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Exam Question Walkthrough: Choosing the Right AWS Storage Option
Explore a question from the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam focused on cost-effective data storage solutions.
Choosing the right data storage solution can trip up many candidates. The options may seem similar, but the specifics matter. Understanding the nuances of AWS services is crucial for success.
The question
A company wants to save costs on their data storage solution while ensuring durability and availability. They need a solution for infrequently accessed data. Which AWS service should they choose?
- A. Amazon S3 Standard
- B. Amazon S3 Intelligent-Tiering
- C. Amazon S3 Glacier
- D. Amazon EBS
Think before you scroll
Before jumping to an answer, consider the access patterns of the data. The company needs a service that is optimized for infrequent access while still being durable and available. This is where the distinctions between the services become important.
The answer
The correct option is C. Amazon S3 Glacier. This service is specifically designed for infrequently accessed data. It provides a lower-cost storage solution while ensuring both durability and availability, making it ideal for the company's needs.
Why the other options lose
- A. Amazon S3 Standard: This option is not cost-effective for infrequent access. It is designed for frequently accessed data, which would not help the company save costs as required by the question.
- B. Amazon S3 Intelligent-Tiering: While this service automatically optimizes costs by moving data between two access tiers, it is not specifically tailored for infrequent access. It may incur additional costs for frequent access that the company does not need.
- D. Amazon EBS: This service is intended for block storage and is not suitable for long-term storage of infrequently accessed data. EBS is typically used for active data that needs to be quickly accessible, which does not align with the company’s requirements.
The concept behind it
The key principle here is understanding the types of AWS storage solutions available and their intended use cases. Amazon S3 Glacier is optimized for long-term storage of infrequently accessed data, making it a cost-effective option. Knowing when to use each service based on access patterns is crucial for architecting cost-optimized solutions.
Exam trap to remember
Remember, for infrequently accessed data, always think of Glacier first. It is built for durability and cost-effectiveness in this scenario.