AZ-104 Question 93
Single answerYour organization runs a Windows-based application that needs SMB file shares for regular file storage, while also generating large media files that must be stored cost-effectively and occasionally accessed. Which configuration in Azure best meets both SMB and cost-effective blob requirements?
- A
Use Azure Files for both SMB-based file shares and cost-effective tiering by transferring data to the Archive tier automatically.
- B
Create a single Azure Storage account configured with Azure Files for SMB support and a Blob container using cool or archive access tiers for large media files.
- C
Deploy an Azure NetApp Files instance for SMB and copy large media files to a file share on Azure Virtual Machines.
- D
Configure Azure Data Box to move data directly to on-premises servers and keep an on-premises NAS for media storage.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Configuring a single Azure Storage account with Azure Files for SMB shares and Blob Storage for large media is the most efficient approach. You can designate cool or archive tiers for infrequently accessed media files, ensuring cost savings without compromising usability of the SMB-based file shares.
- A. Incorrect.
Although Azure Files can access the Archive tier, automatically tiering directly from Azure Files to Archive is not a typical best-practice scenario. You would more commonly leverage Blob Storage tiers for broader and more flexible cost management.
- B. Correct.
Using a single storage account with Azure Files for SMB shares and Blob Storage for large media, plus cool or archive access tiers, is a straightforward and cost-effective solution. It also offers the flexibility to switch tiers as needed.
- C. Incorrect.
Azure NetApp Files is a powerful service for SMB, but it is more expensive and is intended for high-performance scenarios rather than purely cost-effective tiering of large media files.
- D. Incorrect.
Azure Data Box is primarily used for offline data transfer to Azure, not an ongoing operational storage solution for SMB shares and large content.