DP-203 Practice Question: Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing
Which TWO methods can you use to optimize the cost of storing data in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2?
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
✓
Configure lifecycle management policies to move older data to the cool or archive tier.
Options B and D are correct. Option B: Configure lifecycle management policies to automatically move data to cooler tiers (cool or archive) based on age, reducing storage costs. Option D: Azure Blob Storage access tiers (hot, cool, archive) allow you to choose the appropriate tier for data based on access frequency, optimizing cost. Option A is incorrect because using customer-managed keys for encryption does not affect storage costs; encryption is free. Option C is incorrect: enabling soft delete adds storage overhead for deleted versions, increasing cost. Option E is incorrect: geo-redundant storage (GRS) replicates data to another region, increasing storage cost.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use customer-managed keys for encryption.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption does not impact storage cost.
- ✓
Configure lifecycle management policies to move older data to the cool or archive tier.
Why this is correct
Reduces storage cost by moving data to cheaper tiers.
- ✗
Enable soft delete for blobs.
Why it's wrong here
Soft delete adds retention costs.
- ✓
Use Azure Blob Storage access tiers: hot, cool, and archive.
Why this is correct
Access tiers allow cost optimization based on access frequency.
- ✗
Enable geo-redundant storage (GRS) for disaster recovery.
Why it's wrong here
GRS increases cost.
Quick reference
Azure Blob Storage Tier Comparison
| Tier | Storage Cost | Retrieval Cost | Latency | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot | Highest | Lowest | Immediate | Active data, frequent reads |
| Cool | Lower | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / month |
| Cold | Lower still | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / quarter |
| Archive | Lowest | Highest + rehydration delay | Hours | Long-term compliance retention |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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