Data Classification & Storage

Application Data can be classified into 3 ways:

• Structured
• Semi-Structured
• Unstructured

Structured Data

Relational Data with Columns & Data Types.

Example: Financial Statements

Apt for SQL Server

Semi-Structured Data

Dynamic Columns with No pre-defined Data Types.

Example: Product Catalog

Apt for Cosmos DB

Unstructured Data

Files such as Images & Videos

Apt for BLOB Storage.

More Parameters

Following are more parameters which determine the storage of data.

Data Location

The location where data is stored like East-US, West-Europe etc..  In case of Data Compliance rules which demand Data should not cross country-boundaries more stringent location choice is required.

Data Redundancy

Data Redundancy ensures data will be copied to alternative location.  This is useful on disaster recovery scenarios.

VNETs

In case if the Data contains Proprietary Information – we can enforce restricted VNET (Virtual Network) Only access to the data.

Data Encryption

Data Encryption can be applied on Rest & Transit.  Encryption on Rest is supported by TDE (Transparent Data Encryption) of Azure SQL and Encryption by CosmosDB, Storage Accounts etc.  Encryption on Transit is provided by HTTPS enable.

Storage Accounts

Storage Accounts allows grouping of data management through blobs, files, tables & queues