Can we use Azure Net App files to move device related files from OT network?

Pavan Puligandla 150 Reputation points
2025-10-16T09:18:45.4166667+00:00

Hello,

I've a requirement to move files(Generated by Lab devices) from Purdue Model OT network Level 3 to the business network (Azure cloud). Can we make use of Azure Net App Files for this instead of an SFTP which is very unreliable? If yes, Can you please point me to a reference architecture and the correct documentation?

Thanks,

Azure IoT Hub
Azure IoT Hub
An Azure service that enables bidirectional communication between internet of things (IoT) devices and applications.
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  1. Anshika Varshney 1,910 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-16T22:32:15.0133333+00:00

    Hello Pavan Puligandla,

    Welcome to Microsoft q&a, and thanks for posting your question.

    Yes, you can absolutely use Azure NetApp Files (ANF) to move or store files generated by your lab devices from a Purdue Model OT Level 3 network to Azure, instead of relying on SFTP. ANF offers high-performance, scalable, and secure NFS/SMB storage, which makes it well-suited for this kind of industrial data transfer scenario.

    1. Establish connectivity:

    Make sure your OT network can securely connect to Azure. Use Azure ExpressRoute or a VPN Gateway for reliable and private connectivity between your on-premises (OT) network and Azure.

    2. Set up Azure NetApp Files:

    • Create an Azure NetApp Files account in your subscription.

    Configure a capacity pool and create volumes (NFS or SMB) depending on your system compatibility.

    Mount these volumes on your on-premises servers for direct file access.

    3. Transfer your data:

    You can use tools like Robocopy, rsync, or AzCopy for large-scale transfers. For smaller or periodic transfers, simple command-line copy operations will also work well.

    4. Optimize and monitor:

    Regularly monitor performance and IOPS in the Azure portal. You can adjust the service level (Standard, Premium, or Ultra) based on throughput needs.

    References:

    If you could share a bit more about your setup, such as file types, data size, and existing network configuration, I can suggest a more tailored architecture.

    Hope this helps!


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