Question

Difficulty: HardPlanning Compute Engine Resources and Machine Types

An online gaming company is planning its Google Cloud Compute Engine architecture for two distinct operational workloads: a continuous, low-latency in-memory leaderboard service that runs 24/7 and cannot tolerate sudden terminations, and an overnight batch analytics pipeline that parses telemetry log files, runs for 6 hours, is stateless, and can resume from checkpoints if interrupted. You need to design a compute provisioning strategy that optimizes cost while satisfying the reliability requirements for both workloads. Which TWO compute configuration strategies should you implement?

  1. Provision the continuous, low-latency leaderboard service using standard Compute Engine instances backed by Committed Use Discounts (CUDs).Answer
  2. Provision the overnight batch analytics pipeline using Spot VMs in a Managed Instance Group (MIG).Answer
  3. C
    Provision the continuous, low-latency leaderboard service using Spot VMs to maximize hourly baseline cost savings.
  4. D
    Combine Sustained Use Discounts (SUDs) with Spot VM instances for the batch processing pipeline to accumulate additional automated pricing reductions.

Answer

The optimal strategy requires provisioning the 24/7 baseline leaderboard service using standard Compute Engine virtual machines backed by Committed Use Discounts (CUDs), while provisioning the fault-tolerant overnight batch processing pipeline on Spot VMs within a Managed Instance Group (MIG).
For continuous baseline workloads running 24/7, Committed Use Discounts (CUDs) provide guaranteed resource reservation and substantial cost savings without risking preemption. For stateless, fault-tolerant batch jobs that can withstand sudden interruptions, Spot VMs offer the maximum possible pricing discount on Compute Engine.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the operational requirements of the continuous leaderboard workload
Identified as a continuous, 24/7, non-fault-tolerant service requiring high availability.
Workloads with predictable 24/7 uptime requirements qualify for Committed Use Discounts (CUDs) to maximize savings without risking unexpected instance preemption.
2
Analyze the operational requirements of the overnight batch processing pipeline
Identified as a stateless, fault-tolerant batch workload that runs intermittently and can resume from checkpoints.
Fault-tolerant, stateless batch processing jobs are ideal candidates for Spot VMs, which offer up to 60-91% discounts off standard instance pricing.
3
Evaluate GCP pricing discount rules and constraints
Confirmed that Spot VMs do not receive Sustained Use Discounts (SUDs) or Committed Use Discounts (CUDs).
Understanding discount exclusivity prevents miscalculating cost savings when planning Compute Engine resource commitments.

Key Concept

Compute Engine Machine Type Selection and Cost Optimization Strategies
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