Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) Practice Test

If applications need to run in multiple environments without installation dependencies, which hosting solution is most suitable?

1. Azure Batch

2. Azure Functions

3. Azure Kubernetes Service

4. Azure worker role

The correct answer is: Azure Kubernetes Service

The most suitable hosting solution for running applications in multiple environments without installation dependencies is Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). AKS provides a managed Kubernetes environment where applications can be deployed in containers. Containerization abstracts the application from the underlying infrastructure, allowing it to run consistently across various environments. This encapsulation means that all necessary dependencies are included within the container, eliminating compatibility issues that may arise from different installation environments. With AKS, developers can focus on building and deploying applications while Kubernetes handles orchestration, scaling, and management of containers. This makes it an ideal solution for scenarios where consistent deployment and environment independence are crucial. In contrast, other options such as Azure Batch and Azure Functions have specific use cases that may not fully address the need for running applications in multiple environments without installation dependencies. Azure Batch is designed for processing large volumes of bulk data jobs but does not inherently provide the same level of flexibility across various environments like AKS does. Azure Functions, while great for serverless applications, may not be suitable for complex applications that need to maintain state or require a comprehensive setup. Azure worker roles also cater to cloud services but do not offer the same containerization benefits that AKS provides, making them less ideal for this specific requirement.