Google Associate Cloud EngineerDeploying and implementing a cloud solutionMedium

A company is deploying an e-commerce application that requires a highly available relational database. The database must support automatic failover, replication across multiple zones, and be compatible with PostgreSQL. Which Google Cloud solution should you choose?

  1. ACloud SQL for PostgreSQL configured for high availability
  2. BCloud Spanner for its global consistency and scalability
  3. CCompute Engine with a self-managed PostgreSQL instance and custom replication
  4. DFirestore in Datastore mode for its NoSQL capabilities
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL configured for high availability

Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL, configured for high availability, provides a fully managed relational database with automatic failover, replication across zones, and full PostgreSQL compatibility. This meets all the specified requirements for a highly available e-commerce application.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Cloud Spanner is a globally distributed NewSQL database, not a traditional relational database compatible with PostgreSQL.
  • C. Self-managing PostgreSQL on Compute Engine requires significant operational overhead for high availability and replication.
  • D. Firestore is a NoSQL document database, not a relational database, and not PostgreSQL compatible.

Cloud SQL High Availability (HA)

A configuration for Cloud SQL instances that provides automatic failover to a standby replica in a different zone, ensuring continuous database operation.

  • Primary instance and a standby replica are in separate zones.
  • Synchronous replication ensures data consistency.
  • Automatic failover in case of primary instance or zone failure.
  • Reduces downtime for critical applications.

Memory trick: Cloud SQL: The easy button for your relational databases, especially when you need it always on.

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