Tiered Backup — Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305) Practice Questions
Tiered backup refers to the practice of storing backup data across multiple storage tiers, such as operational, vault, and archive, each offering different cost and retrieval speed tradeoffs. On the AZ-305 exam, architects must understand how Azure Backup's archive tier enables long-term retention at reduced cost for data that is rarely accessed, while the operational tier supports fast, frequent recovery of recent restore points. Choosing the correct tier for a given retention policy balances compliance requirements against storage costs, and the exam tests candidates on when archiving becomes appropriate compared to standard vault storage. Policy-based tiering allows automated movement of recovery points to the archive tier after a configurable period, reducing the need for manual lifecycle management.