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AWS SAA-C03 Exam Question Walkthrough: S3 Storage Class Decision
Explore a key AWS SAA-C03 exam question about S3 storage classes and learn how to choose the best option for cost-effective data storage.
Choosing the right Amazon S3 storage class can trip up many candidates. Understanding the differences in retrieval times and costs is critical for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam.
The question
A media company stores terabytes of data accessed once a quarter, with millisecond retrieval required when accessed. Which S3 storage class minimizes cost while meeting this?
- A. S3 Standard
- B. S3 Standard-Infrequent Access (Standard-IA)
- C. S3 Glacier Flexible Retrieval
- D. S3 Glacier Deep Archive
Think before you scroll
Consider the access frequency and retrieval time required for this scenario. The company needs to access data infrequently, but when they do, it must be quick. Weigh the cost against the retrieval speed of each option.
The answer
The correct option is B. S3 Standard-Infrequent Access (Standard-IA). This storage class is optimized for data that is not accessed frequently but requires quick access when needed. It offers millisecond retrieval at a lower storage cost than the S3 Standard.
Why the other options lose
- A. S3 Standard: This option is designed for frequently accessed data. It has a higher storage cost than Standard-IA, which does not align with the requirement of minimizing costs for infrequent access.
- C. S3 Glacier Flexible Retrieval: While this class offers lower storage costs, it introduces retrieval latency. The requirement here is for millisecond retrieval, which Glacier cannot provide without incurring additional costs and delays.
- D. S3 Glacier Deep Archive: This option is the most cost-effective for long-term storage of rarely accessed data. However, it is not suitable for millisecond retrieval, as it is designed for archival storage with extended retrieval times.
The concept behind it
Understanding storage class options in S3 is crucial. Each class serves different use cases based on access frequency and retrieval speed. For infrequent access with quick retrieval, S3 Standard-IA is the best choice, balancing cost and performance effectively.
Exam trap to remember
Remember: S3 Standard-IA is your go-to for infrequent access with quick retrieval requirements.