Quick Answer
The answer is to use AWS DMS with a full load and ongoing replication. This approach is the most cost-effective large database migration strategy because AWS DMS performs the initial bulk transfer of the 10 TB dataset efficiently, then uses Change Data Capture (CDC) to replicate ongoing changes with minimal downtime, avoiding expensive manual steps or extended cutover windows. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of balancing migration speed against operational cost—a common trap is choosing native backup and restore, which seems simpler but requires significant storage and manual intervention, or Snowball, which adds latency for a database that can be migrated online. Remember the key distinction: DMS handles both the heavy lift and the continuous sync, making it ideal for minimizing both time and expense. Memory tip: DMS = Data Moves Smoothly, with CDC keeping the clock from ticking.
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is migrating a 10 TB SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server. They need to minimize the migration time and cost. Which approach should they use?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer backup files
Why wrong: Adds shipping time and complexity.
Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool to convert schema and then bulk insert
Why wrong: SCT does not migrate data.
Use AWS DMS with a full load and ongoing replication
Efficient and supports minimal downtime.
Use native SQL Server backup to S3 and restore to RDS
Why wrong: Requires S3 storage and manual restore.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use AWS DMS with a full load and ongoing replication
AWS DMS can migrate data efficiently and supports ongoing replication. Option C is correct. Option A (Native backup and restore) requires storage and manual steps. Option B (SCT only) does not migrate data. Option D (Snowball) is for large data but adds latency.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer backup files
Why it's wrong here
Adds shipping time and complexity.
Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool to convert schema and then bulk insert
Why it's wrong here
SCT does not migrate data.
Use AWS DMS with a full load and ongoing replication
Why this is correct
Efficient and supports minimal downtime.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Use native SQL Server backup to S3 and restore to RDS
Why it's wrong here
Requires S3 storage and manual restore.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Deployment and Migration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Use AWS DMS with a full load and ongoing replication — AWS DMS can migrate data efficiently and supports ongoing replication. Option C is correct. Option A (Native backup and restore) requires storage and manual steps. Option B (SCT only) does not migrate data. Option D (Snowball) is for large data but adds latency.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DBS-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DBS-C01 exam.
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