DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
A company is migrating a 2 TB SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server. They have a limited maintenance window and need to minimize downtime. Which TWO strategies should they combine?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose Direct Connect (Option B) thinking it reduces downtime by speeding up data transfer, but it does not address the need for ongoing replication; the key is to use DMS for continuous sync, not just bandwidth.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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 to perform a full load and ongoing replication.
AWS DMS (Database Migration Service) is correct because it can perform a full load of the 2 TB SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server, then continuously replicate ongoing changes using change data capture (CDC). This minimizes downtime by allowing the source database to remain operational during migration, and the target can be synchronized with minimal interruption before cutover.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load and ongoing replication.
Why this is correct
DMS enables near-zero downtime migration.
- ✗
Use AWS Direct Connect to increase bandwidth.
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect is not a migration strategy itself.
- ✓
Use AWS SCT to convert the schema and assess compatibility.
Why this is correct
SCT ensures schema compatibility before migration.
- ✗
Use AWS CloudEndure Migration.
Why it's wrong here
CloudEndure is for server migration, not database migration.
- ✗
Use AWS Snowball to transfer a backup offline.
Why it's wrong here
Offline transfer may not fit limited maintenance window.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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