zure File Storage exposes file shares using what protocol?

Azure File Storage exposes file shares using the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.

Here are the steps to understand this:

1. Azure File Storage is a service that offers shared storage for applications using the standard SMB protocol.

2. SMB, or Server Message Block, is a network protocol that allows shared file access. It provides the ability to read, create, and update files on the same network.

3. Azure File Storage uses SMB 3.0, the latest version of the SMB protocol. This version supports encryption and persistent handles, allowing the client to reconnect to the file system after a temporary network glitch.

4. This means that Azure File Storage can be accessed from any location via mounted shares.

5. Azure File Storage also supports REST API protocol, but the primary protocol for exposing file shares is SMB.

So, to answer the question: Azure File Storage exposes file shares using the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.