Which Azure VM data disk option is recommended for applications requiring high-performance data access?

The option of Premium SSD is recommended for applications that require high-performance data access due to its superior features compared to other disk types. Premium SSDs provide low latency, high throughput, and consistent performance, making them ideal for workloads that demand rapid data processing, such as databases and high-transaction applications.

Premium SSDs utilize solid-state drive (SSD) technology, which allows for significantly faster read and write operations compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), including both Standard HDD and Ultrasonic HDD options, which are not designed for high-performance scenarios. While Standard SSDs offer improved performance over Standard HDDs, they generally do not match the capabilities of Premium SSDs, especially under heavy workloads. Therefore, for scenarios that require optimal performance and reliability, such as mission-critical applications, the use of Premium SSD disks is the most effective choice.