Microsoft Azure Block Storage Reviews

I am using Microsoft Azure Block Storage for file sharing, automation accounts, data storage, and archiving, and those are the main use cases.

The encryption feature in Microsoft Azure Block Storage is very good, and the security is excellent. It is easy to map the storage to the virtual servers and user desktops, which is also very beneficial. I can perform automations on the data, such as moving hot data and cold data, and I can select storage based on performance. The security provided by Microsoft around Microsoft Azure Block Storage is a very good function.

The replication feature in Microsoft Azure Block Storage is a very good function.

The analytic capabilities of Microsoft Azure Block Storage can help optimize resources. I usually work with a third-party tool; our data analytics team uses some custom-made tools for analytics data and dashboards, so we do not use the Microsoft dashboard; we are using a third-party dashboard.

It is very easy to manage Microsoft Azure Block Storage. If you have good knowledge of it, it is very easy to manage. Microsoft Azure Block Storage service is a very good, 100% reliable service. It is highly scalable, and performance-wise and reliability-wise, it does not go down. It provides 99.9% uptime without downtime, so it is a very good feature.

The backup and restoration efficiency of Microsoft Azure Block Storage is good.

For improvement in Microsoft Azure Block Storage, they can provide tiered level storages, maybe low-cost storages for storing archive data, but it is already there. I do not think there is much to improve. When it comes to improvement, maybe they can integrate with the AI solution; the Microsoft AI solution is upcoming, and once we are able to integrate with it, we can do many things, such as moving frequently used storage data to better-performing storage, while the ones not used can be moved automatically or even archived and put in another location.

I have been working with Microsoft Azure Block Storage since almost 2019; it is almost six years now.

I am very much satisfied with the optimization part of Microsoft Azure Block Storage.

It depends on the level of support from Microsoft; if you are looking for basic support, sometimes you will not get the best support. Ours is a government enterprise organization, so we have a premium support agreement with Microsoft, and they give us the best support.

Neutral

The initial setup for Microsoft Azure Block Storage is very simple. You learn the theory, and if you understand the functionality, then it is an easy setup. It will not take much time; the initial configuration is very easy.

In my opinion, the main competitor for Microsoft Azure Block Storage is AWS, and Google Storage is also an upcoming product.

Since I am working with Microsoft Azure, I will give the first rating to it. For ease of use, I will go with AWS because it is easier to use, and I will give Google Cloud the third position.

Considering the cost, I will give scalability an eight; it can expand well.

I think the pricing for Microsoft Azure Block Storage is economical; I will give it a seven.

I will give Microsoft Azure Block Storage an eight, and I recommend it to other users. If you are using an Azure solution, then the best recommended solution is Microsoft Azure Block Storage. Even if you are not using an Azure solution, if you want to map it to your desktops or virtual desktops, Microsoft Azure Block Storage will be a very good solution. My overall review rating for this product is eight.

I used Microsoft Azure Block Storage for two scenarios. The first one was for storing photos and videos for a mobile application and calling this storage using APIs. Another use was for an ETL process using Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, which stores data as Parquet files and binary files. I worked on this storage as a Parquet file to accelerate the processing time for the ETL.

Microsoft Azure Block Storage is cost-effective and has multiple plans such as hot and cold storage with read and write options. It offers many disaster recovery features, which made it a wonderful experience using these capabilities. The world is now directed toward a centralized data platform or Fabric to build a data lake house for data engineering, which keeps all data in a centralized place that's beneficial for the governance layer and unified governance. The integration with Active Directory is a nice feature.

Microsoft Azure Block Storage could provide a new authentication type such as basic authentication, not only Active Directory authentication. It would be much better if they offered data governance features along with basic authentication. Additionally, the ability to query any file type using a SQL query would be a valuable improvement, similar to Athena in AWS.

Three years.

I would rate customer service as a nine. I had contacted them before and they replied rapidly.

Positive

AWS S3 is competitive with Microsoft Azure Block Storage. I did not work deeply on AWS S3, but from my perspective, all AWS products require more effort than Microsoft. Microsoft is easier than any other platform.

Regarding the replication feature in Microsoft Azure Block Storage, it is helpful for a disaster recovery strategy. The analytics capabilities in Microsoft Azure Block Storage are brilliant. AWS S3 is the main competitor on the market for Microsoft Azure Block Storage. My overall review rating for this product is eight.

Mostly, I want to make various kinds of data accessible in a very secure and yet easy way that is scalable and available across global regions. That's why I'm proposing Azure Blob Storage.

The most valuable feature is that it's very affordable in comparison to competitors. The absolute best feature is the Azure Storage Explorer tool. The tool allows me to download to my device, control access, and manage data with ease. 

Additionally, the joint use of Azure portal further facilitates management depending on my location.

There are no areas that require harsh critical enhancements at this point in time. Maybe considerations on security regulations and hardware vendor information might be useful.

I have been using Azure Block Storage for five years now.

As far as I know, none of the other storage vendors have all these features so easily manageable and fast to set up as Block Storage. I have worked with various storage vendors, and Azure Block Storage stands out for its stability.

