Managing file servers across multiple locations can be complex, expensive and also time-consuming. Azure File Sync is a cloud service that allows you to centralise your file shares in Azure but also allows you to maintain local access with the performance of a traditional file service.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what Azure File Sync is, explain its core components, walk through common use cases and pricing considerations, and show how it integrates with other Azure services.
Introduction to Azure File Sync
Azure File Sync enables you to replicate file data from Windows servers to Azure Files, allowing centralised management, cloud-based backup and seamless access to data directly from the cloud or from on-premises locations.
The service is particularly useful for organisations that want to maintain the performance of local file access but also benefit from the cloud scalability and resilience that Azure offers.
One of the key features is Cloud Tiering, which allows you to keep frequently accessed files on-premises, while offloading infrequently used data to Azure. Which allows you to reduce the amount of physical storage you have on-premises but you are not sacrificing user experience or the performance of file access or retrieval.
Key components of Azure File Sync
Azure File Sync is made up of several components that work together to provide seamless syncing and management. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make up an Azure File Sync deployment that you need to understand while looking at the solution and deploying it.
- Storage Sync Service : The control plane within Azure that manages all synchronisation relationships.
- Sync Group : Defines the relationship between one cloud endpoint (Azure file share) and one or more server endpoints.
- Server Endpoint : The specific folder path on a registered server that syncs with Azure.
- Cloud Endpoint : The Azure file share that acts as the central sync location.
- Registered Server : A Windows Server where the Azure File Sync agent is installed.
- Azure File Sync Agent : Software installed on the server that enables synchronisation between on-prem and Azure.
Common use cases for Azure File Sync
One of the most common scenarios where Azure File Sync shines is in branch office environments. Many organisations operate multiple sites, each with its own file server. With Azure File Sync, you can consolidate these into a central Azure File Share while still maintaining local performance. This means that staff in each location continue to access files quickly from their local server, but those files are synchronised to a central repository in Azure. Not only does this simplify file management, but it also enables faster access for cloud-based applications and services.
Azure File Sync also plays a valuable role in gradual cloud migrations. Rather than doing a large-scale cutover that risks downtime or disruption, organisations can use Azure File Sync to start syncing data from their existing file servers into Azure. This hybrid setup allows you to move at your own pace, trial workloads in Azure, and transition fully when ready, all without impacting end users.
Another key use case is disaster recovery. Syncing data to Azure ensures that even if a local server fails or is lost, your files are still available in the cloud. This simplifies recovery efforts and reduces the risk of permanent data loss. Combined with Azure Backup or storage replication options, Azure File Sync becomes part of a comprehensive business continuity strategy.
Finally, many organisations adopt Azure File Sync as part of a hybrid IT strategy. It enables you to reduce on-premises storage costs through Cloud Tiering, keep frequently accessed files close to users, and maintain control over legacy applications that still require traditional file shares. At the same time, it opens the door to scalable, centralised management in Azure, offering the best of both worlds.
Azure File Sync cost considerations
When looking at Azure File Sync as an option for your environment, there are a few cost factors to keep in mind.
First, you'll need to account for Azure Storage costs. There is a couple of different billing models you can choice these days but ultimately you need to consider things like the amount of data you're storing, the media tier you choose (such as Standard or Premium), the access tier (Cool, Hot or Transaction Optimised) and the redundancy option configured on the storage account, like LRS (Locally Redundant Storage), ZRS (Zone Redundant Storage), or GRS (Geo-Redundant Storage). These choices will impact both performance and pricing.
On top of that, bandwidth and transaction costs come into play. While uploading data to Azure (ingress) is free, downloading it (egress) is charged based on how much you pull out of the cloud. You’ll also incur costs for certain operations performed within the Azure Files service, things like reading, writing, and listing files all generate transactions that are billable depending on your tier and billing model.
Then there’s the Azure File Sync service charge itself, which is currently priced at $6 per server, per month. This is a flat fee applied to each server you register with the service, regardless of how much data is synced.
All of these elements, storage, redundancy, transactions, bandwidth, and agent licensing, need to be factored into your cost estimate. It’s worth using theAzure Pricing Calculator to model your usage and test different configurations to find what’s most cost-effective.
How Azure File Sync integrates with Azure Backup and other services
Azure File Sync is a native Azure service, so as you can imagine it integrates well with a lot of other services within the Azure ecosystem.
- Azure Backup can be used to protect your Azure file shares with scheduled backups and point-in-time recovery capabilities.
- Azure Monitor can be used to monitor the status of the service and help with any troubleshooting issues.
- Azure Networking, you can easily integrate your Azure File Sync group into private endpoint connections if necessary.
Azure File Sync FAQ
What is the difference between Azure File Sync and AzCopy?
Azure File Sync focuses on synchronising files between Azure and on-premises file systems, whereas AzCopy is designed for bulk data transfer between various Azure storage types.
Is Azure File Sync the same as OneDrive?
No. Azure File Sync is built for IT administrators managing shared file servers and enables hybrid scenarios by syncing on-premises file shares to Azure.
OneDrive is a user-focused cloud storage solution for individuals or teams to access, sync, and collaborate on personal files across devices.
How do I monitor Azure File Sync health?
You can monitor the health of Azure File Sync using several tools and methods, within the Azure Portal you can go into the Storage Sync Service management blade, click on Sync groups and within the Sync group you can view the status.
Azure File Sync status
You can also use the Event Viewer on the server to view information. The Azure File Sync logs are detailed under the Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > FileSync section.
Azure File Sync Event viewer
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