Quick Answer
The answer is Amazon RDS for SQL Server. This is the correct choice because it provides native SQL Server engine compatibility, meaning your existing T-SQL queries, stored procedures, and complex joins will run without modification—directly addressing the need to migrate SQL Server to AWS without changes. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of when to choose a managed relational database service over a data warehouse or NoSQL alternative; a common trap is assuming Amazon Redshift is suitable for general-purpose reporting, but Redshift requires schema and query re-engineering for columnar storage. Remember: if the workload demands minimal application changes and uses complex joins, stick with the same engine—RDS for SQL Server. Memory tip: “Same engine, no change—RDS for SQL Server is the range.”
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of workload-specific database design. 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 team is migrating an on-premises Microsoft SQL Server database to AWS. The database is used for reporting and analytics, with complex queries that join multiple tables. The team wants to minimize application changes and ensure compatibility. Which AWS service 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.
Amazon RDS for SQL Server
RDS for SQL Server offers native compatibility, minimizing migration effort.
Amazon RDS for MySQL
Why wrong: MySQL is a different engine requiring application changes.
Amazon Redshift
Why wrong: Redshift is a data warehouse requiring schema redesign.
Amazon DynamoDB
Why wrong: DynamoDB is NoSQL and not suitable for complex joins.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Amazon RDS for SQL Server
Amazon RDS for SQL Server provides native SQL Server compatibility, minimizing application changes. Option B (Amazon RDS for MySQL) is a different database engine requiring SQL dialect changes. Option C (Amazon DynamoDB) is NoSQL and not suited for complex joins. Option D (Amazon Redshift) is a data warehouse optimized for analytics but requires re-engineering of queries and schema.
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.
Amazon RDS for SQL Server
Why this is correct
RDS for SQL Server offers native compatibility, minimizing migration effort.
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.
Amazon RDS for MySQL
Why it's wrong here
MySQL is a different engine requiring application changes.
Amazon Redshift
Why it's wrong here
Redshift is a data warehouse requiring schema redesign.
Amazon DynamoDB
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB is NoSQL and not suitable for complex joins.
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 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. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. 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
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.
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FAQ
Workload-Specific Database Design — This question tests Workload-Specific Database Design — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Amazon RDS for SQL Server — Amazon RDS for SQL Server provides native SQL Server compatibility, minimizing application changes. Option B (Amazon RDS for MySQL) is a different database engine requiring SQL dialect changes. Option C (Amazon DynamoDB) is NoSQL and not suited for complex joins. Option D (Amazon Redshift) is a data warehouse optimized for analytics but requires re-engineering of queries and schema.
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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