COF-C03 Question 344
Single answerListingsA data provider wants to share a curated customer analytics dataset with several business partners by using a Snowflake Listing. The provider needs each partner to query the shared data in near real time without copying it into the partner accounts. The provider also wants to keep full control of the source data and update the dataset centrally. Which approach should the provider use?
- A
Create a Listing based on a secure share that exposes the required database objects to consumers
- B
Unload the dataset to an external stage and publish the stage location in the Listing so consumers can load the files
- C
Replicate the database into each consumer account and then create a Listing that points to each replicated copy
- D
Create a data exchange only, because Listings cannot share live data without physically copying it to consumer accounts
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is to create a Listing based on a secure share. In Snowflake, Listings are the packaging and distribution mechanism for data products, while secure shares are the underlying mechanism that gives consumers read access to provider-managed objects without copying the data. This supports centralized updates, provider control, and near-real-time access for consumers. Options involving staged files or per-consumer replication do not meet the requirement for live shared access with minimal duplication. Snowflake documentation on Listings, Secure Data Sharing, and the Marketplace/Provider workflow emphasizes that Listings enable providers to publish data products backed by secure shares so consumers can access current data directly.
- A. Correct.
Correct. In Snowflake, Listings are used to distribute data products, and provider data is typically made available through a secure share. This allows consumers to access live shared data without the provider copying the data into consumer accounts. The provider retains control of the source objects and can update them centrally, which matches the scenario requirements.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. While unloading data to an external stage is a valid way to distribute files, it does not provide live, centrally managed access to Snowflake data through a Listing in the same way a secure share does. Consumers would need to load or process the files separately, which introduces copying and breaks the near-real-time shared-data requirement.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Replication is used for business continuity, disaster recovery, and certain cross-region or cross-cloud scenarios, but it is not the standard method for sharing a live dataset with multiple consumers through Listings. Replicating a separate copy for each consumer adds unnecessary complexity and does not align with the requirement to avoid copying data into consumer accounts.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. This reflects a common misconception. Listings are specifically designed to let providers offer data products, including live shared data, to consumers. A data exchange can help organize sharing among members, but Listings themselves can be used to share data without physically copying it into each consumer account.