Google Associate Cloud EngineerPlanning and configuring a cloud solutionMedium
A small business is planning to use Google Cloud for its primary data storage. They have a limited budget and need to store backups of their critical business documents. These documents are accessed very rarely, perhaps once or twice a year, but require long-term retention. What is the most cost-effective Google Cloud Storage class for this scenario?
- AArchive Storage
- BNearline Storage
- CColdline Storage
- DStandard Storage
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Archive Storage
Archive Storage is the most cost-effective option for data accessed less than once a year. It has the lowest storage cost, though with higher retrieval costs and a 365-day minimum storage duration, which aligns perfectly with the requirement for very rare access and long-term retention of backups.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Nearline Storage is for data accessed less than once a month, which is more frequent than 'once or twice a year'.
- C. Coldline Storage is for data accessed less than once a quarter, still more frequent than the scenario, and less cost-effective than Archive for very rare access.
- D. Standard Storage is for frequently accessed data and would be too expensive for rarely accessed backups.
Cloud Storage Archive
The lowest-cost Google Cloud Storage class, designed for long-term archival of data that is accessed less than once a year. It has the lowest storage price but the highest retrieval costs and a 365-day minimum storage duration.
- Access frequency: less than once a year
- Lowest storage cost per GB
- Highest retrieval costs (data access and operations)
- Minimum storage duration: 365 days
- Ideal for long-term backups, regulatory archives, disaster recovery
Memory trick: Storage costs: The 'colder' your data, the 'cheaper' the monthly 'rent'!