Files, Queues, Tables, and Disk
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Azure Storage is the backbone of most Azure solutions. The AZ-900 exam tests the four storage types, access tiers, redundancy options, and when to use each.
Azure Storage Account
A storage account is the top-level container for Azure Storage services. It provides a unique namespace and lets you choose redundancy and performance tiers. The four core storage services:
Azure Blob Storage
Object storage for unstructured data: documents, images, video, backups, log files. Blobs are organized in containers. Access tiers (crucial for exam):
- Hot: frequently accessed data; higher storage cost, lower access cost
- Cool: infrequently accessed; lower storage cost, higher access cost (minimum 30-day retention)
- Cold: rarely accessed; even lower storage cost (minimum 90-day retention)
- Archive: rarely accessed; lowest cost, highest access latency (data is offline; must be rehydrated before access, minimum 180-day retention)
Azure Files
Fully managed file shares accessible via SMB (Server Message Block) or NFS protocols. Can be mounted on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Use Files for: replacing on-premises file servers, lift-and-shift of applications that need shared file storage.
Azure Queue Storage
Message storage for asynchronous communication between application components. Messages can be up to 64 KB; queues can hold millions of messages. Use Queues for: decoupling application components, background processing, task queuing.
Azure Table Storage
NoSQL key-value store for structured, non-relational data. Fast and cost-effective for large amounts of semi-structured data. Use Tables for: web app user data, address books, device information (when Cosmos DB is overkill).
Azure Disk Storage
Managed disks attached to Azure Virtual Machines, analogous to a physical hard drive. Types: Ultra Disk (highest performance), Premium SSD, Standard SSD, Standard HDD.
Redundancy Options
| Option | Description | Copies |
|---|---|---|
| LRS | Locally redundant storage | 3 copies in one datacenter |
| ZRS | Zone-redundant storage | 3 copies across zones in one region |
| GRS | Geo-redundant storage | LRS + 3 copies in paired region |
| GZRS | Geo-zone-redundant storage | ZRS + 3 copies in paired region |
- ✓Blob Storage is for unstructured object data; Hot/Cool/Cold/Archive tiers balance cost vs access speed
- ✓Archive tier data is offline and must be rehydrated before access; this can take hours
- ✓Azure Files provides SMB/NFS file shares mountable on Windows, Linux, and macOS
- ✓Queue Storage enables asynchronous decoupled messaging between application components
- ✓LRS = 3 copies in one datacenter; ZRS = 3 zones; GRS = LRS plus geo-redundant copy in paired region
1. A company stores compliance records that are rarely accessed and must be retained for 7 years at minimum cost. Which Azure Blob Storage access tier is most appropriate?
2. Which Azure storage redundancy option replicates data across availability zones within one region AND to a secondary paired region?
Recommended: Pluralsight
This free course covers the theory. Pluralsight adds guided video paths, hands-on Azure labs, and timed practice exams to help you pass AZ-900 with confidence.