Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 11
Windows Azure Storage
Objectives
◾
Understand the Windows Azure storage
◾
Use the Table storage
◾
Use the Blob storage
◾
Use the Queue storage
11.1 Introduction
So far, you have accomplished the tasks of developing databases in Windows Azure SQL Database.
he SQL Database has been used to support applications such as forms and reports. On the other
hand, there are some applications that need to work with a large amount of nonrelational data.
For example, some of the web applications need to store dozens of terabytes of audio and video
binary data into storage, which does not require complex joins, integrity constraints, and stored
procedures. hese applications require data to be quickly stored and queried. In such a case, the
nonrelational data storage such as Windows Azure storage may be a good choice. In this chapter,
our focus is on Windows Azure storage and the deployment of web and worker roles.
11.2 Windows Azure Storage Services
he Windows Azure storage services include three components: the Windows Azure Table service
for eiciently storing a large amount of data, the Windows Azure Queue service for the storage
of messages, and the Windows Azure Blob service for the storage of large binary objects such as
video and audio iles. he Windows Azure provides storage for Windows Azure Blobs, Tables,
and Queues. Once a Windows Azure storage account is created for a user, the storage services will
be accessible by one or more applications owned by the user. Unlike local storage, the Windows
Azure storage services are accessible anywhere and anytime.
