Which backup solution would best minimize backup size for a company with large file sizes and infrequent new file creation?

The best choice for minimizing backup size for a company with large file sizes and infrequent new file creation is differential backups. This method captures only the changes made since the last full backup, thereby significantly reducing the size of subsequent backups compared to full backups.

In environments where new files are rarely created, the differential backup approach is efficient because it limits the backup scope to what has changed rather than including all data each time. This is particularly beneficial for large files, as backing up the entire dataset frequently can consume considerable storage resources. The differential approach enables organizations to maintain storage efficiency while still ensuring data is backed up adequately.

Other methods, such as local snapshots and file-based replication, may not provide the same level of size optimization in this scenario. Local snapshots can capture the entire dataset at specific points in time, which can lead to larger backup sizes since each snapshot may include unmodified data. File-based replication often involves duplicating files to another location, which doesn't necessarily minimize size. Change block tracking, while useful for identifying modified data for incremental backups, isn't a standalone backup solution but rather a technology that aids in efficient data transfer during incremental backups. Together, these alternatives may not be as effective in minimizing backup sizes as differential backups in the described context.