Tutorial / Cram Notes
Importing Data into Azure
To import data into Azure, you can use the Azure Import/Export service by following these steps:
- Prepare Your Drives:
- First, determine the amount of data you will be importing and ensure you have enough hard drives to accommodate this data.
- For encryption, install the Azure Import/Export tool, which is used to copy data to the drive and encrypt it with BitLocker.
- Create an Import Job in Azure Portal:
- Go to the Azure portal and create a new import job within the Storage account where you want your data to be imported.
- Provide the details required, such as return address and the name of the storage blob or file share.
- Ship Your Drives to Azure Datacenter:
- Once the job is created, you will get shipping details. Send your drives to the specified Azure datacenter.
- Azure Datacenter Copies the Data:
- The Azure operations team will copy the data from your drives to the specified blob or file share in your Azure storage account.
- Return of Drives:
- After the import job is completed, Azure will return your drives.
Exporting Data from Azure
To export data from Azure, the process is reversed:
- Request an Export Job in Azure Portal:
- Within the Azure portal, create an export job in the storage account from which you want your data to be exported.
- Specify which data or blob containers you want to export.
- Azure Prepares Your Drives:
- The Azure operations team will copy the data onto drives and encrypt them with BitLocker.
- Drives are Shipped to You:
- Microsoft will ship the drives back to your specified address.
- Receive and Unlock Drives:
- Once you receive the drives, use BitLocker keys to unlock them and access your data.
Considerations for Importing and Exporting Data
Here are some factors to consider when creating import and export jobs in Azure:
- Data Size: The service is ideal for transferring large amounts of data that might otherwise take a long time to upload or download over the internet.
- Cost: Azure Import/Export service incurs a fee per job and per drive processed. Additionally, there will be shipping costs.
- Speed: Using this service can be much faster than transferring data over the internet, especially for large datasets.
- Encryption: Drives are encrypted with BitLocker for security during transport. You must provide the BitLocker keys to encrypt (for import) and to decrypt (for export) the drives.
- Drive Specifications: Azure has specific requirements for the drives, including the types of drives supported and the file system formats.
- Shipping: You must manage the shipping logistics in accordance with Azure’s guidelines, including using recommended carriers and adhering to shipping windows.
Here’s a comparison table to summarize:
| Criteria | Import | Export |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To transfer data into Azure storage. | To transfer data out of Azure storage. |
| Process | Drives are prepared and sent to Azure. | Azure prepares drives and sends to the user. |
| Encryption | BitLocker used before sending. | Azure encrypts before shipment. |
| Data Size | Ideal for large datasets. | Ideal for large datasets. |
| Costs | Per job fee, per drive fee, shipping costs. | Per job fee, per drive fee, shipping costs. |
| Transfer Speed | Faster for large amounts of data. | Faster for large amounts of data. |
Conclusion
As an Azure Administrator, understanding how to create import and export jobs is fundamental for managing data in Azure. This capability is especially important for handling large-scale data migrations securely and efficiently. When preparing for the AZ-104 exam, ensure that you are comfortable with these procedures, their considerations, and the relevant Azure portal interfaces to manage these tasks effectively.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: Azure Import/Export service is used to securely import large amounts of data into Azure Blob storage and Azure Files by shipping hard disk drives to an Azure data center.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: Azure Import/Export service is designed for transferring large amounts of data to and from Azure using physical disk drives, which is useful when transferring over the network is either too expensive or not feasible.
Which of the following can be used to export data from Azure Blob storage?
- A) Azure Import/Export service
- B) Azure Data Factory
- C) Azure Data Box
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Azure Import/Export service, Azure Data Factory, and Azure Data Box can all be used to export data from Azure Blob storage depending on the size and requirements of the data transfer.
True or False: Azure Import/Export service supports importing data into Azure Table storage.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: Azure Import/Export service is used to import/export data to Azure Blob storage and Azure Files, but it does not support Azure Table storage.
When creating an import job with the Azure Import/Export service, which of the following is required?
- A) Drive journal files
- B) A storage account key
- C) A BitLocker-encrypted drive
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: When creating an import job, you must provide drive journal files, a storage account key for access, and use BitLocker to encrypt the drives containing the data.
Which Azure service is intended for offline bulk data transfer when network-based transfer is not an option?
- A) Azure Data Box
- B) Azure Blob Transfer
- C) Azure Content Delivery Network
- D) Azure Active Directory
Answer: A) Azure Data Box
Explanation: Azure Data Box is designed for offline bulk data transfers into Azure services when network-based data transfer is not an optimal solution.
True or False: Azure Data Box Gateway is a virtual appliance used to transfer data to and from Azure Blob storage over the network.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: Azure Data Box Gateway is a virtual appliance that you set up in your on-premises environment to transfer data to Azure Blob storage over the network.
