Azure HPC Cache
Cloud file storage software
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What is Azure HPC Cache
Azure HPC Cache is a managed caching service in Microsoft Azure that accelerates access to file data stored in Azure Blob Storage and on-premises or cloud NFS file systems. It is used by organizations running high-throughput workloads (for example, HPC, rendering, EDA, and analytics) that need low-latency, high-bandwidth file access from Azure compute. The service presents a POSIX-style NFS endpoint while transparently caching hot data and supporting data movement between storage tiers. It is typically deployed as an infrastructure component alongside Azure compute rather than as an end-user file sharing tool.
High-throughput NFS caching
The service provides an NFS interface backed by a scalable cache layer designed for read-heavy and mixed HPC file workloads. This can reduce repeated reads from object storage or remote file servers by keeping frequently accessed data close to compute. It is suited to bursty parallel access patterns common in batch processing and simulation pipelines.
Integrates with Azure storage
Azure HPC Cache integrates with Azure Blob Storage (including ADLS Gen2 via Blob) as a backing store and can also connect to NFS targets such as on-premises NAS. This supports hybrid workflows where datasets originate on-premises but compute runs in Azure. It fits into Azure networking, identity, and monitoring patterns used by infrastructure teams.
Managed service operations
Microsoft operates the control plane and service lifecycle, reducing the need to deploy and patch self-managed caching software. Provisioning and scaling are handled through Azure, aligning with infrastructure-as-code and centralized governance. This can simplify operations compared with building a custom caching tier from VMs and open-source components.
Narrow, HPC-oriented use cases
Azure HPC Cache focuses on accelerating file access for compute workloads rather than providing collaborative content management features. It does not replace end-user sync-and-share, virtual data rooms, or team workspaces found in other cloud file storage tools. Organizations often still need separate products for user-facing file sharing and governance workflows.
Azure dependency and lock-in
The service is designed to run in Azure and is most effective when paired with Azure compute and Azure-native storage targets. Portability to other clouds is limited because the managed service and its integrations are Azure-specific. This can be a constraint for multi-cloud strategies that require consistent caching behavior across providers.
Requires storage and NFS expertise
Successful deployments typically require careful planning of namespace design, cache policies, networking, and throughput sizing. Misconfiguration can lead to suboptimal performance or unexpected data movement behavior. Teams without HPC storage experience may face a steeper implementation and troubleshooting curve.
Plan & Pricing
Pricing model: Pay-as-you-go Region (source): North China 3 (Microsoft Azure official pricing page - azure.cn)
Read-write cache (example components & prices shown on official page):
- Cache Disk: 0.002646 (per GB/hour).
- Throughput (2 GB/s): 52.4512 (per hour).
Read-only cache (example component & price shown on official page):
- Throughput (4.5 GB/s): 65.1264 (per hour).
Notes & caveats:
- Prices above are taken directly from Microsoft Azure's official pricing page for Azure HPC Cache (North China 3 region) and are region-specific. The page does not explicitly show a currency symbol; values come from the China pricing page. Prices on Azure are dynamic and vary by region/currency; consult the Azure pricing page for your target region when planning purchases.
- Microsoft Learn documentation indicates Azure HPC Cache was retired on September 30, 2025; the product retirement may affect availability or pricing applicability.
- No product-specific permanently free tier or time-limited trial is listed on the official product pricing page.
Seller details
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond, Washington, United States
1975
Public
https://www.microsoft.com/
https://x.com/Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft/
