To ensure that ShareGate is simple, secure, and easy to use, we provide default Azure storage for your archives.
If you have unique needs and would like added control over your data, we offer the option to use your own Azure storage account for your archives.
For a comparison table of the 2 available options, see Azure storage options for archiving.
Index
Considerations
Before using custom Azure storage, consider the following:
It is strongly recommended that you create an Azure storage account that is used exclusively by ShareGate. Creating an Azure storage account for ShareGate ensures that other users within your organization do not delete or alter your archived items. If they do, there is a possibility they render it unusable.
Creating and using your own storage accounts incurs costs that will be added to your Azure bill. This Microsoft article discusses block blob pricing in more detail.
You need to provide your storage account name and an access key to ShareGate in order to begin saving archived items to your Azure storage account.
ShareGate stores encrypted data in a format and structure that enables quick operations on your content through our application only. This means that the archived data in the account is not usable on its own. This is done to ensure your data's security and allows you to benefit from all the same features provided with ShareGate's default storage.
ShareGate stores some file metadata, such as file names and ownership information, in an Azure search service index. This allows you to search through your archived content. The information collected is only accessible through ShareGate Protect. No other information is stored, and your file content is safe in your Azure storage account.
Using a firewall may impact your ability to archive. If you are experiencing connection issues between ShareGate and your custom Azure storage, try disabling your firewall. For more troubleshooting help, get in touch with our support team---we'll work through this together.
Tip: For more information on how ShareGate handles your information, see Encryption and data security.
Set up your custom Azure storage
Follow the planning and implementation guidelines in the article Set up your own Azure storage account.
Note: Saved storage settings on your account are final. You won't be able to change storage settings later. If your business needs do change, get in touch with our support team---we'll work through this together.