Pass the Pure Storage FlashBlade Architect Professional FAAA_004 Questions and answers with ValidTests

The value 77.24 T in the context of Pure Storage FlashArray represents C. The guaranteed capacity.

Guaranteed Capacity is a feature of Pure Storage’s Evergreen subscription model. It reflects the effective capacity Pure Storage commits to the customer based on their typical data reduction ratios (deduplication, compression, and pattern removal). This value is calculated as:

Guaranteed Capacity=Physical Raw Capacity×Data Reduction Factor (DRF)Guaranteed Capacity=Physical Raw Capacity×Data Reduction Factor (DRF)

Pure typically guarantees a minimum DRF (e.g., 3:1 for many workloads), but actual savings often exceed this.

Why Not the Other Options?

A. Total usable space: This would include the total logical capacity after data reduction and overheads (RAID-HD, metadata), which is usually larger than the guaranteed capacity.

B. Total raw space: This refers to the physical capacity of drives (e.g., 100TB raw). The value shown (77.24T) is smaller than raw, so this is incorrect.

D. Total deduplicated space: Pure Storage combines dedupe, compression, and pattern removal into a single "data reduction" metric. Deduplication alone is not isolated in capacity reporting.

Official Reference:

Pure Storage documentation explicitly defines Guaranteed Capacity as the "logical capacity Pure commits to deliver, factoring in data reduction." This aligns with the Evergreen//Forever subscription model, where customers pay for usable capacity, not raw storage.

Pure Storage'sRight-Size Guaranteeprotects the customer for12 months starting from the date of arrival. This guarantee ensures that if the customer's storage needs grow beyond their initial purchase, they can upgrade to larger capacity shelves or arrays without overpaying for the additional capacity.

Why This Matters:

The12-month protection periodgives customers ample time to assess their storage requirements and make adjustments as needed. This flexibility is particularly valuable for organizations with dynamic or unpredictable growth patterns.

By protecting the customer for a full year, Pure Storage ensures that they can scale their storage infrastructure efficiently without incurring unnecessary costs.

Why Not the Other Options?

A. 30 days starting from the date of arrival:

A 30-day protection period would be insufficient for most customers to evaluate their storage needs and make informed decisions about upgrades.

B. 6 months starting from the date of arrival:

While 6 months is longer than 30 days, it is still shorter than the standard 12-month protection period offered by Pure Storage.

D. Until the Evergreen subscription expires:

The Right-Size Guarantee is not tied to the duration of the Evergreen subscription. It is specifically valid for 12 months from the date of arrival.

Key Points:

12-Month Protection:Provides customers with a full year to assess their storage needs and leverage the Right-Size Guarantee.

Scalability:Ensures customers can upgrade their storage infrastructure cost-effectively as their needs evolve.

Customer-Centric Approach:Reflects Pure Storage's commitment to delivering flexible and future-proof solutions.

References:

Pure Storage Evergreen//Forever Documentation: "Right-Size Guarantee Terms and Conditions"

Pure Storage Whitepaper: "Maximizing Value with Evergreen Subscriptions"

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: "Understanding the Right-Size Guarantee Duration"

The customer requires a disaster recovery (DR) solution that allows them to replicate data from their on-premises environment to the public cloud. They also need failover and fallback capabilities, meaning they must be able to switch operations to the cloud during a disaster and revert back to on-premises once the issue is resolved.

Snapshot replication between a FlashArray on-premises and Cloud Block Store (CBS)is the best solution for this use case. CBS integrates seamlessly with on-premises FlashArrays, enabling efficient replication of snapshots to the cloud. This feature supports failover and fallback operations, ensuring business continuity in the event of a disaster.

Why Not the Other Options?

B. Purity//FA CloudSnap periodic offload of snapshots to AWS:While CloudSnap allows periodic offloading of snapshots to AWS S3 for backup purposes, it does not provide the real-time replication and failover/fallback capabilities required for DR.

