CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

How can a company cost-effectively meet a seven-year data retention requirement in the public cloud?

1. Site mirroring

2. Automated archiving

3. Replication

4. Third-party sites

The correct answer is: Automated archiving

Automated archiving is the most effective solution for meeting a seven-year data retention requirement in the public cloud in a cost-effective manner. This approach involves systematically moving data that is not frequently accessed to a lower-cost storage tier while still keeping it accessible when needed. Automated archiving handles the management of data lifecycle policies, ensuring that data is retained according to regulatory or business requirements without the need for manual intervention. This method not only optimizes storage costs by utilizing cheaper storage options for long-term retention but also ensures compliance with data retention policies by automating the process. As data is automatically archived, it reduces the risk of human error and the workload on IT teams, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks. Other options, such as site mirroring, replication, and third-party sites, generally involve more complex and costly infrastructure setups. They may not align well with the goal of cost-effectiveness for long-term data retention. Site mirroring typically requires maintaining copies of data in the same environment, while replication involves duplicating data in real-time, both of which can increase storage and operational expenses significantly. Third-party sites may provide alternative storage solutions, but they might not offer the same level of automation and cost efficiency as automated archiving.