Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) Practice Test

To ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness of file-based backups for a financial application, which Azure service is preferable?

1. Azure Blob Storage with Archive tier

2. Azure SQL Database

3. Recovery Services vault

4. Azure file share with Cool tier storage

The correct answer is: Azure Blob Storage with Archive tier

Choosing Azure Blob Storage with the Archive tier for file-based backups is a sound decision for ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness, especially for a financial application. The Archive tier in Azure Blob Storage is specifically designed for data that is rarely accessed and is suitable for long-term storage. It provides a lower storage cost compared to other tiers, making it economically advantageous for large volumes of backup data that do not require frequent retrieval. This aligns well with the typical needs of financial applications, which often involve regulations that mandate data retention for extended periods while maintaining cost controls. Additionally, Azure Blob Storage is highly scalable and can seamlessly accommodate varying amounts of data, which is beneficial for evolving backup needs. It also offers robust security features, such as encryption at rest and in transit, supporting compliance requirements that financial institutions must adhere to. In contrast, Azure SQL Database, while a powerful service for relational databases, is not tailored for file-based backups and thus does not provide an appropriate solution in this context. The Recovery Services vault specializes in backup management and recovery, but it might not be cost-effective for simple file-based backups compared to Blob Storage. Lastly, using an Azure file share with Cool tier storage, while suitable for some use cases, generally comes with higher operational costs compared to