In the continuously evolving technology landscape, businesses are constantly seeking to optimize data management and business operations with improved scalability and convenience. The good news is that the robust features of Azure Blob Storage and SharePoint Online can be your ideal solution to establish a system to manage, retrieve, publish, and assess organized data through one platform.
Sounds interesting? In this blog, we will highlight how SharePoint integration works with Azure Blob, utilizing elements like Internet Information Services (IIS) and implementing Single Sign On (SSO) to efficiently enhance user experience. As technology consultants, we strive to set up SharePoint sites to use Azure Blob storage on an IIS server to help SharePoint users access effortless content delivery and more.
Why Must Businesses Consider Integrating Azure Blob Storage with SharePoint Online?
- Integrating Microsoft SharePoint Online data to Azure Blob can be a robust strategy for a business to streamline data management, improve scalability, and secure data.
- Leverage Azure Blob Storage's features and secure storage needs for the future and seamlessly focus on accelerating innovation, as data accessibility is categorized in minimal steps.
- By migrating Azure Blob to Sharepoint Online, businesses can benefit from a data-driven decision-making procedure with centralized management.
Understanding Essential Aspects of SharePoint Integration with Azure Blob Storage
Before we head on to understanding the integration of data from Azure to SharePoint, let's understand what both platforms offer individually for your better understanding.
# Azure Blob Features
- Azure Bob is a scalable, secured storage solution within the Azure cloud platform.
- It is part of a storage service and provides varied unstructured data, such as documents, videos, backups, images, and more.
Why Should Businesses Opt for Azure Blob?
- Businesses can leverage Azure Blob as it plays a vital role in enabling data access throughout various applications and other services that are hosted on the cloud
- In addition, by integrating Azure's global content network, businesses can boost performance and streamline the data publishing process, as Azure Blob aids in distributing data seamlessly.
- Lastly, Azure Blob can be an ideal option for businesses that regularly deal with media streaming, web application assets, and content distribution.
# Microsoft SharePoint Online Features
- Microsoft SharePoint Online is a collaborative platform that streamlines creating, managing, and sharing content and essential data with diverse teams.
- It offers a range of features, such as document management and version control, to access, edit, and share the right documents at the right time. It also automates business workflow and boosts team collaboration seamlessly.
# Why Should Businesses Opt SharePoint Platform?
- SharePoint platform enables data to be organized into a hierarchy-based structure to optimize workflow.
- Sites act as top-level folders on the internet, focused on collecting related data like applications, lists, files, and more.
- SharePoint Integration enables organizations to categorize and tag content, enabling team members to locate and retrieve data hassle-free.
How to connect Azure Blob with the SharePoint Platform?
Step 1
Before integrating Azure Blob with SharePoint, configure Azure Blob Storage and SharePoint Online to ensure a seamless connection. Begin by building the required permissions and access controls. Then, the connection settings are configured to enable smooth data transfer and collaboration between the two platforms. Let us understand the integration procedure in detail.
Azure Blob Configuration
Access Azure Portal, then navigate to your Blob Storage account and generate access keys or shared access signatures for secure access and seamless data management.
SharePoint Online Connection
Log into SharePoint Online, navigate to the SharePoint admin center, and generate a new document library or utilize your existing one for seamless Azure Blob integration
Step 2
Next, consider configuring Internet Information Services (IIS) as the essential factor for integrating Azure Blob with SharePoint Platform to ensure seamless data exchange.
This setup streamlines communication between the two platforms, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Leveraging IIS for SharePoint connection will enable organizations to optimize data management and accessibility across Azure and SharePoint environments.
IIS Installation
Install IIS on the server hosting and adjust its settings to align with SharePoint's requirements. Complete proper configurations such as authentication methods, request filtering, and security protocols to optimize performance and security for the SharePoint Platform.
Website Creation
Next, create a new website in IIS to serve as a middleware for seamless integration between Azure Blob and SharePoint. Implement robust Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication settings, leveraging protocols like OAuth or SAML, to enhance security and streamline user access across both platforms.
