- A
Create a cross-region read replica in the target region and promote it to a standalone instance.
Why wrong: Amazon RDS for SQL Server does not support cross-region read replicas.
- B
Take a snapshot of the source RDS instance and restore it in the target region. Then update the application connection string.
Why wrong: Snapshot restore is a point-in-time operation and would require additional downtime to sync changes made after the snapshot.
- C
Set up cross-region replication using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS with ongoing replication, then perform a DNS cutover to the target instance.
This approach keeps the target synchronized and allows a quick cutover with minimal downtime.
- D
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load to a new RDS instance in the target region. During the final sync, stop the source and resume from the target.
Why wrong: While DMS can do ongoing replication, a full load to a new instance would require time to catch up, potentially exceeding 15 minutes of downtime if not properly planned.
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 using an Amazon RDS for SQL Server database with Multi-AZ deployment. They need to migrate to Amazon RDS for SQL Server in a different AWS region. The database is 1 TB and cannot tolerate more than 15 minutes of downtime. Which strategy minimizes downtime?
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
Set up cross-region replication using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS with ongoing replication, then perform a DNS cutover to the target instance.
Option C is correct because it combines native SQL Server log shipping or AWS DMS with ongoing replication to keep the target region instance nearly synchronized with the source, enabling a DNS cutover with minimal downtime. This approach meets the 15-minute downtime requirement by allowing a controlled final sync and cutover, unlike snapshot restore or full-load-only methods that require longer outages. Multi-AZ deployment does not prevent cross-region replication, and log shipping or DMS can handle the 1 TB database within the downtime window if properly configured.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create a cross-region read replica in the target region and promote it to a standalone instance.
Why it's wrong here
Amazon RDS for SQL Server does not support cross-region read replicas.
- ✗
Take a snapshot of the source RDS instance and restore it in the target region. Then update the application connection string.
Why it's wrong here
Snapshot restore is a point-in-time operation and would require additional downtime to sync changes made after the snapshot.
- ✓
Set up cross-region replication using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS with ongoing replication, then perform a DNS cutover to the target instance.
Why this is correct
This approach keeps the target synchronized and allows a quick cutover with minimal downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load to a new RDS instance in the target region. During the final sync, stop the source and resume from the target.
Why it's wrong here
While DMS can do ongoing replication, a full load to a new instance would require time to catch up, potentially exceeding 15 minutes of downtime if not properly planned.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume cross-region read replicas are available for all RDS engines, but SQL Server does not support them, leading them to choose Option A without verifying engine-specific limitations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Native SQL Server log shipping works by continuously backing up transaction logs from the source and restoring them on the target, allowing near-real-time synchronization with minimal lag. AWS DMS with ongoing replication uses change data capture (CDC) to apply incremental changes, which can handle large databases like 1 TB by performing an initial full load followed by continuous replication. The DNS cutover step is critical because it allows the application to switch to the target instance with only seconds of downtime, provided the final log or CDC sync completes within the allowed window.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set up cross-region replication using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS with ongoing replication, then perform a DNS cutover to the target instance. — Option C is correct because it combines native SQL Server log shipping or AWS DMS with ongoing replication to keep the target region instance nearly synchronized with the source, enabling a DNS cutover with minimal downtime. This approach meets the 15-minute downtime requirement by allowing a controlled final sync and cutover, unlike snapshot restore or full-load-only methods that require longer outages. Multi-AZ deployment does not prevent cross-region replication, and log shipping or DMS can handle the 1 TB database within the downtime window if properly configured.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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