DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
Which TWO options are valid methods to migrate an on-premises Microsoft SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server with minimal downtime? (Choose 2.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse supporting services (Direct Connect, Snowball) with actual migration methods, or mistake batch ETL tools (SSIS) for real-time replication solutions, leading them to select options that do not achieve minimal 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
✓
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication
AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) is a valid method for migrating SQL Server to Amazon RDS with minimal downtime because it allows a full load of the source database followed by continuous replication of incremental changes. This keeps the target database nearly synchronized with the source, enabling a short cutover window. The ongoing replication feature uses SQL Server's transaction logs to capture changes without requiring application downtime.
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 Snowball Edge
Why it's wrong here
Snowball is offline, not minimal downtime.
- ✗
Use SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)
Why it's wrong here
SSIS is for ETL, not continuous replication.
- ✓
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication
Why this is correct
DMS provides CDC for minimal downtime.
- ✓
Use native backup and restore to Amazon S3
Why this is correct
Native backup/restore to S3 is supported for SQL Server on RDS.
- ✗
Use AWS Direct Connect
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect provides network connectivity, not a migration method.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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