C. ActiveCluster FC replication between a FlashArray on site and Evergreen//One:ActiveCluster is designed for synchronous replication between two FlashArrays in different locations, but it does not support replication to the public cloud.

Key Points:

Snapshot Replication:Enables efficient and reliable replication of data between on-premises FlashArrays and Cloud Block Store.

Failover and Fallback:CBS supports these capabilities, ensuring minimal downtime during a disaster.

Integration with FlashArray:CBS is specifically designed to work with FlashArray, providing a seamless DR solution.

References:

Pure Storage Cloud Block Store Documentation: "Disaster Recovery with Cloud Block Store"

Pure Storage Best Practices Guide: "Replication and Failover in Hybrid Cloud Environments"

Pure Storage Whitepaper: "Hybrid Cloud Architectures with FlashArray and Cloud Block Store"

TheFlashArrayis suitable for cloud-native applications that utilize containers and Kubernetes, but the best way to address this use case is throughPure Storage's Portworx offering.

Why This Matters:

Portworx:

Portworx is a container storage and data management platform specifically designed for Kubernetes and cloud-native applications. It integrates seamlessly with FlashArray to provide persistent storage, data protection, and advanced features like snapshots, replication, and disaster recovery for containerized workloads.

Portworx ensures high performance, scalability, and reliability for stateful applications running in Kubernetes environments.

Why Not the Other Options?

A. This is not supported with FlashArray and this application data will need to be stored on a different array:

This statement is incorrect. FlashArray is fully capable of supporting cloud-native applications when paired with the right tools, such as Portworx.

B. This is supported via an installable CSI provider specifically for the FlashArray:

While FlashArray does support a Container Storage Interface (CSI) driver, it is a basic integration and does not provide the advanced features and capabilities offered by Portworx for Kubernetes environments.

D. This is supported and Pure uses a software layer that is only compatible with DAS storage in Kubernetes:

This statement is incorrect. Pure Storage solutions are compatible with both direct-attached storage (DAS) and external storage arrays like FlashArray.

Key Points:

Portworx:The recommended solution for integrating FlashArray with Kubernetes and containerized applications.

Advanced Features:Provides persistent storage, data protection, and scalability for cloud-native workloads.

Integration:Ensures seamless compatibility between FlashArray and Kubernetes environments.

References:

Pure Storage Portworx Documentation: "Integrating Portworx with FlashArray"

Pure Storage Whitepaper: "Cloud-Native Storage Solutions with Portworx"

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: "Best Practices for Kubernetes and FlashArray Integration"

The healthcare customer already has aFlashArray//X50with35 usable TB freeand anticipates storing15 TB of medical imaging data. Since the system load is currently35%, they canenable FA File on the array as-isto support the new workload.

Why This Matters:

FA File:

FA File Services enables file-based storage (NFS and SMB) on FlashArray, allowing the array to handle both block and file workloads simultaneously.

With 35 TB of free capacity and only 15 TB required for medical imaging, there is sufficient space to accommodate the new workload.

The current system load of 35% indicates that the array has ample headroom to handle the additional workload without requiring upgrades.

Why Not the Other Options?

A. They must first upgrade the controllers to a //X70 and enable FA File:

Upgrading to a //X70 is unnecessary given the available capacity and low system load. The current //X50 is capable of supporting the workload.

C. Medical imaging always belongs on a FlashBlade:

While FlashBlade is ideal for large-scale, high-performance unstructured data workloads, it is not mandatory for this use case. FA File on FlashArray//X50 is sufficient for 15 TB of medical imaging data.

D. They should purchase a FlashArray//C and enable FA File:

Purchasing a new array is unnecessary given the available resources on the existing FlashArray//X50.

Key Points:

FA File:Enables file-based storage on FlashArray without requiring additional hardware.

Capacity and Load:The array has sufficient free space and performance headroom to handle the new workload.

