Microsoft Azure Data FundamentalsDescribe how to work with non-relational data on AzureEasy
A research institution collects massive amounts of scientific data, including high-resolution images, video files, and experimental results. This data needs to be stored for decades for future analysis and compliance. Access to older data is infrequent but must be possible. The primary concern is minimizing storage costs while ensuring long-term data integrity. Which Azure storage solution is most appropriate?
- AAzure Managed Disks
- BAzure Blob Storage (Archive tier)
- CAzure Premium File Shares
- DAzure SQL Database
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Azure Blob Storage (Archive tier)
Azure Blob Storage with the Archive tier is specifically designed for long-term, rarely accessed data at the lowest storage cost. This perfectly matches the requirement for storing massive amounts of scientific data for decades with infrequent access, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and data integrity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Azure Managed Disks are for VM storage, not for archiving large volumes of unstructured data.
- C. Azure Premium File Shares are for high-performance file sharing, which is expensive and not suited for archival of massive, infrequently accessed data.
- D. Azure SQL Database is a relational database and unsuitable for storing massive amounts of unstructured images, videos, and large experimental results for long-term archival.
Azure Blob Storage for Archival
Azure Blob Storage offers an Archive access tier, which is an extremely cost-effective option for storing rarely accessed data with flexible latency requirements (up to several hours for retrieval). It ensures data durability and integrity for long-term retention.
- Optimized for long-term storage of rarely accessed data.
- Offers the lowest storage cost among all Azure storage tiers.
- Data retrieval can take several hours (rehydration).
- Suitable for compliance, backup, and archival scenarios.
Memory trick: Think 'Archive Blob: Decades of Data, Dirt Cheap, but Slow to Get'.