When moving to Microsoft Azure, you may need migrate large amounts of data to the cloud. Traditional upload methods require moving that data across the public internet, which can be limited by a number of factors. The Azure Import and Export service for storage allows you to ship data into or out of an Azure Storage account by physically shipping disks to an Azure datacenter.
Each physical disk must be a 3.5-inch SATA II or III that is no larger than 4 TB and formatted for NTFS. You must prepare the drive using the Microsoft Azure Import/Export toll (WAImportExport.exe). You must also have BitLocker enabled so that the data is encrypted.
To Export data, complete the wizard in the Azure portal: select the data to be exported, enter your contact information, and provide your preferred shipping carrier account number. Microsoft will then send you a physical disk.
For more information and pricing, visit the Azure documentation here.