Cost Efficiency:Avoids unnecessary upgrades or purchases, optimizing costs while meeting requirements.

References:

Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: "FA File Services Overview"

Pure Storage Whitepaper: "Consolidating Workloads on FlashArray"

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: "Supporting Multiple Workloads with FlashArray"

When a controller generates a hash for an incoming write request and finds that the hash already exists in the hash table, the next step is tocompare the new block to the existing block to confirm they are duplicates.

Why This Matters:

Hash Collision Handling:

Hash functions can sometimes produce the same hash value for different data blocks (a "hash collision"). To ensure data integrity, the system must verify that the new block is identical to the existing block before deduplication occurs.

Data Integrity:

Comparing the blocks ensures that only true duplicates are deduplicated, preventing data corruption or loss due to hash collisions.

Why Not the Other Options?

A. The next incoming block is then hashed to see if it can be deduplicated:

Hashing the next block is unnecessary at this stage. The focus is on verifying whether the current block is a duplicate.

B. Deep level compression is then applied to the newly hashed block:

Compression is a separate process from deduplication and does not occur immediately after hashing.

D. Purity//FA will expand the block to see if it can deduplicate a larger dataset:

Expanding the block is not part of the deduplication process. Deduplication operates on individual blocks, not larger datasets.

Key Points:

Hash Table Lookup:Identifies potential duplicates based on hash values.

Block Comparison:Confirms that the new block matches the existing block to ensure data integrity.

Deduplication:Eliminates redundant data to optimize storage efficiency.

References:

Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: "Understanding Deduplication in Purity//FA"

Pure Storage Whitepaper: "Data Reduction Techniques in FlashArray"

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: "How Deduplication Works in FlashArray"

Pure Storage helps customers increase storage density in their arrays as new technology becomes available through itsEvergreen//Onesubscription program. Here's an analysis of the options:

Analysis of Options:

A. Customers can attach third-party storage arrays to the Pure Storage array:

Pure Storage does not support attaching third-party storage arrays directly to its arrays. This is not a valid option.

B. Customers can leverage Pure Storage's Capacity Consolidation offering:

While capacity consolidation is a benefit of Pure Storage arrays, it does not specifically address increasing storage density with new technology.

C. Customers can mix HDDs and flash modules within the same array:

Pure Storage arrays are all-flash and do not support mixing HDDs and flash modules. This is not a valid option.

D. Customers can add a shelf with an Evergreen//One subscription:

WithEvergreen//One, customers can non-disruptively add new shelves or upgrade their arrays to take advantage of newer, denser storage technologies without rebuying existing storage. This is the correct answer.

Recommendation:

The correct answer isD. Customers can add a shelf with an Evergreen//One subscription.

References:

Evergreen//One Program Overview:

Evergreen//One

Explains the benefits of Evergreen//One, including non-disruptive upgrades and capacity expansion.

FlashArray Expansion Shelves:

FlashArray Expansion Shelves

Details the process of adding shelves to increase storage capacity.

The customer has the following requirements:

Business-critical workload that requires sub-millisecond response times

Synchronous replication configured to their secondary site

Offload snapshots to a third location where they do not have a FlashArray

The best solution to meet these needs isFlashArray//Xs with ActiveCluster and CloudSnap.

Why This Matters:

FlashArray//Xs:

FlashArray//X is optimized forhigh-performance workloads, delivering sub-millisecond response times required for business-critical applications.

ActiveCluster:

ActiveCluster providessynchronous replicationbetween two sites within a stretched cluster, ensuring zero RPO and near-zero RTO for high availability.

CloudSnap:

CloudSnap offloads snapshots to cloud storage (e.g., AWS S3 or Azure Blob), enabling disaster recovery or archival at a third location without requiring an additional FlashArray.

Why Not the Other Options?