Step 3
Integrating single Sign-On (SSO) between SharePoint and the IIS website will enable seamless access for users, streamlining authentication processes and bolstering security measures.Eliminate the hassles of multiple logins and ensure a seamless transition between platforms to boost productivity and minimize security risks seamlessly.
In addition, implementing this solution improves efficiency as it provides users with a unified platform authentication experience to accelerate seamless access while you meet security measures.
Azure AD Application Registration
Create a new Azure AD application to represent the IIS website, and note the Application ID and Directory (tenant) ID for future reference.
SharePoint Online SSO Configuration
Configure SharePoint to trust the Azure AD application for seamless authentication, enabling effortless single sign-on (SSO) integration between SharePoint Online and the IIS website.
Step 4
Connect Azure Blob with the IIS server to streamline content delivery for SharePoint Online. By mapping Azure Blob to IIS, you ensure efficient and reliable content distribution, enhancing the performance and accessibility of SharePoint Online resources.
Blob Storage Mapping
Enhance security in IIS website settings by configuring mappings to Azure Blob containers. By specifying appropriate access keys or credentials, ensure secure communication.
Testing and Optimization
Outline an effortless integration by leveraging the SharePoint Platform for efficient content management, streamlining the process of uploading and accessing content, and optimizing performance and scalability for enhanced productivity and growth.
Navigating Access with Secured Blob - Tokenization
While Azure Blog offers a range of features and solutions for storing data, managing access to your data and maintaining robust security for your organization's valuable and sensitive information is a must today. We will discuss a few essential factors below to help you understand security measures when migrating to SharePoint from Azure Blob
# How does Tokenization Work?
Tokenization helps reduce the risk of storing and transmitting sensitive data by replacing sensitive data with non-sensitive tokens.
If your organization seeks to tokenize critical data stored in Azure Blob, you need to consider a process.
Recognize Sensitive Data
Identify sensitive data from your storage solution that you wish to tokenize for added security
Algorithm
Select a tokenization algorithm according to your organization's requirements. This algorithm can include algorithms to create unique identifiers or complex algorithms to maintain security.
Access Blob Storage
Access Blob storage through Azure SDK or APIs. However, you will require adequate permission to modify data in the Blob storage.
Retrieve Critical Data
Retrieve data stored from Blob Storage for Tokenization using Azure APIs or SDKs.
Data Tokenization
The selected tokenization algorithm is applied to sensitive data retrieved from Blob. And replace sensitive data with created tokens.
Store Tokenized Data
Replace the original data with tokenized data and store it in your Blob storage data. However, it is essential to map the original and tokenized text securely.
Secured Process
To ensure the tokenization process complies with security measures like data encryption in transit and at rest, access control, or creating data retention policies, tech consultants at AllianceTek handle each aspect from scratch.
# Tokenization Process and iFrame View
For a more seamless user experience, the tokenization process is embedded within an iFrame in SharePoint Platform Users can view the Blob content without being redirected to the storage page or document.
Embed Tokenization within a Sharepoint iFrame, which enables effortless viewing of Blob content without redirection to storage pages or documents. While the URL employs an encrypted token for secure access, ensuring data confidentiality, it remains hidden from regular users as it is accessible only to technical experts who can decrypt and utilize the Blob URL within a predetermined time frame, bolstering security measures effectively.
Final Thoughts
Integrate SharePoint from Azure Blob provides businesses with a reliable solution to optimize data management, enhance scalability, and fortify security measures. By leveraging the robust features of both platforms, organizations can optimize workflows, promote collaboration within a team, and boost efficient content delivery.
Through configuration of IIS and the implementation of SSO, seamless access is ensured with robust security protocols, data protection measures, and more. If you want to know about this integration and process of protecting sensitive data, get in touch with us today!
Call us at 484-892-5713 or Contact Us today to know more details about integrate Azure Blob storage with SharePoint online using IIS and SSO.
