# Microsoft Azure Blob Storage in Astera

Astera provides cloud connectivity to Microsoft Azure Blob Storage for quick access and easy storage of data to use in an integration pipeline. The cloud connection makes connecting to data stored in Azure Blob Storage easier without delays and complicated operating procedures.

This article covers the following,

1. Getting the authentication specifications for Azure Storage from the portal.
2. Authentication methods for Azure Storage.
3. Connecting to Azure Storage in Astera.

### Authentication Specifications for Azure Storage

To connect to Azure Blob Storage in Astera, the access token or SAS keys are required.

1. Log in to your Microsoft Azure account, follow the link; [portal.azure.com](https://portal.azure.com/)
2. After logging in, go to *Storage Accounts*.

Either search it on the search bar or go to the menu bar from the top left corner and open storage accounts.

![](/files/wgnId8VUe9HjhhrDaALS)

A list of all the storage accounts would appear.

3. Select the one that you want.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: We’ve chosen the “*asteracoolstorage”* account in this case.
{% endhint %}

![](/files/ExXRhDVFbG5Q6I1LblSP)

### Authentication Methods in Azure Storage

There are two authentication methods for connecting to Azure storage.

* Access Keys
* Shared Access Signature

#### Authentication Method: Access Keys

1. On the selected storage dashboard window, go to *Settings* and select *Access Keys*.

![](/files/tu5y7TS83olgR1akXulK)

A new windowpane will open with all your access keys for the selected storage account. The *Storage Account Name* and *Access Key* are required to connect in Astera.

2. Select *Show Keys* to preview the keys and copy them.

![](/files/WShk9zQer5abyO1EmR1e)

You can now use the copied access key to connect to Azure Blob Storage in Astera.

#### Authentication Method: Shared Access Signature

1. On the selected storage dashboard window, go to *Security + Networking* and select *Shared Access Signature*.

![](/files/3wL2MTrwJGY2lmXSlmb9)

A new windowpane would open where you can configure *Shared Access Signature* settings for the access keys according to your requirements.

2. Click on *Generate SAS and Connection String* to generate the key.

![](/files/Ev3xvV8LHpWE9NzsI2DD)

The *Blob Service SAS URL* is required for the *SharedAccessSignature* *Authentication Method* in Astera.

![](/files/lHImiEgPkvGEZv2b2r5N)

The copied URL can now be used to connect to Azure Blob Storage in Astera through the Authentication Method, *Shared Access Signature.*

### Connecting to Azure Storage in Astera

1. Drag and drop the cloud connection object from the *Resources* section of the Toolbox in Astera.

![](/files/jEz1RL91iY5LH5SikGbe)

2. Right-click on the *Cloud Storage Connection* and select *Properties* from the context menu,

![](/files/wIJHauYEBxnQOfQoA70K)

3. The *Cloud Storage Connection Properties* window would open. On this screen, select *Microsoft Azure Storage* as your cloud provider from the *Provider* dropdown.

![](/files/i2K22Ihp3s6s1278u8vW)

4. To connect to Azure storage, the authentication type needs to be specified, where the credentials can be provided. There are two methods. Select the one that you want to use.

For our use case, we have made use of the *Access Key* authentication method.

![](/files/68tQDeKin3i4MRTvlvKV)

Learn more about *Azure Blob Storage Account Access Keys* [here](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-account-keys-manage?tabs=azure-portal#view-account-access-keys).

5. Test the connection.

![](/files/EGnHrRji9X4j3ptgmof6)

*Root Path:*  This option is used to keep confidential data and information secure from access by unauthorized users. It lets you point out the file needed while keeping all the other folders protected.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: This option only works for authentication through the access key.
{% endhint %}

6. Click *OK* and the *Cloud Storage Connection* object will be configured.

![](/files/ISBh2O4dYDrb44JjTkYS)

The *Microsoft Azure Blob Storage Cloud Storage Connection* has been authenticated in Astera.


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