The scalability of Block Storage is amazing. It's so easy to set up that it might make me question if I've done something wrong, however, that's not the case. Scaling is just a matter of clicks within the same interface.

To cement my thoughts, I've communicated with the technical support team to confirm I'm on the right track. Their services are excellent.

Positive

The setup process is so easy that I don't even need to understand the intricacies; just follow the guidelines. The deployment, including step-up and access groups, takes around three full working days.

Azure Block Storage is about 30% cheaper than AWS Storage, especially when compared to S3 buckets. The cost is moderate.

I seriously recommend people take a deep dive into what Azure offers when it comes to storage. 

Overall, I rate the solution as ten out of ten.

We have SQL databases for data analytics and data snapshots and storage.

For Microsoft Azure Block Storage, we have large teams of approximately 2000 plus people, but until now we haven't experienced any blockages. Everything has been running smoothly.

When discussing Microsoft Azure Block Storage functionality, I can say it is easy to configure.

Regarding efficiency, it works well within Azure itself. To go with the same stack is always preferable.

Regarding pricing for Microsoft Azure Block Storage, it is worth it based on our utilization and tags. Cost-wise it is acceptable.

Regarding AI technology, it is helping by increasing the efficiency to work across technologies. We must always verify the answers, but to some extent it is helping.

Based on my experience, the feature they need to introduce for Microsoft Azure Block Storage is key rotations and asymmetric keys for access. Though we have solutions, it is lacking in these areas.

I have been working with Microsoft Azure Block Storage for a year only.

Regarding stability for Microsoft Azure Block Storage, until now it has been good, so I would rate it eight. We haven't fully tested all test cases yet.

When we discuss scalability, I would also rate it eight.

Regarding technical support for Microsoft Azure Block Storage, sometimes it is delayed. They have vast teams and if we raise an issue, it needs to go to the proper team, otherwise there will be delays. I am not quite satisfied sometimes, but resolution is always provided.

Support quality is good, but the main issue is the delay in handling tickets.

Positive

The initial setup of Microsoft Azure Block Storage is simple. It depends on the requirement, whether you want to use it for backup or adding it for an application, but overall it is pretty simple.

Regarding data protection strategy for Microsoft Azure Block Storage, I haven't worked on that yet.

Comparing Azure to AWS, where I worked previously, I cannot fully segregate them. If we divide them into two parts based on purpose, both are equally good. In terms of IAM security or authentication and authorization perspective, Azure is quite good, but for elasticity and stacks with more core solutions, AWS is better.

I can recommend it to other users, especially if they are already using the Azure stack.

On a scale of 1-10, I rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage an 8.

We are currently using Block Storage for file transfers and to store data artifacts. These also serve as a staging area for various tables and are utilized as a storage option for some databases.

I find it useful when it comes to Block Storage and local conventional storage. It is faster. 

Additionally, the ability to increase and scale out is really easy, allowing us to manage a large amount of data with reduced dependency on scalability issues.

There needs to be an improvement in overcoming certain limitations, such as adaptability to non-cloud environments. Block Storage could be more flexible when integrating with on-premise equipment. 

Moreover, its compatibility with various platforms could be enhanced to allow for a seamless operation across different cloud environments.

I have been working with Azure Blob Storage for approximately four years.

I would rate the stability of Block Storage as a seven out of ten. It isn't as stable as sound storage systems in a premise environment.

Block Storage allows for extensive scaling, and I can scale it to as much as I want.

Technical support has been adequate, and I haven't had significant issues with Blob Storage thus far.

Neutral

The initial setup isn’t straightforward, whether on-premise or on the cloud. It involves considerable planning and dependencies, unlike conventional systems where a straightforward CIFS connection might suffice.

In comparison to conventional storage solutions, Block Storage is more expensive. For medium-sized companies, especially when discussing cost and scalability, it can be quite expensive.

Each cloud platform I considered supports a Block Storage type.

I would recommend Block Storage to others. I give it an eight out of ten for recommendation to other users.

Neutral

I use Microsoft Azure Block Storage to store data for my users and to access it faster. This solution is better than storing data locally in my system or database. Accessing it over the cloud provides better performance for my solutions.

The public access with more security available is valuable. There is the need for any technical solution to access data over the cloud with high security.

The pricing or the trial period could be improved. They could try offering free storage for a longer period. Some alternatives are cheaper and available for long trial periods before the payment, which might help Microsoft to sell the service more.

I have been using it for two to three years.

I rate the stability as ten out of ten. It is very stable.

The scalability is rated at ten out of ten. It scales very well.

I have not had a case to open with Microsoft regarding Block Storage. Overall, there can be delays in contacting someone and resolving a ticket. I rate the overall support process as seven out of ten.

Neutral

The installation of the service is quick, taking only a couple of minutes. Integration and a second level of implementation could take no more than one to two hours.

One engineer usually performs maintenance.

I am not aware of the licensing cost specifics. It is pay-as-you-go, related to the size and usage of the storage. I do not remember the specific costs, but it's enough for my needs.

I rate the overall solution as eight out of ten.

