Your client has just purchased an HP 3PAR StoreServ array and wants to architect and implement a DR strategy. During a disaster, they need to be back in operation within 2 hours after the disaster…

Continuous Access is HPE's general branding for replication, encompassing both synchronous and asynchronous methods, rather than a specific replication strategy itself.

Synchronous replication guarantees an RPO of zero data loss but is the most expensive strategy due to its stringent requirements for low-latency, high-bandwidth network links, making it unsuitable for a 'most cost-efficient' requirement with an RPO of 5 minutes.

Asynchronous Periodic Mode allows for a non-zero Recovery Point Objective (RPO), such as the required 5 minutes, by replicating data in defined intervals. This method is significantly more cost-efficient than synchronous replication, as it tolerates higher network latency and bandwidth fluctuations, making it ideal for meeting a specific RPO without the high infrastructure costs of zero-data-loss solutions.

While snapshots can be part of a DR strategy, relying solely on them for a 5-minute RPO across data centers is typically less efficient or cost-effective than continuous asynchronous replication, especially for frequent data changes, and might not ensure timely recovery within the RTO.