Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure (AZ-800) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The option of SMB 3.0 file shares as a storage alternative for virtual machines (VMs) is particularly significant due to its advanced features and improvements over previous versions of SMB. SMB 3.0 introduces enhancements such as increased performance, scalability, and support for features like multi-channel communication and continuous availability, which make it well-suited for high-demand scenarios like VM storage.

By utilizing SMB 3.0, organizations can benefit from leveraging standard Windows file sharing capabilities while still ensuring that virtual machines are accessible and can perform efficiently. The protocol allows for the use of cheaper and more flexible storage options compared to traditional SAN devices, facilitating a hybrid cloud environment where on-premises and cloud resources can work seamlessly together.

Additionally, SMB 3.0 supports increased security measures such as encryption in transit, which is crucial when dealing with sensitive VM data. This makes it an attractive choice for environments that require secure and reliable VM storage options.

In contrast, while other options like NFS file shares and older versions of SMB can still be used, they may not provide the same level of performance, features, and security enhancements that SMB 3.0 offers, making it the preferred choice in a modern Windows Server hybrid architecture.