Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) Practice Test

The best recommendation for ensuring fast access to shared files in a branch office that may become inaccessible is to utilize Azure file share in combination with Azure File Sync. This solution is particularly effective for scenarios involving branch offices due to several reasons.

Azure file share allows users to store files in the cloud and access them via SMB (Server Message Block) protocol, which is a familiar and efficient way for on-premises applications to interact with files. This setup means that files are readily accessible from the Azure cloud whenever necessary, providing a robust way to store shared files.

Azure File Sync complements this by synchronizing files between on-premises Windows Servers and Azure file shares. This synchronization ensures that frequently accessed files are kept on local servers, allowing for low-latency access in a branch office environment. In the event that the branch office temporarily loses connectivity to Azure, users can still access the locally cached versions of the files. Once connectivity is restored, any changes made can be synchronized back to the Azure file share seamlessly.

This combination diminishes reliance on a continuous connection to the cloud while ensuring that files are available both locally and in the cloud, reinforcing operational continuity and enhancing user experience when accessing shared files.