Quick Answer
The answer is Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Blob Storage, and Azure SQL Database. Cosmos DB is the core service for multi-region writes with conflict resolution because it offers turnkey global distribution with multiple consistency levels and automatic conflict resolution policies, such as last-writer-wins or custom merge procedures, making it ideal for structured data in a globally distributed SaaS application. Azure Blob Storage handles the unstructured data—like images and documents—by providing geo-redundant storage options that can be paired with Azure Front Door for multi-region read access, though it does not natively support multi-region writes, which is why Cosmos DB manages the write conflicts. On the AZ-305 exam, this scenario tests your ability to pair services for hybrid data models under global distribution requirements; a common trap is assuming Blob Storage alone can handle multi-region writes. Memory tip: think "Cosmos for conflicts, Blob for blobs, SQL for structured sync."
This AZ-305 practice question tests your understanding of design data storage solutions. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company needs to design a data storage solution for a global SaaS application that requires multi-region writes with conflict resolution. The data model includes both structured and unstructured data. Which THREE Azure data services should they consider?
Azure Blob Storage
For unstructured data.
Azure SQL Database with active geo-replication
Multi-region writes for structured data.
Azure Cache for Redis
Why wrong: Caching layer, not primary storage.
Azure Table Storage
Why wrong: No multi-region write support.
Azure Cosmos DB
Multi-region writes with conflict resolution.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Azure Blob Storage
Azure Blob Storage is correct because it provides globally scalable, object-based storage for unstructured data (such as images, videos, and documents) that can be accessed from anywhere via HTTP/HTTPS. It supports geo-redundant storage options (e.g., GRS, RA-GRS) and can be integrated with Azure Front Door or Traffic Manager to enable multi-region read access, though it does not natively handle multi-region writes with conflict resolution—this is why it is paired with Cosmos DB for structured data.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Azure Blob Storage
Why this is correct
For unstructured data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure SQL Database with active geo-replication
Why this is correct
Multi-region writes for structured data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure Cache for Redis
Why it's wrong here
Caching layer, not primary storage.
Azure Table Storage
Why it's wrong here
No multi-region write support.
Azure Cosmos DB
Why this is correct
Multi-region writes with conflict resolution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often assume Azure SQL Database with active geo-replication supports multi-region writes, but it only supports a single writable primary with readable secondaries, not true multi-region writes with conflict resolution.
Detailed technical explanation
Azure Cosmos DB is the only service among the options that natively supports multi-region writes with automatic conflict resolution via last-writer-wins (LWW) or custom conflict resolution policies. It uses a multi-master replication protocol and offers five consistency levels (strong, bounded staleness, session, consistent prefix, eventual) to balance performance and data integrity. In a real-world SaaS scenario, Cosmos DB would handle the structured data (e.g., user profiles, orders) while Blob Storage stores unstructured assets (e.g., uploaded files), with the application layer coordinating writes across regions using Cosmos DB's SDKs.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Design data storage solutions — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Design data storage solutions practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All AZ-305 questions
999 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
AZ-305 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to Design identity, governance, and monitoring solutions.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to Design data storage solutions.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to Design business continuity solutions.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to Design infrastructure solutions.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to SAA-C03 VPC.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to SAA-C03 S3 lifecycle policy questions.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to SAA-C03 RDS Multi-AZ questions.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to SAA-C03 IAM policy.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to SAA-C03 Route 53 failover questions.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to SAA-C03 CloudFront.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to SAA-C03 NAT gateway questions.
Practise AZ-305 questions linked to SAA-C03 VPC endpoint questions.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Design data storage solutions — This question tests Design data storage solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Azure Blob Storage — Azure Blob Storage is correct because it provides globally scalable, object-based storage for unstructured data (such as images, videos, and documents) that can be accessed from anywhere via HTTP/HTTPS. It supports geo-redundant storage options (e.g., GRS, RA-GRS) and can be integrated with Azure Front Door or Traffic Manager to enable multi-region read access, though it does not natively handle multi-region writes with conflict resolution—this is why it is paired with Cosmos DB for structured data.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This AZ-305 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the AZ-305 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.