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Azure Blob Storage provides a flat, internet-friendly namespace for managing files in the cloud. It’s the go-to solution for scalable object storage, offering robust security, tiered pricing, and rich data management features.
The image is a diagram titled "Container/Blob Storage" showing a structure with "Containers (Blobs)" at the top, followed by "Internet-friendly" and "Ubiquitous" in colored blocks.

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Architecture and Namespace

Within an Azure Storage account, you organize data into containers—each holding an unlimited number of blobs (files). This flat namespace means:
  • Containers cannot be nested, ensuring concise URLs (e.g., https://<account>.blob.core.windows.net/<container>/<blob>).
  • Each blob can be up to 4 TB in size.
  • You can create as many containers as needed.
The image illustrates a storage structure with storage accounts leading to multiple containers and blobs, highlighting features like a flat structure, multiple blobs, and a maximum blob size of 4 TB.

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Blob Types and Use Cases

Azure supports three blob types to optimize for different scenarios:
Blob TypeDescriptionCommon Use Case
Block blobsEfficient for uploading/downloading large files in blocks.Images, videos, documents
Page blobsRandom read/write on fixed-size pages (512 B pages).Virtual machine disks
Append blobsOptimized for append-only operations; ideal for continuous logs.Telemetry logging, audit trails
The image is an infographic describing three types of blobs: Block Blobs, Page Blobs, and Append Blobs, each with their specific uses and characteristics.

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Access Tiers in Standard Storage Accounts

Optimize costs by selecting the right access tier:
TierStorage CostRead/Write CostBest For
HotHigherLowerFrequently accessed
CoolLowerHigherInfrequently accessed
The image compares "Hot" and "Cool" data storage accounts, highlighting that "Hot" accounts have more expensive storage but cheaper upload/download charges, while "Cool" accounts have cheaper storage but more expensive upload/download charges.

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Archive Tier

For long-term retention of rarely accessed data:
  • Archive: Lowest storage cost, highest retrieval latency (up to 15 hours) and cost.
The image describes "Archive Accounts" as a storage solution for rarely used files, highlighting features like very high latency, very cheap storage, and high retrieval costs. It notes that retrieving data can take hours.

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Storage Account Options at a Glance

Choose from these account types and tiers:
  • Premium: Low-latency, high-throughput workloads.
  • Standard Hot: Frequently accessed data.
  • Standard Cool: Infrequently accessed data.
  • Archive: Long-term storage for rarely accessed files.
The image is a diagram categorizing different types of storage accounts and their usage: Premium Accounts for critical low-latency files, Standard Account hot tier for frequently accessed files, Standard Account cool tier for less frequently accessed files, and Archive for rarely used files.

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Pricing and Retention Policies

Billing factors include:
  • Data stored (GB/month)
  • Data operations (ingress/egress)
Standard cool and archive tiers have minimum retention periods:
TierMinimum Retention
Cool30 days
Archive180 days
Early deletion in cool or archive tiers incurs an early deletion fee for any data removed before the minimum retention period.
The image shows a pricing and timing chart for two account types: "Standard Account, cool tier" with a 30-day minimum and "Archive" with a 180-day minimum.

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Automating Data Lifecycle with Policies

Use Azure Blob Lifecycle Management to transition blobs between tiers or delete stale data automatically based on rules (e.g., age, last modified). 
{
  "rules": [
    {
      "name": "move-to-cool",
      "type": "Lifecycle",
      "enabled": true,
      "definition": {
        "filters": { "blobTypes": ["blockBlob"] },
        "actions": {
          "baseBlob": { "tierToCool": { "daysAfterModificationGreaterThan": 30 } }
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}
The image illustrates a lifecycle management policy flowchart, showing data transitioning from "Standard Accounts" through "HOT" and "COOL" storage, to "Archive," and finally to "Deletion."

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Change Tracking with Blob Change Feed

Enable Blob Change Feed to record every change (create, update, delete) in a durable, replayable log. This supports:
  • Point-in-time restores
  • Auditing and compliance
  • Data synchronization across accounts
The image is an infographic about "Blob Change Feed" in a storage account, highlighting features like automatic tracking of changes, record-keeping, backup plan restore, and file synchronization to external storage.

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