MakrandTare - PeerSpot reviewer
Enterprise architect at Tech Mahindra Limited
Real User
Top 5
Helps to download, upload, backup and store data but needs improvement in stability
Pros and Cons
  • "We use Microsoft Azure Block Storage to store, upload and download data. We can also use it as a backup."
  • "Microsoft Azure Block Storage's stability needs improvement."

What is our primary use case?

We use Microsoft Azure Block Storage to store, upload and download data. We can also use it as a backup. 

What needs improvement?

Microsoft Azure Block Storage's stability needs improvement. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with the tool for three to four months. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage's stability an eight out of ten. 

Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure Block Storage
April 2024
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How was the initial setup?

Microsoft Azure Block Storage's setup is straightforward. You need to create a storage account and give a unique name to it. We have deployed the solution on the cloud. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I use Microsoft Azure Block Storage's free version. 

What other advice do I have?

I would rate the product an eight out of ten. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Solution Architect at Ten-X
Real User
Top 20
Supports many different file types, highly reliable, and high level support
Pros and Cons
  • "The major benefit of using Microsoft Azure Block Storage is that it supports various types of data, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, without requiring different tools to read each type. This comprehensive approach simplifies the data handling process for data engineers and allows for seamless data transfer to downstream applications. In essence, this is a data paradigm shift that enables easy ingestion of diverse data types."
  • "I encountered a challenge where certain metadata was located on a secured network that could only be accessed through a VPN. As there was no direct connector available to reach the private networks that require VPN access, we had to rely on manual effort to access the data. This could potentially be addressed as an area of improvement, especially with regard to accessibility issues where data is only accessible through a VPN connection."

What is our primary use case?

We are managing numerous data sources, including Excel, CSV, and ZIP files, with some of them being located on the public Internet. Our current task involves transferring this data into a data warehouse using Microsoft Azure Block Storage.

What is most valuable?

The major benefit of using Microsoft Azure Block Storage is that it supports various types of data, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, without requiring different tools to read each type. This comprehensive approach simplifies the data handling process for data engineers and allows for seamless data transfer to downstream applications. In essence, this is a data paradigm shift that enables easy ingestion of diverse data types.

What needs improvement?

I encountered a challenge where certain metadata was located on a secured network that could only be accessed through a VPN. As there was no direct connector available to reach the private networks that require VPN access, we had to rely on manual effort to access the data. This could potentially be addressed as an area of improvement, especially with regard to accessibility issues where data is only accessible through a VPN connection.

It appears that the solution we are working with is already in a beta version, and we have been managing a large volume of files by pulling them in at fixed schedules to determine whether a file is new or has been modified, we need to obtain the last modified date and compare it with the previous value. However, there is a new concept of a rolling window that can automatically detect newly arrived files and push them into downstream processes. From the logs I have seen, it appears that Microsoft is actively working on simplifying the file management process and reducing the need for engineers to manually pull files using specific logic. This includes developing a feature that automatically identifies new files and distinguishes them from old ones based on their metadata. It would be helpful to have this feature implemented.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Azure Block Storage for approximately two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I did not face any glitches or stability issues.

I rate the stability of Microsoft Azure Block Storage a nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have more than 20 developers and 50 to 100 business users using the solution in my company. 

The scalability of Microsoft Azure Block Storage has different options.

When opting for a pay-as-you-go service, several options exist, such as enabling the Autoscale feature or fixing the scalability ratio. It is essential to keep in mind that choosing the scale-out option comes with additional costs. Therefore, it is crucial to select whether to go with auto-scaling or manual scaling carefully. The system provides the flexibility to choose either option based on specific needs and budget constraints.

I rate the scalability of Microsoft Azure Block Storage an eight out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

The level of support provided by Microsoft Azure Block Storage is impressive, as they offer three different levels of assistance based on the priority level of the issue. For technical issues, they can typically provide support within one day for critical issues, two days for high-priority issues, and three or four days for normal-priority issues.

I rate the support of Microsoft Azure Block Storage a nine out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Microsoft Azure Block Storage does not take long to deploy. Each service can take 10 to 15 seconds to set up.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of Microsoft Azure Block Storage has a fair price. However, the price could be lower.

