Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) Practice Test

For importing large amounts of on-premises data to Azure while minimizing costs, which Azure service would be most effective?

1. Azure Data Box

2. Azure StorSimple

3. Azure Batch

4. Azure Stack

The correct answer is: Azure Data Box

The most effective choice for importing large amounts of on-premises data to Azure while minimizing costs is Azure Data Box. This service is specifically designed for scenarios where direct network transfers would be impractical due to large data volumes, high costs, or extended transfer times. Azure Data Box allows organizations to physically move their data by sending a secure appliance to their location. The data can be loaded onto this device, which is then shipped back to Microsoft. Once received, the data can be imported into Azure storage services. This approach is not only secure but also cost-effective, particularly when dealing with large datasets. Other services like Azure StorSimple are focused on hybrid cloud storage solutions, allowing enterprises to manage data both on-premises and in the cloud, but they do not provide a dedicated method for mass data transfer as efficiently as Data Box. Azure Batch is intended for the parallel processing of large batches of jobs rather than large-scale data import. Azure Stack is an extension of Azure for local data center use, which does not pertain directly to the task of importing large datasets into Azure. Thus, Azure Data Box stands out as the optimal solution for the given requirement.