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Choosing the Right S3 Storage Class for Compliance Data
Learn how to choose the most cost-effective S3 storage class for compliance data retention. Avoid common pitfalls with our detailed walkthrough.
Compliance data must be retained for 10 years, is almost never accessed, and retrieval times of up to 12 hours are acceptable. Which is the MOST cost-effective storage class?
The question
- A. S3 Standard
- B. S3 Standard-IA
- C. S3 Glacier Deep Archive
- D. Amazon EFS
Think before you scroll
Consider the requirements: long-term retention, infrequent access, and acceptable retrieval times. Weigh the cost implications of each storage option against these criteria.
The answer
The correct option is C. S3 Glacier Deep Archive. This storage class is specifically designed for long-term data archiving. It offers the lowest cost for data that is rarely accessed and can tolerate longer retrieval times.
Why the other options lose
- A. S3 Standard: This option is designed for frequently accessed data. It has higher costs associated with storage and retrieval, making it unsuitable for long-term compliance data that is rarely accessed.
- B. S3 Standard-IA: While this class is cheaper than S3 Standard, it is still not the most cost-effective for long-term storage. It is intended for infrequently accessed data but does not match the low cost of S3 Glacier Deep Archive for the specified needs.
- D. Amazon EFS: This service provides file storage for use with Amazon EC2. It is ideal for applications requiring low-latency access to files but is significantly more expensive compared to S3 Glacier Deep Archive for long-term storage needs.
The concept behind it
Understanding the various S3 storage classes is crucial. Each class serves different use cases based on access frequency, retrieval time, and cost. For long-term archives with infrequent access, S3 Glacier Deep Archive is the most economical choice.
Exam trap to remember
Remember: For long-term storage that is rarely accessed, always consider S3 Glacier Deep Archive as your primary option. It saves costs and meets retrieval time requirements effectively.