When storing data in the cloud, not all data needs to be accessed in the same way or at the same frequency. Azure Storage Tiers help you manage costs by letting you choose the right tier based on how often you need your data.
In this blog, we will explain the differences between the Hot, Cool, and Archive tiers in Azure Storage, and help you decide which one to use.
What Are Azure Storage Tiers
Azure Storage offers three main access tiers for Blob Storage:
Hot Tier
Cool Tier
Archive Tier
Each tier is designed for a different data usage pattern and pricing structure.
1. Hot Tier
Used for data that is accessed frequently
Best for active files and real-time data
Offers lowest access latency and highest performance
Higher storage cost, but lower access cost
Use Cases:
Websites and apps with frequent file access
Logs and telemetry data
Files needed for daily operations
2. Cool Tier
Used for data that is accessed infrequently
Lower storage cost compared to Hot Tier
Higher access and read costs
Data should remain in this tier for at least 30 days
Use Cases:
Backup data
Inactive business documents
Media content stored for future use
Disaster recovery data
3. Archive Tier
For data that is rarely accessed
Lowest storage cost among all tiers
Data is offline and must be re-hydrated before use
Minimum storage duration is 180 days
Use Cases:
Long-term backups and compliance records
Historical data and archives
Legal documents or medical records not accessed regularly
Choosing the Right Tier
| Tier | Frequency of Access | Storage Cost | Access Cost | Retrieval Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot | Frequent | High | Low | Instant |
| Cool | Infrequent | Medium | Medium | Instant |
| Archive | Rare | Low | High | Several hours |
How to Set a Storage Tier in Azure
Go to your Azure Blob Storage account
Select the container or blob you want to set
Click on Change Access Tier
Choose Hot, Cool, or Archive
You can also use lifecycle management rules to automate tiering
Conclusion
Azure Storage Tiers give you control over cost and performance based on how often you use your data.
Use the Hot tier for active and frequently accessed files
Use the Cool tier for backups and data accessed occasionally
Use the Archive tier for long-term storage with rare access
Choosing the right storage tier helps optimize your cloud costs while keeping data available when needed.
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