Import/Export Services to Export Data from Azure Blob Storage
We shall now discuss the steps to use the Azure Import/Export service to securely export large amounts of data from Azure Blob storage. The Import/Export service requires to ship empty drives to the Azure datacenter. Moreover, the service exports data from your storage account to the drives and then ship the drives back.
What are the prerequisites to use Import/Export Service?
You must carefully review and make sure you meet the prerequisites to initiate the service before you create an export job to transfer data out of Azure Blob Storage,
- Firstly, you should have an active Azure subscription which can be used for the Import/Export service.
- Secondly, you should have at least one Azure Storage account.
- Next, you should have an adequate number of disks of Supported types.
- Fourthly, you should have a FedEx/DHL account.
- Then the account must be valid, should have balance, and must have return shipping capabilities.
- Now, generate a tracking number for the export job.
- Also, every job should have a separate tracking number. Note, multiple jobs with the same tracking number are not supported.
Steps to use Import/Export Service
In the following table we have illustrated the steps to be followed to commence the defined tasks.
| Tasks | Steps to be Followed |
| Create an Export Job | 1. Log on to https://portal.azure.com/. 2. Go to All services > Storage > Import/export jobs. 3. Click Create Import/Export Job. 4. In Basics > Select Export from Azure > Select a subscription > Enter or select a resource group. 5. Fill in all the Job Details including Select Storage Account > Specify Blob Data > Choose to Export all blob data in the storage account. 6. You can export from the blob list file. 7. Provide all details in Return shipping info including a carrier, valid carrier account number and other details 8. In Summary, review the details of the job and make a note of the job |
| Ship the Drives | FedEx, UPS, or DHL can be used to ship the package to Azure datacenter. 1. Provide a valid FedEx, UPS, or DHL carrier account number that Microsoft will use to ship the drives back. 2. When shipping your packages, you must follow the Microsoft Azure Service Terms. 3. Properly package your disks to avoid potential damage and delays in processing. |
| Update the job with tracking information | 1. Select and click the job. 2. Click Update job status and tracking info once drives are shipped. 3. Select the checkbox against Mark as shipped. 4. Provide the Carrier and Tracking number. 5. Track the job progress on the portal dashboard. For a description of each job state, go to View your job status. |
| Receive the disks | 1. Go to the export job in the Azure portal. Click Import/Export tab. 2. Select and click your export job from the list. Go to Encryption and copy the keys. 3. Use the BitLocker keys to unlock the disks. 4. The export is complete. |
| Unlock the Devices | 1. In case you are using version 1.4.0.300 of the WAImportExport tool, we will use the following command to unlock the drive: WAImportExport Unlock /bk: /driveLetter: 2. In case you are using earlier versions of the tool, use the BitLocker dialog to unlock the drive. 3. Note – At this time, you can delete the job or leave it. Jobs automatically get deleted after 90 days. |
Reference: Microsoft Documentation