A company has 10 branch offices, each with Windows file servers. They want to centralize file storage in Azure and allow each branch office to cache files locally for fast access. The solution must support cloud tiering so that only frequently accessed files are kept locally. Which Azure service should they implement?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Best answer
Azure File Sync
Correct. Azure File Sync synchronizes on-premises file servers with Azure Files and offers cloud tiering for local caching.
Distractor review
Azure Files
Azure Files provides cloud-based SMB shares but does not include local caching or hierarchical sync.
Distractor review
Azure Blob Storage with Azure File Sync
This is a repetition; Azure File Sync already works with Azure Files, not Blob Storage.
Distractor review
Azure NetApp Files
Azure NetApp Files is a high-performance file service but does not include built-in cloud tiering for branch offices.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A company is designing hub-and-spoke networking. Spoke VNets must use a central Azure Firewall for outbound internet traffic. Which two configurations are required?
Question 2
A company is designing private access to a PaaS database from workloads in a VNet. The database should not be reachable over its public endpoint. What should be recommended?
Question 3
A data platform must support analytical queries over petabytes of files in a data lake, while preserving hierarchical namespaces and fine-grained ACLs. Which storage service should you design around?
Question 4
A database workload has an RPO of 15 minutes and an RTO of 4 hours. Cost is more important than near-zero data loss. Which design is usually more appropriate than synchronous multi-region replication?
Question 5
A hub-and-spoke Azure network must centralize outbound inspection and still allow spokes to resolve private endpoint DNS names. Which two components are commonly required? (Choose 2.)
Question 6
A multinational company uses Microsoft Entra ID and several Azure subscriptions. Security administrators need to review privileged role assignments every month and require justification for continued access. Which design should be recommended?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-305 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure File Sync — Azure File Sync extends Azure Files to on-premises servers, enabling local caching with cloud tiering. It synchronizes files between Azure Files and the branch servers, automatically tiering less frequently accessed files to the cloud while keeping frequently used files local. Azure Files alone does not provide local caching, Azure NetApp Files is a different service, and Blob Storage coupled with sync tech is less integrated.
What should I do if I get this AZ-305 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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