Azure File Sync is a service provided by Microsoft Azure that allows organizations to synchronize files between on-premises servers and Azure Files. It addresses the challenges of managing file servers with limited storage capacity, data growth, and data protection and disaster recovery needs.
Some of the key features and benefits of Azure File Sync are:
Centralized file storage: Azure File Sync lets you create a centralized location for file storage in Azure Files. You can consolidate files from multiple local file servers into a single namespace in the cloud.
Tiered storage: With Azure File Sync, you can define policies to automatically sort files between local storage and the cloud. Frequently accessed files can be stored locally, while less frequently accessed files are stored in the cloud, reducing local storage costs.
Sync and offline access: Azure File Sync syncs files between on-premises servers and Azure Files. Users can access files locally even when the server is disconnected from the internet. Changes made offline are resynchronized to Azure Files when the server is reconnected.
Data protection and disaster recovery: By synchronizing files with Azure, you can use Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery to protect your data and enable disaster recovery. Backups can be taken at the file level, which provides granular restore options.
Fast and efficient synchronization: Azure File Sync uses a block-level synchronization mechanism that ensures that only changes to files are synchronized, reducing network usage and improving synchronization performance.
Multi-site collaboration: Azure File Sync supports multi-site collaboration scenarios. Multiple file servers in different locations can be synchronized to the same Azure file share, allowing teams to work on shared files regardless of their physical location.
Cloud-native capabilities: Once files are synced to Azure, you can take advantage of cloud-native services and capabilities. This includes features such as Azure Active Directory integration, RBAC (role-based access control), and Azure Monitor for monitoring and analytics.
Overall, Azure File Sync simplifies file management, improves data availability, and reduces storage costs by providing seamless integration between on-premises file servers and Azure Files. It enables organizations to leverage the scalability and resiliency of the cloud while maintaining familiar on-premises file server workflows and user experiences.