Which of the following is NOT a step in using Azure Import/Export service?
- A) Preparing the hard drives using the Azure Import/Export tool
- B) Uploading the data to a temporary Azure Blob storage account
- C) Creating an import/export job in the Azure portal
- D) Shipping the drives to an Azure data center
Answer: B) Uploading the data to a temporary Azure Blob storage account
Explanation: The Azure Import/Export service involves preparing hard drives, creating a job in the portal, and shipping drives, not uploading data to a temporary storage account, which contradicts the purpose of using physical drives for transfer.
True or False: You can resume a failed export job by simply retrying the entire operation without creating a new job.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: If an export job fails, you cannot simply retry it. You may have to correct the errors and create a new job to proceed with the export.
What is the maximum allowable size for a single file on Azure Data Box Disk?
- A) 2 TB
- B) 500 GB
- C) 1 TB
- D) 5 TB
Answer: C) 1 TB
Explanation: The maximum allowable size for a single file on an Azure Data Box Disk is 1 TB.
True or False: You must have an Azure Storage account to use the Azure Import/Export service.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: An Azure Storage account is required to perform the data import/export operations using the Azure Import/Export service.
Which tool should be used to copy data to the hard drives that will be shipped as part of the Azure Import/Export service?
- A) Azure Storage Explorer
- B) AzCopy
- C) Azure Import/Export Tool
- D) Robocopy
Answer: C) Azure Import/Export Tool
Explanation: The Azure Import/Export Tool is used to copy data to the hard drives and prepare them for shipping when using the Azure Import/Export service.
True or False: When using Azure Import/Export service, it is recommended to use your own shipping account for better tracking and control.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: It is recommended to use your own shipping account when using the Azure Import/Export service, as it provides better tracking and control over the shipment.
Interview Questions
What is Azure Import/Export service?
Azure Import/Export service is a data transport solution to move large amounts of data to and from Azure Storage by shipping hard disk drives directly to an Azure data center.
What are the benefits of using Azure Import/Export service?
The benefits of using Azure Import/Export service are 1- Faster upload or download of large amounts of data to or from Azure Storage , 2- Lower network costs for moving large amounts of data, 3- Ability to transfer data in encrypted format, 4- Ability to import and export data to and from Azure Storage accounts that are not connected to the internet.
What are the requirements for using Azure Import/Export service?
The requirements for using Azure Import/Export service are 1- Azure Storage account, 2- Access to Azure portal, 3- AzCopy or Azure PowerShell, 4-An encryption certificate, 5- A hard drive that meets the requirements of Azure Import/Export service, 6-A shipping address for the storage device
What is Azure Import/Export Blob Storage?
Azure Import/Export Blob Storage is a service that enables you to import large amounts of data into Blob storage and to export large amounts of data from Blob storage by shipping one or more hard disk drives directly to an Azure data center.
How can I create an import job in Azure Import/Export Blob Storage?
To create an import job in Azure Import/Export Blob Storage, you need to create an import job in the Azure portal, prepare the hard disk drive(s) with your data, encrypt your data, copy your data to the hard disk drive(s), and ship the hard disk drive(s) to the Azure data center.
How can I create an export job in Azure Import/Export Blob Storage?
To create an export job in Azure Import/Export Blob Storage, you need to create an export job in the Azure portal, prepare the hard disk drive(s) to receive the exported data, ship the hard disk drive(s) to the Azure data center, and receive the hard disk drive(s) with the exported data.
How can I track the progress of an Azure Import/Export job?
You can track the progress of an Azure Import/Export job by using the Azure portal or the Azure Import/Export REST API.
What is the maximum amount of data that can be imported or exported using Azure Import/Export service?
The maximum amount of data that can be imported or exported using Azure Import/Export service is 20 TB per job.
What is the expected turnaround time for an Azure Import/Export job?
The expected turnaround time for an Azure Import/Export job depends on the amount of data being transferred and the shipping time for the hard disk drive(s). Microsoft typically processes the data and imports or exports it within 7 to 10 business days of receiving the hard disk drive(s).
What is the cost of using Azure Import/Export service?
The cost of using Azure Import/Export service includes the cost of data transfer, the cost of the storage account where the data is being imported or exported, and the cost of the hard disk drive(s) used for shipping the data. The pricing varies based on the data center location, data volume, and data type being imported or exported.
Great post on creating import and export jobs for the AZ-104 exam!
Can someone explain how to use the AzCopy tool effectively for export jobs?
I’m having trouble with importing large data sets. Any tips?
Thanks for the info!
When setting up import jobs, should I be concerned about regional compliance standards?
Can managed identities simplify the process of export and import jobs?
Not very detailed! Could be improved.
How does Azure Migrate fit into the import/export job ecosystem?