The answer is Read-access geo-zone-redundant storage (RA-GZRS). This configuration is correct because it combines zone-level redundancy within the primary region with geo-redundant replication to a secondary region, while also providing read access to the secondary copy. If Microsoft initiates a failover due to a primary region disaster, RA-GZRS ensures data remains accessible with minimal data loss, as the secondary region is kept synchronized asynchronously. On the Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 exam, this question tests your understanding of Azure Storage replication options and their disaster recovery capabilities, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse GRS (which fails over but offers no read access) with RA-GZRS. A common memory tip is to think "RA-GZRS = Read Access + Geo + Zone + Redundant Storage," emphasizing that the 'RA' prefix is the key differentiator for continuous secondary read availability during a regional outage.
AZ-305 Design business continuity solutions Practice Question
This AZ-305 practice question tests your understanding of design business continuity solutions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
You have an Azure Storage account that stores critical data. You need to ensure that the data remains accessible if the primary region fails. The solution must minimize data loss and automatically failover. What should you configure?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Read-access geo-zone-redundant storage (RA-GZRS).
Option C (RA-GZRS) provides read access to secondary region and automatic failover if Microsoft initiates. Option A (LRS) no failover. Option B (GRS) failover but no read access. Option D (ZRS) same region.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Zone-redundant storage (ZRS) with customer-managed failover.
Why it's wrong here
ZRS protects within a region, not across regions.
✗
Locally redundant storage (LRS) with soft delete.
Why it's wrong here
LRS does not protect against region failure.
✓
Read-access geo-zone-redundant storage (RA-GZRS).
Why this is correct
RA-GZRS provides automatic failover and read access in secondary region.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "primary", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Geo-redundant storage (GRS) with manual failover.
Why it's wrong here
Manual failover may not be automatic.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-305 question in full detail.
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.
Design business continuity solutions — This question tests Design business continuity solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Read-access geo-zone-redundant storage (RA-GZRS). — Option C (RA-GZRS) provides read access to secondary region and automatic failover if Microsoft initiates. Option A (LRS) no failover. Option B (GRS) failover but no read access. Option D (ZRS) same region.
What should I do if I get this AZ-305 question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary", "minimum / minimize". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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