B. FlashArray//Cs with ActiveDR and Snapshot Replication:

FlashArray//C is designed for capacity-optimized workloads and does not provide the sub-millisecond response times required for business-critical applications.

ActiveDR provides asynchronous replication, which does not meet the requirement for synchronous replication.

C. FlashArray//Cs with ActiveCluster and Snapshot Replication:

Again, FlashArray//C is not suitable for sub-millisecond response times. Additionally, snapshot replication to a third location is less efficient than CloudSnap for offloading data to the cloud.

Key Points:

FlashArray//Xs:Delivers the high performance required for business-critical workloads.

ActiveCluster:Ensures synchronous replication for high availability across two sites.

CloudSnap:Provides cost-effective offsite protection by offloading snapshots to the cloud.

References:

Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: "ActiveCluster with CloudSnap"

Pure Storage Whitepaper: "Disaster Recovery Strategies with FlashArray"

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: "Using Protection Groups in Stretched Pods"

If a customer is unsatisfied with the level of data reduction on their FlashArray, the SE should make the following two statements:

FlashArray's deduplication effectiveness will usually increase as the data quantity grows:

Deduplication relies on identifying and eliminating duplicate data blocks. As more data is written to the array, the likelihood of finding duplicates increases, improving the overall deduplication ratio.

Customers should expect better data reduction results over time as their dataset grows.

The Right-Size Guarantee means that the customer can work with their SE if necessary:

Pure Storage'sRight-Size Guaranteeensures that customers receive the expected effective capacity based on their workload's data reduction profile. If the actual data reduction does not meet expectations, the customer can collaborate with their SE to address the issue and potentially adjust their subscription or configuration.

Why Not the Other Options?

A. A FlashArray's compression and deduplication will need to be tuned for data subsets:

FlashArray's data reduction techniques (compression and deduplication) are automatic and do not require manual tuning. This statement is misleading.

C. FlashArray data reduction needs to be tuned to increase its effectiveness:

Similar to Option A, FlashArray's data reduction mechanisms are fully automated and do not require manual intervention.

Key Points:

Data Growth:Deduplication effectiveness improves as more data is written to the array.

Right-Size Guarantee:Provides assurance that customers can work with their SE to address data reduction concerns.

Automatic Optimization:FlashArray's data reduction features are self-optimizing and do not require manual tuning.

References:

Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: "Understanding Data Reduction and Capacity Planning"

Pure Storage Whitepaper: "Maximizing Data Reduction with FlashArray"

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: "Right-Size Guarantee Terms and Conditions"

TheEvergreen//Flexoffering allows customers toown their array hardwarewhile paying for storage on asubscription basis.

Why This Matters:

Evergreen//Flex:

This model combines the benefits of ownership with the flexibility of a subscription. Customers own the hardware outright but pay for storage capacity and services (e.g., maintenance, upgrades) on a subscription basis.

It provides predictable costs and access to Pure Storage's Evergreen architecture, ensuring long-term value and future-proofing.

Why Not the Other Options?

A. Evergreen//Foundation:

Evergreen//Foundation is a traditional purchase model where customers buy the hardware and software upfront. It does not involve a subscription-based payment structure.

B. Evergreen//One:

Evergreen//One is a fully managed subscription service where customers do not own the hardware. Instead, they lease the equipment and pay for storage as a service.

D. Cloud Block Store:

Cloud Block Store is a cloud-native block storage solution that runs in public clouds (e.g., AWS, Azure). It does not involve owning on-premises hardware.

Key Points:

Ownership:Customers retain ownership of the hardware.

Subscription Flexibility:Pay for storage and services on a subscription basis.

Predictable Costs:Aligns with budgeting and financial planning goals.

References:

Pure Storage Evergreen//Forever Documentation: "Understanding Evergreen//Flex"

Pure Storage Whitepaper: "Maximizing Value with Evergreen Subscriptions"

Pure Storage Knowledge Base: "How Evergreen//Flex Works"