Azure cloud storage can be used for Sync, Replicate, and Archive shares.


To add Azure as a cloud storage provider:

  1. Create a storage container.
  2. Add the Azure container to your Morro account.
  3. Create a pool and shares using the new Azure container.


Notes:

  • Any Azure Storage Account type can be used as long as it supports Blob storage.  More information on the types of Azure Storage Accounts available can be found here.
  • Choose the location physically closest to your CacheDrives.
  • Standard vs Premium Performance - Choose based on your performance vs cost requirements.
  • Replication - Locally Redundant Storage (LRS) is generally good enough with 11 9's durability.
  • Hot access tier is highly recommended.  Lifecycle management can be used to move blobs to Cool storage after a certain period of time to possibly reduce costs, but they should never be moved to Archive storage.
  • Container public access level should be set to Private for better security.



Creating a Storage Container

  1. Go to the Azure Portal and log in.
  2. Click Storage Accounts, then select the account you'd like to use.
  3. Click Containers and create a container for Morro Data.
  4. Click Access Keys under Settings.  You will need these values when adding the container as a Cloud Storage Group in Morro Cloud Manager.



Adding the Azure Container to Your Morro Account

  1. Login to MCM.

  2. Go to File System, then click Add Cloud Storage.


  3. Select the Azure icon under Providers, enter the required information, then click Create.  See below for more details.





  4. Add a name for the Cloud Storage Group.  This is how it will appear in MCM and any characters can be used.
  5. Account Name is the Storage Account Name from the Access Keys screenshot.
  6. Access Key is key1 from the Access Keys screenshot.
  7. Container name is the name of the container created for Morro Data.
  8. Click Create.
  9. Verify that the Cloud Storage Group appears in the File System page in MCM.


If you intend to use the Azure container for Sync or Replicate shares, select "Your Object Storage for Sync".  For Archive shares, select "Your Object Storage for Archive".


The following fields are available in the Add Cloud Storage dialog:


  • Name - The name of the bucket as it appears in MCM.
  • Access Key - key1 from the Access Keys screenshot.
  • Account Name - The Storage Account Name from the Access Keys screenshot.
  • Container name - The name of the container created for Morro Data.


Create Pool and Shares


After adding the new cloud storage to your Morro Account, go to MCM -> File System -> Shares and click Create Pool to create a storage pool using the new bucket.  Then, you may create shares normally.  For more information, see the following articles:


File System - Create Pool

File System - Create Shares



Notes on Features

Account Permissions

If permissions are changed in the Azure account, an email will be sent the Morro account administrators. Changes to permissions may cause an interruption in service.


File page

BYOS Azure supports file management in the Team Portal.


ECHO

BYOS Azure shares can be synchronized with external Cloud File System providers.


Deleting Cloud Storage

Azure cloud storage can be deleted once all the pools and shares within the storage are deleted.


Admins can use multiple Azure containers within the same account.