3.1.1. Create and Configure Storage Accounts

💡 First Principle: The initial configuration of a storage account—including its type, performance, redundancy, and network access—fundamentally determines its suitability for different workloads, balancing cost, performance, and security.

Scenario: You need to create a storage account for a new application that will store both frequently accessed web assets and less frequently accessed backups. The application also requires protection against regional outages and must be secured from public internet access.

At its First Principle, Azure storage accounts are the core building block for storing data in Azure, providing a unique namespace for objects such as blobs, files, queues, and tables. They deliver scalable, secure, and durable storage for diverse workloads.

This task delves into the practical application of storage account creation and management. You'll explore how to:

• Create and Configure Storage Accounts: Select the right account type, performance tier, and redundancy option.
• Configure Network Access: Secure your storage account by restricting access to authorized networks.
• Configure Blob Storage: Manage unstructured data with appropriate blob types and features.
• Configure Storage Tiers: Optimize costs by aligning data placement with access frequency.
• Configure Azure Files: Set up managed file shares for cloud and hybrid scenarios.
• Implement Azure Storage Explorer: Use a graphical tool for managing storage resources.

Mastering these concepts is crucial for the AZ-104 exam, as it assesses your ability to implement and manage foundational storage components.

⚠️ Common Pitfall: Choosing LRS (Locally-Redundant Storage) for critical production data to save costs, which leaves the data vulnerable to a datacenter-level outage.

Key Trade-Offs:

• Durability/Availability vs. Cost: Higher redundancy options like GRS and GZRS provide greater protection against failures but are more expensive than LRS.

Reflection Question: How does the initial configuration of a storage account—including its type, performance, redundancy, and network access—fundamentally determine its suitability for different workloads, balancing cost, performance, and security?