A global media company uses Google Cloud Storage (GCS) for storing petabytes of video content, including raw footage, transcoded versions, and archived masters. They need to optimize storage costs while ensuring appropriate access latency for different types of content. Raw footage and transcoded versions are frequently accessed for editing and streaming for the first 90 days, after which they are rarely accessed. Archived masters are accessed only for disaster recovery or rare re-renders, typically less than once a year. Which GCS storage classes should they use for each type of content to meet these requirements?
- ARaw footage & transcoded: Standard; Archived masters: Nearline
- BRaw footage & transcoded: Standard for 90 days then move to Coldline; Archived masters: Archive
- CRaw footage & transcoded: Standard; Archived masters: Coldline
- DRaw footage & transcoded: Nearline; Archived masters: Archive
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Raw footage & transcoded: Standard for 90 days then move to Coldline; Archived masters: Archive
Standard storage is suitable for frequently accessed data (raw/transcoded footage for 90 days). After 90 days, Coldline offers lower cost for data accessed less than once a month, which fits 'rarely accessed'. Archive storage is the lowest cost for data accessed less than once a year, perfect for disaster recovery and rare re-renders. This combination optimizes cost while meeting access patterns.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Nearline has a 30-day minimum storage duration and is for data accessed less than once a month, not ideal for the first 90 days of frequent access.
- C. Coldline has a 90-day minimum storage duration and is for data accessed less than once every 30 days, not frequently for the first 90 days.
- D. Nearline is too expensive for long-term infrequent access, and Archive is correct for masters but Nearline is wrong for the first 90 days.
Google Cloud Storage Classes
Google Cloud Storage offers various storage classes optimized for different access patterns and costs, including Standard, Nearline, Coldline, and Archive.
- Standard: High performance, frequently accessed data.
- Nearline: Cost-effective for data accessed less than once a month (30-day minimum duration).
- Coldline: Lower cost for data accessed less than once a quarter (90-day minimum duration).
- Archive: Lowest cost for data accessed less than once a year (365-day minimum duration).
- Object Lifecycle Management can automate transitions between classes.
Memory trick: Standard for active, Nearline for monthly, Coldline for quarterly, Archive for yearly.