Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Storing Large Binary Files in Azure Blob Storage for Read-Heavy Workloads
You are designing a solution to store large binary files (up to 100 GB each) that are frequently read but rarely updated. The data must be accessible via HTTPS and support concurrent reads. Which Azure data store should you use?
Quick Answer
The answer is Azure Blob Storage, as it is the only Azure data store designed to handle large binary files up to 100 GB each while supporting frequent reads, concurrent HTTPS access, and rare updates. Azure Blob Storage can accommodate individual blobs up to 190.7 TiB and is optimized for read-heavy workloads through its block blob architecture, which allows parallel chunking and retrieval. On the DP-900 exam, this question tests your ability to match workload patterns—specifically large binary files with high read concurrency—to the correct storage service, often contrasting Blob Storage with Azure Files (limited to 4 TiB per file and better for shared drives) or Cosmos DB (built for transactional NoSQL data). A common trap is choosing Azure Files for its familiarity, but remember that blob storage is purpose-built for unstructured binary data at scale. Memory tip: think “BLOB = Big Large Object Binary,” and if it’s a massive file that’s read often but rarely changed, Blob Storage is your go-to.
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
✓
Azure Blob Storage
Azure Blob Storage supports large blobs (up to 190.7 TiB) and is optimized for read-heavy workloads with HTTPS access and concurrent reads. Option A is wrong because Azure Files has a maximum file size of 4 TiB and is designed for file shares, not large binary blobs. Option B is wrong because Azure Cosmos DB is for NoSQL transactional data, not large binary files. Option C is wrong because Azure NetApp Files is for high-performance file workloads, but more complex and expensive for simple blob storage.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Azure Files
Why it's wrong here
File size limit and protocol not optimized for large binary blobs.
- ✗
Azure Cosmos DB
Why it's wrong here
Designed for transactional NoSQL data, not large binary files.
- ✗
Azure NetApp Files
Why it's wrong here
Overkill for simple blob storage; higher cost and complexity.
- ✓
Azure Blob Storage
Why this is correct
Supports large blobs, HTTPS access, and concurrent reads.
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 |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Data Roles and Core Concepts
Key term
Azure Cosmos DB
Azure Cosmos DB is a fully managed, globally distributed NoSQL database service that offers fast reads and writes anywhere in the world with automatic scaling and multiple consistency models.
Key term
Data
Data is raw, unprocessed information, like numbers, words, or measurements, that can be stored, processed, and analyzed by computers.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on DP-900
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are designing a solution to store large binary files (videos) for a media company. The solution must support tiered storage to optimize costs based on access frequency. Which Azure storage option should you use?
medium- A.Azure Cosmos DB
- B.Azure Files
- ✓ C.Azure Blob Storage
- D.Azure Disk Storage
Why C: Azure Blob Storage offers tiered storage (Hot, Cool, Archive) ideal for optimizing costs based on access frequency. Option A is incorrect because Azure Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database service, not designed for storing large binary files with tiered storage. Option B is incorrect because Azure Files provides fully managed file shares in the cloud, but does not support access tiers for cost optimization like Blob Storage does. Option D is incorrect because Azure Disk Storage provides block-level storage volumes for Azure VMs, not suitable for object storage with tiering.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This DP-900 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 DP-900 exam.