SAP-C02 Question 137
Single answerYour organization runs a fleet of EC2 instances for a batch processing application that operates during non-peak hours. The workload is flexible and can tolerate interruptions, but you want to minimize costs. Which purchasing option is the most suitable for this use case?
- A
Spot Instances
- B
On-Demand Instances
- C
Reserved Instances
- D
Savings Plans
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
For batch processing workloads that are flexible and can handle interruptions, Spot Instances are the best option due to their significant cost savings. While other purchasing options such as Reserved Instances and Savings Plans offer predictable cost savings, they are not as suitable for highly-variable, interruption-tolerant workloads. On-Demand Instances are the most expensive and are typically used when flexibility and uninterrupted availability are required.
- A. Correct.
Spot Instances are the most cost-effective option for workloads that can tolerate interruptions, as they allow you to use spare AWS compute capacity at a reduced cost of up to 90% compared to On-Demand pricing.
- B. Incorrect.
On-Demand Instances are flexible but expensive compared to other purchasing options. They are better suited for unpredictable or short-term workloads where interruptions are not acceptable.
- C. Incorrect.
Reserved Instances offer cost savings for predictable, steady-state workloads, but they require a commitment to a 1-year or 3-year term, which is not ideal for batch processing workloads that need flexibility.
- D. Incorrect.
Savings Plans provide cost savings for predictable compute usage but require a commitment to a certain amount of usage over 1 or 3 years. They are not the most cost-effective solution for workloads that can handle interruptions.