I rate the price of Microsoft Azure Block Storage a seven out of ten.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We have evaluated Amazon AWS. They provide a good service. However, Microsoft solutions have more user-friendly interfaces.

What other advice do I have?

I would advise others that this is a good solution and it is reliable. I strongly recommend this solution.

I rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage a nine out of ten.

The solution is compatible with every format, and different types of data. This is useful for data engineers. This is the best solution to have because everything is in a single point.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure Block Storage
April 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Azure Block Storage. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2024.
769,976 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Solution architect
Real User
Good support, scalable, and stable
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is easy to purchase and is a Microsoft product, making procurement straightforward."
  • "Microsoft Azure Block Storage can improve the configuration to be more user-friendly."

What is our primary use case?

We integrated Commvault as the customer's backup solution, allowing us to copy the backups to their Azure infrastructure via Block Storage. In Commvault, we configured Block Storage as the destination to write the data for the backup.

What is most valuable?

The solution is easy to purchase and is a Microsoft product, making procurement straightforward. Additionally, the majority of engineers have extensive knowledge of Block Storage, meaning that if this solution is implemented in any organization, it is easy to find a support person who is well-versed in the product. Technically, this solution has a lot of features, such as deduplication, to choose from.

What needs improvement?

Microsoft Azure Block Storage can improve the configuration to be more user-friendly.

The solution's user interface can be more user-friendly.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We implemented the solution six to seven months ago, and we have not encountered many challenges. We have faced some minor operational issues, but overall it is functioning as expected.

I give the stability a nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I give the scalability of the solution a nine out of ten.

We have over 25,000 customers using the solution.

How are customer service and support?

We will receive the necessary support for the integration and supporting aspects. Microsoft's full-time support team is always available to provide assistance with various processes.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

With an Azure level of understanding, the solution is relatively straightforward to implement. However, from a technical standpoint, it is not the most straightforward to configure, and so I would rate it a seven out of ten.

What about the implementation team?

We implement the solution for our clients.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Customers with an enterprise agreement typically receive Microsoft products at a discounted rate compared to other products.

The cost of procuring storage depends on the customer's license availability. If the customer has an EA agreement in their price agreement with Microsoft, they can access storage at a cheaper price. However, if they do not have the EA agreement, they will incur a higher cost.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

When comparing G-Cloud and AWS to Azure, the challenge isn't necessarily from other products, but rather the customers seem to have a greater investment in Azure.

What other advice do I have?

I give the solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Senior Software Engineer at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 20
Stores different data types, scales well, and simple implementation
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Microsoft Azure Block Storage are it stores different types of data traditional data and connectivity through FTP. Additionally, we do not need a high-speed fetching system for operations and filesharing works well for us."
  • "I have used Amazon's solutions which are better than Microsoft's. However, since I have predominately Microsoft solutions it is a better choice for me to use another Microsoft solution."

What is our primary use case?

We use Microsoft Azure Block Storage for storing data.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Microsoft Azure Block Storage are it stores different types of data traditional data and connectivity through FTP. Additionally, we do not need a high-speed fetching system for operations and filesharing works well for us.

What needs improvement?

I have used Amazon's solutions which are better than Microsoft's. However, since I have predominately Microsoft solutions it is a better choice for me to use another Microsoft solution.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Azure Block Storage for approximately one and a half years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the price of Microsoft Azure Block Storage a six out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have a large team that uses the solution.

There are times the solution can be slowed down in response time.

I rate the scalability of Microsoft Azure Block Storage an eight out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

I did not use the support. However, I heard the support was good.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Microsoft Azure Block Storage is simple.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of Microsoft Azure Block Storage is expensive. They should provide a more efficient cost.

I rate the price of Microsoft Azure Block Storage a six out of ten.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Fed Yunis Zapata - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Solutions Architect at Canvia
Real User
Top 10
Provides secure cloud storage, and services in the cloud are improved every week
Pros and Cons
  • "It provides secure cloud storage."
  • "The performance could be improved, but all the services in the cloud are improved every week."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution for the availability and to archive data. I am using the latest version.

What is most valuable?

It provides secure cloud storage.

What needs improvement?

