Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect ExpertDesign data storage solutionsEasy

A manufacturing company uses IoT devices to collect telemetry data from machinery on a factory floor. This data is ingested continuously, and analysts need to perform near real-time analytics to detect anomalies and predict maintenance needs. The data needs to be retained for 3 years for historical analysis and compliance. Which Azure data storage solution is most appropriate?

  1. AAzure Database for MySQL
  2. BAzure Data Explorer (Kusto)
  3. CAzure Blob Storage (Hot Tier)
  4. DAzure SQL Database
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Azure Data Explorer (Kusto)

Azure Data Explorer (Kusto) is optimized for ingesting, storing, and querying high volumes of time-series data like IoT telemetry, enabling near real-time analytics and long-term retention.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Azure Database for MySQL is a relational database, not designed for the specific requirements of high-volume, high-velocity IoT telemetry data and real-time analytical queries.
  • C. Azure Blob Storage (Hot Tier) is suitable for general-purpose object storage but lacks the built-in indexing and query capabilities for real-time analytics on time-series data.
  • D. Azure SQL Database is a relational database and is not optimized for high-volume, high-velocity time-series IoT data and real-time analytics at scale.

Azure Data Explorer (Kusto)

A fast, fully managed data analytics service for real-time analysis on large volumes of data streaming from applications, websites, IoT devices, and more.

  • Optimized for time-series and log data
  • Uses Kusto Query Language (KQL)
  • Supports high-throughput data ingestion

Memory trick: Kusto: 'K' for 'Key' to IoT insights, 'U' for 'Unleash' real-time data.

More Design data storage solutions questions