Configure Additional Storage Classes in OpenShift (ARO)

Configure Additional Storage Classes in OpenShift (ARO)
Connect applications to Azure disk types that match your cost and performance needs

When running applications in Azure Red Hat OpenShift (ARO), not all workloads are created equal—some need high-speed, high-performance disks, while others just need cheap and reliable storage. That’s where configuring additional storage classes comes in.

By default, ARO provides a basic storage class. But to fully match your app’s needs to Azure’s disk offerings (like Standard HDD, Standard SSD, or Premium SSD), you’ll want to define your own storage classes.

Why Add More Storage Classes?
Not every application benefits from the same kind of storage. Here's what additional storage classes let you do:

Optimize cost: Use lower-cost disks for dev/test or infrequently accessed data.

Boost performance: Assign faster disks for databases, logs, and heavy workloads.

Simplify management: Automatically pick the right disk type for a workload by just referencing the right class in your deployment YAML.

Azure Disk Options
ARO integrates directly with Azure Disk, and you can map to these types:

Standard HDD (Standard_LRS): Cheapest, for cold or archival storage.

Standard SSD (StandardSSD_LRS): Mid-tier, for moderate I/O.

Premium SSD (Premium_LRS): High-performance, low-latency storage for production apps.

How It Works (No Code Explanation)
StorageClass Definition: You tell OpenShift what kind of Azure disk to use by creating a StorageClass. Each class points to a specific disk SKU.

Dynamic Provisioning: When an app asks for storage via a PersistentVolumeClaim (PVC), OpenShift uses the StorageClass to automatically create and attach the right Azure disk.

Matching Use Case: Based on the StorageClass used, your app gets a disk that suits its performance or budget requirements—without you having to manually intervene.

You create these StorageClasses once, and then simply refer to them in your PVCs or deployment files.

Final Thoughts
Adding custom StorageClasses in ARO gives you more control over storage performance and cost. Instead of sticking to the default, map Azure’s disk variety directly to your workloads' needs. It’s a simple change with big operational benefits—just define, assign, and let OpenShift do the rest.

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