Azure Files Implementation — Cloud File Share Setup
Azure Files Implementation sets up a cloud file share your team can use like a normal network drive. IT Partner configures the required Azure components, creates the Azure Storage Account and Azure File Share, maps the share as a network drive on one server or workstation, verifies read/write access, and provides instructions for manually mapping the drive on other devices. The service is $875 per project, runs 5 days, and is managed by Roman Sotnik.
What this engagement is
Azure Files is Microsoft's cloud service for SMB network file shares hosted in Azure: you connect to data in the cloud the same way you would to a share on your local network. The platform also supports Azure File Sync for local caching, cloud tiering, and multi-site synchronization, encryption of data at rest and in transit, integrated snapshots, and identity-based access options. The goal of this fixed-scope service is focused: configure the necessary Azure components, create the Storage Account and File Share, connect the share as a network drive on one of your devices, verify that files can be written and read, and hand over clear instructions for connecting other devices. Upon completion, IT Partner provides a project closeout report showing the final project status, including acceptance criteria matching, outstanding issues, and the final budget. The plan may vary depending on your needs.
Success criteria
What you receive
How the work unfolds
Confirm scope, the target Azure subscription and resource group, the Azure region, share naming, quota and redundancy preferences, the device that will receive the included drive mapping, and the connectivity approach.
Prepare the required Azure settings, including resource group placement, naming, and any firewall or network access configuration needed for the storage account.
Create the Azure Storage Account and the Azure File Share with the agreed name, quota, and redundancy configuration.
Map the Azure File Share as a network drive on the agreed single server or workstation using the confirmed access model, and confirm the connection persists as expected.
Verify the implementation by confirming the share is reachable and that files can be written to and read from the mapped drive.
Deliver the manual drive-mapping instruction so the customer can connect additional workstations, and complete the project closeout report.
Prerequisites
Who does what
IT Partner
- Configure Azure Storage account data hosting.
- Enable File Share access to a Storage Account.
- Set up File Share connection as a network drive on a single server or a workstation.
- Provision a configuration instruction for manual drive mapping to a workstation.
Your team
- Provide a dedicated point of contact responsible for working with IT Partner.
- Coordinate any involved third-party vendor resources and schedules.
- Facilitate configuration of all network equipment such as load balancers, routers, firewalls, and switches.
- Inform users about upcoming changes and provide the necessary information.
What's not included
Limitations & technical notes
Frequently asked questions
What is included in IT Partner's Azure Files Implementation service?
IT Partner configures the required Azure components, creates an Azure Storage Account and Azure File Share, enables file share access, maps the share as a network drive on one server or workstation, and verifies read/write access. The service also includes manual drive-mapping instructions for a workstation and a project closeout report with final status, acceptance criteria matching, outstanding issues, and final budget.
How much does the Azure Files Implementation cost, and how long does it take?
The service is $875 per project and runs 5 days, quoted fixed-price in writing before work begins. Azure consumption charges for the storage itself are billed by Microsoft separately and are not included in the service price.
What business problem does Azure Files Implementation solve?
It gets an organization started with Azure Files as a cloud-based network file share — an Azure-hosted share that behaves like a normal mapped network drive, without running your own file server for it.
What is Azure Files?
Azure Files is Microsoft's cloud service for creating and using SMB network file shares hosted in Azure. The wider Azure Files family also supports Azure File Sync for local caching, cloud tiering, and multi-site synchronization, though this specific implementation service is focused on creating and connecting an Azure File Share.
Will IT Partner map the Azure File Share to all user computers?
No. The included scope covers setting up the Azure File Share connection as a mapped network drive on a single server or a single workstation. IT Partner also provides instructions for manually mapping the drive so the customer can connect other devices.
Does the service include testing that the Azure File Share works?
Yes. Verification is part of the implementation plan, and the success criteria include confirming that the Azure Storage Account and Azure File Share are up and running, that the share is mapped as a network drive, and that files can be written to and read from the mapped drive.
Can we use Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID identities for share permissions?
The included setup uses the access model confirmed during kickoff, typically storage account key-based mapping. Identity-based access to Azure Files — on-premises Active Directory Domain Services integration, Microsoft Entra Kerberos for hybrid identities, or Microsoft Entra-only scenarios — is Microsoft-supported but requires additional design work and is scoped separately.
What does the customer need to provide for this service?
An active Azure subscription with appropriate permissions for IT Partner, decisions on region, naming, quota, and redundancy, an identified target server or workstation with administrative access, network connectivity to Azure Files over SMB (outbound TCP 445 or an approved alternative such as VPN or private endpoint), a dedicated point of contact, and coordination of any network equipment changes.
Does this service include data migration to Azure Files?
No. Data migration to cloud services, including Azure Files, is not included. This engagement configures Azure Files and connects one server or workstation as a mapped network drive; moving existing file server content is separate work.
Does this service configure Azure File Sync, local caching, or cloud tiering?
No. Azure File Sync, cloud tiering, multi-site synchronization, and disaster recovery configurations are capabilities of the Azure Files family but are not deliverables of this engagement. They can be discussed as separate work.
Does this service include customer team training or user communication?
No. Customer team training is not included and could be added as an additional service. Informing users about upcoming changes is a customer responsibility.
What documentation is provided at the end of the project?
You receive configuration instructions for manually mapping the Azure File Share to a workstation and a project closeout report covering final status, acceptance criteria matching, outstanding issues, and the final budget. More extensive documentation can be provided for an additional fee.