Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) Practice Test

Which solution should be recommended for delivering files to users from specific Azure regions while minimizing costs?

1. Azure File Sync

2. Distributed File System (DFS)

3. Read-access geo-redundant storage (RA-GRS)

4. Geo-redundant storage (GRS)

The correct answer is: Read-access geo-redundant storage (RA-GRS)

Read-access geo-redundant storage (RA-GRS) is the most suitable solution for delivering files to users from specific Azure regions while minimizing costs. RA-GRS provides redundancy by replicating data across multiple Azure regions. This ensures that data is not only available in the primary region but also in a secondary region, which allows for higher availability and accessibility. The read-access capability allows users to access the data even if the primary location is down, ensuring business continuity. Additionally, because it is designed to keep costs lower compared to other redundancy options, such as standard geo-redundant storage, it effectively meets the requirement of minimizing costs while providing the necessary access to users from various regions. In contrast, other options may not provide the same balance of cost-effectiveness and accessibility. For instance, Azure File Sync is more suited for on-premises file sharing and synchronization rather than direct access from multiple regions. Distributed File System (DFS) requires additional infrastructure management and isn't a native Azure solution for regional file delivery. Geo-redundant storage (GRS), while providing redundancy, does not allow for read access in the secondary region like RA-GRS does.