What is Azure File Sync & how to configure it?

Summary

In this video, the process of setting up and deploying Azure File Sync is thoroughly explained. The script walks through the steps of creating a virtual machine, adding a drive, and setting up Azure File Sync to synchronize data between an on-premises server and an Azure File Share. Key points covered include creating a storage account, registering the server, and configuring synchronization. The video emphasizes the benefits of using Azure File Sync, such as saving local storage space by keeping files in the cloud and only downloading them when needed. The setup ensures bi-directional synchronization initially, followed by unidirectional sync for updates.

Takeaways

• 😀 Azure File Sync enables seamless synchronization between on-premises storage and cloud storage.
• 😀 The tutorial demonstrates how to set up an Azure File Sync service to sync data between a VM and a cloud file share.
• 😀 A virtual machine (VM) is created with C, D, and F drives, where the F drive will be synchronized with the cloud.
• 😀 The Azure File Sync service requires the installation of an agent on the VM to register it with the Azure portal.
• 😀 After creating the virtual disk in the VM, it is formatted with the NTFS file system to be used for synchronization.
• 😀 To sync data between the VM and the cloud, an Azure File Sync resource is created within the same region as the storage account.
• 😀 Registration of the server with the Azure File Sync service is done through the Azure portal, requiring the installation of a sync agent.
• 😀 The sync is configured to be bidirectional initially, syncing files from both the F drive and the cloud file share.
• 😀 Once the initial sync is complete, the sync becomes unidirectional, with files from the F drive syncing to the cloud only.
• 😀 The demo emphasizes that Azure File Sync helps save local disk space by storing files as shortcuts on the VM, with data being downloaded when accessed.

Q & A

What is the objective of using Azure File Sync in the video?

The objective is to automatically sync data stored in the F drive of a virtual machine (VM1) to an Azure file share (demo) in the cloud.

What drives are present on the virtual machine (VM1) in the video?

The virtual machine has a C drive, a temporary D drive, and an E drive assigned to a DVD-ROM. An additional F drive is created for syncing with Azure.

What is the purpose of creating a new F drive on the virtual machine?

The new F drive is used to store data that will be automatically synced with the Azure file share (demo).

How is the F drive formatted and made available on the virtual machine?

The F drive is created as a raw disk, formatted with the NTFS file system, and assigned a drive letter to make it available for use.

What service is used to sync the data between the VM’s F drive and the Azure file share?

Azure File Sync is used to synchronize the data between the local F drive on the virtual machine and the Azure file share in the cloud.

How do you register a server with Azure File Sync?

To register a server with Azure File Sync, you download and install the Azure File Sync agent on the server, then provide Azure credentials and select the appropriate subscription and sync service.

What is the significance of the sync group in Azure File Sync?

The sync group is used to define the relationship between the on-premises server (VM1) and the cloud file share, ensuring that data is synchronized between them.

What does it mean for a file to be in 'online' or 'offline' status in Azure File Sync?

'Online' means the file is available as a shortcut in the cloud but not occupying local storage, while 'offline' means the file has been downloaded and is occupying local storage on the server.

What is the direction of sync after the initial sync in Azure File Sync?

After the initial sync, the direction becomes unidirectional, meaning data is only synced from the F drive on the VM to the Azure file share, but not the other way around.

Can the Azure File Sync service be used with servers outside of Azure?

Yes, Azure File Sync can be used with servers hosted on-premises or in other cloud environments such as AWS, as long as the server meets the requirements for the sync service.