Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
DP-900 Practice Question: Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure
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?
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 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.
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 Cosmos DB
Why it's wrong here
Azure Cosmos DB is a multi-model NoSQL database service optimized for low-latency reads/writes and global distribution via document, graph, and table APIs. It is not intended for storing large binary files; while you can store them as Base64-encoded documents or attachments, this approach consumes request units (RUs) on every operation and quickly becomes cost-prohibitive and latency-heavier than Blob Storage. Cosmos DB has a documented maximum document size (currently 2 MB), making it fundamentally unsuitable for large blobs.
- ✗
Azure Files
Why it's wrong here
Azure Files is a fully managed file share service that offers SMB and NFS protocols, primarily targeting lift-and-shift file-sharing workloads and on-premises replacements. Although it supports hot and cool access tiers for cost optimization, it is a file share for directories and files accessible over a mapped drive, not an object storage service. It lacks the granular archive tier and massive-scale REST-based object access of Blob Storage, and it does not deliver the same cost-effective pattern for infrequently accessed large binary artifacts.
- ✓
Azure Blob Storage
Why this is correct
Azure Blob Storage is a massively scalable object storage service designed specifically for unstructured data such as large binary files. It provides per-blob access tiers — hot, cool, cold, and archive — so you can place data in the tier that matches its access frequency and drastically reduce storage costs. Blob Storage offers REST-based access, high durability, and lifecycle policies that automatically move blobs between tiers, making it the correct choice for storing large binaries like videos, backups, or datasets.
- ✗
Azure Disk Storage
Why it's wrong here
Azure Disk Storage provides block-level volumes that are attached to virtual machines, acting as the persistent OS or data disk for a VM. Unlike Blob Storage, disks are not accessible over HTTP/REST APIs and are tied to the VM's lifecycle; you cannot directly index or query the contents. Disk costs are based on allocated capacity and performance tier (premium, standard SSD, or HDD), so storing large, infrequently accessed binaries on disks would incur continuous charge regardless of actual usage and offer no archive-tier option.
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
Azure SQL Services
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
Key term
Blob storage
Blob storage is a cloud service for storing large amounts of unstructured data, such as text or binary data, like documents, images, and videos.
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