Quick Answer
The answer is Azure Files Standard tier with Azure File Sync. This combination is correct because Azure File Sync enables on-premises caching by syncing a cloud file share to a local Windows Server, providing low-latency SMB access to frequently used files while keeping infrequently accessed data in the cloud. The Standard tier minimizes costs by charging only for the storage consumed, making it ideal for a 2 TB dataset with low access frequency. On the AZ-305 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between storage solutions for hybrid file workloads—a common trap is choosing Azure Blob Storage, which lacks native SMB support, or Azure NetApp Files, which is overpriced for infrequent access. Remember the key pairing: for on-premises caching with SMB, always think Azure Files plus File Sync. Memory tip: “Sync for speed, Standard for savings.”
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 small business is migrating its on-premises file server to Azure. The file server contains 2 TB of data that is accessed infrequently. The business wants to minimize costs and only pay for storage used. The solution must support SMB protocol and allow for on-premises caching to reduce latency. Which Azure storage solution should the business recommend?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Azure Files Standard tier with Azure File Sync
SMB access and caching on-premises.
Azure Disk Storage Standard HDD with shared disks
Why wrong: Not a file sharing solution.
Azure NetApp Files Standard tier with cross-region replication
Why wrong: More expensive than needed.
Azure Blob Storage Cool tier with Azure Storage Explorer
Why wrong: No SMB support.
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 Files Standard tier with Azure File Sync
Option B is correct because Azure Files with Azure File Sync provides cloud storage with SMB access and on-premises caching via sync. Option A is wrong because Azure Blob Storage does not support SMB. Option C is wrong because Azure NetApp Files is more expensive. Option D is wrong because Azure Disk Storage is not a file sharing solution.
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 Files Standard tier with Azure File Sync
Why this is correct
SMB access and caching on-premises.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure Disk Storage Standard HDD with shared disks
Why it's wrong here
Not a file sharing solution.
Azure NetApp Files Standard tier with cross-region replication
Why it's wrong here
More expensive than needed.
Azure Blob Storage Cool tier with Azure Storage Explorer
Why it's wrong here
No SMB support.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Identify which AZ-305 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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 Files Standard tier with Azure File Sync — Option B is correct because Azure Files with Azure File Sync provides cloud storage with SMB access and on-premises caching via sync. Option A is wrong because Azure Blob Storage does not support SMB. Option C is wrong because Azure NetApp Files is more expensive. Option D is wrong because Azure Disk Storage is not a file sharing solution.
Identify which AZ-305 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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