I use storage accounts for multiple purposes, including storing blocks and using the storage account as a queue. 

Additionally, in some scenarios, I have used the storage account for storing tables in relation to the data. There are various use cases for which I employ the storage account.

There are multiple offerings. I can store data, use the storage account as a queue, and the pricing is also quite economical. The integration between Block Storage and VMs works fine, and the solution is easy to use and integrate. The solution deploys well, and although sometimes it is hybrid, most of the time it is purely cloud.

Support is an area where improvements can be made, particularly in response time for enterprise support. Otherwise, at this stage, I can't think of any improvement areas in the storage account. The configuration process could also be easier, though generally, the initial setup is simple.

I have been working with Azure Block Storage for more than seven years.

I would rate the stability of Block Storage at nine out of ten. There are always areas for improvement in any solution. Overall, the stability is very good.

Scalability is also good. Again, I would rate it at nine out of ten. The ability to scale is well-supported.

The response time for enterprise support needs improvement. Otherwise, I cannot think of any other issues with customer support.

Positive

The initial setup is quite easy. It depends on the user's experience, however, generally, it is easy to use and integrate.

The pricing is pocket friendly, considering the kind of offerings the storage account provides.

AWS and Google are both offering good solutions.

I am quite happy with it. I would definitely recommend Azure Block Storage to other users. 

The overall solution rating is nine out of ten.

I use the solution in my company to store different images and videos.

The solution's most valuable feature revolves around the security-wise functionalities of the tool our company gets from using SAS keys. The product provides very secure access since users with SAS keys can access the tool. Different access can be provided with different SAS keys, making it one of the best features of the product.

The scalability of the product is an area of concern where improvements are required.

Sometimes, the support team is not aware of the issues that the tool's customers face. I feel that from any improvement perspective, the support team should be aware of the product-related issues that could arise from the customers' end.

I have been using Microsoft Azure Block Storage for 3-4 years. I am an end user of the solution.

It is a good and stable solution overall. Stability-wise, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a six out of ten.

I have experience with the solution's technical support and am satisfied with its services. I rate the technical support as seven out of ten.

Neutral

I rate the tool's initial setup a nine on a scale of one to ten, where one means it is difficult and ten means it is easy.

The initial setup of the tool was easy.

The solution is deployed on the cloud services offered under Microsoft Azure.

During the installation process, my company first indulges in the preparation phase, then the testing process, and finally gets involved in the production and deployment parts.

Two people are required to take care of the tool's deployment process.

The solution can be deployed in two to three days after its testing phase.

I have experienced an ROI from the use of the solution in my company. I rate the ROI around six on a scale of one to ten, where one is zero percent and ten is a hundred percent.

I rate the product price as seven on a scale of one to ten, where one means low price and ten means high price. The tool is expensive. There are no additional costs attached to the product, so it is available at a fixed price.

I use Microsoft Azure Block Storage for our company's VM data needs since it is successful in the areas of APIs.

The most beneficial feature of the tool for data durability is that the data on it is redundant and can be kept at two different locations.

Microsoft Azure Block Storage's scalability features have not impacted our company's operations. My company has enough storage available in the tool and until now, we didn't require to scale up the storage.

Microsoft Azure Block Storage's availability features have supported our company's business continuity plans without any issues.

With Microsoft Azure Block Storage's availability features, data is always available to users.

A couple of people are required to take care of the tool's maintenance phase. The major duties of those involved in the maintenance of the tool include maintaining the product and dealing with the issues related to the product raised by the clients.

In terms of Microsoft Azure Block Storage's performance impact on a project, I saw that the accessibility to local storage it offers is not that fast as opposed to something that is on the cloud. I think it would be a better option to have the tool on the cloud. After moving to the cloud, the performance of the tool increased.

I suggest that the tool be used in two different availability zones and I feel that the redundancy is very essential because the data part is very important. The tool offers good options when it comes to redundancy, which I think needs to be utilized properly.

I recommend the product to those who plan to use it.

I rate the tool an eight out of ten.

I present block storage to virtual servers and putting some applications on it.

The most valuable part of Microsoft Azure is its scalability and availability, which make it easy to work with. Redundancy is available by default, meaning it is a seamless experience without additional setup. These features make Microsoft Azure versatile and reliable for block storage.

At the moment, I do not have anything specific in mind for improvements. The most important thing for me is accessibility and easy provisioning to multiple servers with different vendors.

I have been working with Azure Block Storage for four months.

The stability of block storage could be rated as nine out of ten.

Scalability should be rated as seven or eight out of ten. It is a significant advantage of the product.

The technical support could be rated as seven or eight out of ten. The speed of resolving issues could be improved, as it sometimes takes time.

Positive

I was previously working with VMware products and am now working in the public cloud with Microsoft Azure.

The initial setup depends on the environment itself, yet, overall it is easy.

Pricing could be rated as eight out of ten. It is reasonable, however, it can be cheaper.

I do not have experience with AWS or Google.

Overall, I would rate block storage as a six out of ten. I can recommend block storage to other users as it is suitable for any company size, from small to enterprise level, due to its scalability.