Question 1,085 of 1,446
Manage a solution that can span multiple database technologies →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
PCDE Practice Question: Manage a solution that can span multiple database technologies
A Cloud Spanner instance is backing up a 2 TB database daily to Cloud Storage using the built-in backup feature. The compliance team requires the backup to be stored in a specific regional bucket with a retention policy of 14 days. How should the database administrator configure this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the gcloud spanner databases export command to export the database to a Cloud Storage bucket in the desired region, then set a retention policy on the bucket
Spanner database backups are stored as managed backups within the Spanner service, not directly as files in Cloud Storage. However, they can be exported to Cloud Storage using the export API. The export can be configured to a specific bucket and region, and object lifecycle rules can enforce retention.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Schedule a cron job to copy the backup from Spanner's default location to the regional bucket
Why it's wrong here
There is no default location; the export must be explicitly done. A cron job could work but is not the built-in feature.
- ✓
Use the gcloud spanner databases export command to export the database to a Cloud Storage bucket in the desired region, then set a retention policy on the bucket
Why this is correct
Correct. Export to Cloud Storage allows specifying a regional bucket. Object lifecycle rules can enforce a 14-day retention.
- ✗
Use the CREATE BACKUP statement and specify a Cloud Storage bucket in the desired region
Why it's wrong here
Spanner backups are managed internally; they are not stored directly in Cloud Storage buckets.
- ✗
Use the backup retention period in Spanner's backup settings to keep backups for 14 days
Why it's wrong here
Spanner's managed backup retention is limited (e.g., up to 365 days) but does not store in a specific regional bucket.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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