The performance could be improved, but all the services in the cloud are improved every week.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used Azure Block Storage for many years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's easily scalable.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is always helpful.

How was the initial setup?

Setup was easy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The cost is very low. The cost is something like $0.01 to $0.50 per gig.

It's pay per use. We have a yearly license.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate this solution 10 out of 10. 

For those who want to use this solution, my advice is to know how to use the services and make a proof of concept for the requirements. If all goes well, then go to production.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Pradeep Saxena - PeerSpot reviewer
Chief Technical Officer at Evangelist
Real User
Provides secure access and helps to monitor logs
Pros and Cons
  • "The tool is most valuable for scenarios involving logs and monitoring. For example, logs are generated when using services like Front Door."
  • "Improving the pricing structure would be beneficial."

What is our primary use case?

Use cases for Microsoft Azure Block Storage involve cloud storage for website publishing and customer data sharing. Many customers utilize it for data-sharing purposes. Customers commonly use flash storage to store and access data. Storage is integral to various Software as a Service solutions, where Block Storage is automatically provisioned for premium or standard tiers.

What is most valuable?

Performance improvement depends on how we utilize the resources. The tool is most valuable for scenarios involving logs and monitoring. For example, logs are generated when using services like Front Door. The tool's most valuable function is providing secure access. Additionally, it connects with websites, allowing users to upload and download data. 

The tool is reliable and works fine. 

What needs improvement?

Improving the pricing structure would be beneficial. If the pricing could be more flexible and reduced, Microsoft Azure Block Storage would likely see increased usage.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with the product since 2014. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the solution's stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the tool's scalability a ten out of ten. 

How are customer service and support?

I've had a poor experience with Microsoft's technical support. Even without premium support, Microsoft's assistance hasn't been satisfactory. There have been instances where support staff lacked sufficient expertise to address issues. 

How was the initial setup?

The tool's deployment is simple. 

What other advice do I have?

The solution is useful for enterprise customers. I rate it a nine out of ten. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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HaiPham - PeerSpot reviewer
Managing Director at sea-solutión
MSP
Top 5
Performs well, scalable, but initial setup could be easier
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Microsoft Azure Block Storage is its performance."
  • "The initial setup of Microsoft Azure Block Storage is more complex than Google Drive, but it is still not too difficult."

What is our primary use case?

We use Microsoft Azure Block Storage to store files uploaded by our users.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Microsoft Azure Block Storage is its performance.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Azure Block Storage for approximately five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Microsoft Azure Block Storage is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of Microsoft Azure Block Storage is good.

We have less than five people using this solution in my organization. We do not have plans to increase the usage.

How are customer service and support?

I have contacted the support once and I had a good experience.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have previously used Google Drive.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Microsoft Azure Block Storage is more complex than Google Drive, but it is still not too difficult.

What about the implementation team?

I did the implementation of the solution in-house.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Microsoft Azure Block Storage is an expensive solution and I pay monthly.

What other advice do I have?

We use one person for the maintenance of the solution.

I would recommend Google Drive instead of Microsoft Azure Block Storage.

I rate Microsoft Azure Block Storage a seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Camilo Velasco - PeerSpot reviewer
CTO at Sosty
Real User
Top 5
Extremely easy to connect, user-friendly, and no maintenance required
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of this solution are the ease with which you connect and use it."
  • "The solution can be improved by including quicker hard drive access and larger bandwidth as part of the standard licensing fee."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case of the solution is for objects search, objects with information, and documents file search.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of this solution are the ease with which you connect and use it.

What needs improvement?

The solution can be improved by including quicker hard drive access and larger bandwidth as part of the standard licensing fee.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for seven years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is extremely stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is easily scalable.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

The implementation was completed in-house.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution requires an input-output operations fee as well as pay per gigabyte of storage. The solution also offers a quicker hard drive option and a higher bandwidth output for an additional cost.

What other advice do I have?

I give the solution an eight out of ten.

We have 23 people in our organization currently using the solution.

We do not require anyone for maintenance or deployment.

I suggest to anyone wanting to use this solution to be careful with the design of the folders because if you add files without folders it can get messy.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Azure Block Storage Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: April 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Azure Block Storage Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.