Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300) Practice Exam

Which Azure storage tier is the most cost-effective for infrequently accessed data?

1. Hot

2. Cool

3. Archive

4. Premium

The correct answer is: Cool

The Cool storage tier in Azure is specifically designed to be a cost-effective solution for data that is infrequently accessed and stored for at least 30 days. This tier offers lower storage costs compared to the Hot tier but has higher access costs, which makes it ideal for scenarios where data is not expected to be frequently read or modified. For example, backups, disaster recovery data, or data that is not actively used but needs to be retained can benefit from the Cool tier. In contrast, the Hot storage tier is optimized for data that is accessed frequently, making it more expensive for storage with lower access costs but not suitable for infrequently accessed data. The Archive tier, while it offers the lowest storage costs, is intended for data that is rarely accessed and is subject to a retrieval delay, making it less cost-effective for situations where occasional access is necessary. The Premium tier is designed for high-performance workloads requiring low latency, and is typically more expensive than the other tiers, not suitable for infrequently accessed data storage. Thus, the Cool storage tier strikes the right balance between cost and access needs for infrequently accessed data.