Google Associate Cloud EngineerPlanning and configuring a cloud solutionMedium
A research institution needs to provision a large number of virtual machines (VMs) for short-lived, batch processing jobs. These jobs are fault-tolerant and can tolerate preemption, meaning they can be stopped and restarted without significant data loss. The institution wants to minimize compute costs. Which type of Compute Engine VM instance should they use?
- APreemptible VMs
- BStandard VMs
- CCustom machine types
- DSole-tenant nodes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Preemptible VMs
Preemptible VMs are significantly cheaper than standard VMs and are designed for fault-tolerant workloads that can withstand preemption. They are ideal for batch processing jobs where cost savings are a priority and interruptions are acceptable.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Standard VMs are more expensive and designed for long-running, non-interruptible workloads.
- C. Custom machine types allow tailoring CPU/memory but don't inherently offer the cost savings associated with preemption.
- D. Sole-tenant nodes provide dedicated physical servers for specific compliance or licensing needs, not primarily for cost-effective batch processing.
Compute Engine Preemptible VMs
Compute Engine virtual machine instances that can be shut down (preempted) by Google Cloud if resources are needed elsewhere. They are significantly cheaper than standard VMs and are suitable for fault-tolerant, batch, or non-critical workloads.
- Up to 80% cheaper than standard VMs
- Can be preempted (stopped) by Google Cloud
- Maximum run time of 24 hours (can be restarted)
- Ideal for fault-tolerant batch jobs, stateless applications
- Less reliable for long-running, critical workloads
Memory trick: VM types: Pick the 'personality' that matches your app's 'life story'!