Google Associate Cloud EngineerPlanning and configuring a cloud solutionEasy
A media streaming company needs to store petabytes of video footage that is rarely accessed (less than once a year) but must be retained for regulatory compliance for several years. They prioritize the lowest possible storage cost and are willing to accept higher retrieval latency and costs when the data is eventually needed. Which Cloud Storage class should they choose?
- AArchive storage
- BColdline storage
- CStandard storage
- DNearline storage
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Archive storage
Archive storage is designed for long-term data archival with the lowest storage cost. It is ideal for data accessed less than once a year and for regulatory compliance, accepting higher retrieval latency and costs when access is required.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Coldline storage is for data accessed less than once a quarter, still more expensive than Archive and not for yearly access.
- C. Standard storage is for frequently accessed data and has the highest storage cost.
- D. Nearline storage is for data accessed less than once a month, not for yearly access patterns with lowest cost priority.
Cloud Storage Archive
The lowest-cost storage class for highly infrequent data access (less than once a year), typically used for long-term archival and regulatory compliance. It has higher retrieval costs and latency.
- Lowest storage cost per GB
- Highest retrieval fees and latency
- Ideal for long-term archival and disaster recovery
Memory trick: ARCHIVE (Archival, Rarely Accessed, Compliance, High Retrieval Cost, Very Low Storage Cost)