Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) Practice Test

Which Azure service would be most effective to recover an on-premises network after a regional Azure failure, while maintaining low costs?

1. Azure Backup

2. Azure Site Recovery

3. Standard_GRS storage with manual failover

4. Recovery Services vault

The correct answer is: Standard_GRS storage with manual failover

The most effective choice for recovering an on-premises network after a regional Azure failure, while maintaining low costs, is the use of Standard_GRS (Geographically Redundant Storage) with manual failover. Standard_GRS storage provides redundancy by storing data in multiple locations, which can be beneficial in the event of a regional outage. The manually controlled failover process allows organizations to switch their operations to the secondary region when necessary, ensuring that data remains accessible even during disruptions. This approach is cost-effective because it relies on existing Azure storage solutions without incurring additional charges associated with active replication or disaster recovery services that may require more complex setups and management. By utilizing the manual failover option, organizations can better control the timing and execution of their recovery efforts, thereby tailoring it to their specific business needs and budget constraints. Other options such as Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery typically involve higher costs due to their automated backup and recovery features, which are designed for rapid data recovery and continuous replication. Recovery Services vault is also associated with these services and is used for managing backups and site recovery but would similarly carry additional costs. In contrast, implementing Standard_GRS with manual failover aligns with the goal of maintaining low costs while still providing a viable disaster recovery solution.