The answer is Amazon EFS and AWS DataSync. Amazon EFS is the correct replacement for an on-premises NFS server because it provides a fully managed, scalable NFS file system that supports the Network File System protocol natively, allowing existing NFS-based batch processing workloads to mount and read/write files without application changes. AWS DataSync complements this by efficiently automating the initial one-time migration of data from the on-premises NFS server to the EFS file system, handling incremental transfers and minimizing operational overhead. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between file, object, and block storage services when migrating legacy NFS workloads. A common trap is choosing Amazon S3 or Storage Gateway File Gateway, but S3 is object storage (not file protocol native), and while File Gateway also serves NFS, DataSync is the more efficient, purpose-built tool for the initial bulk migration. Memory tip: think "EFS for the file system, DataSync for the data sync."
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. 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 batch processing workload to AWS. The workload reads input files from an on-premises NFS server, processes them, and writes output files. The company wants to use AWS managed services and minimize operational overhead. Which TWO AWS services should the company use to replace the on-premises NFS server? (Choose TWO.)
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
AWS DataSync to transfer files from on-premises to Amazon EFS.
Options B and D are correct because Amazon EFS provides a scalable NFS file system, and AWS DataSync can migrate data from on-premises to EFS. Option A is wrong because S3 is object storage, not file. Option C is wrong because Storage Gateway File Gateway also provides NFS, but DataSync is more efficient for initial migration. Option E is wrong because EBS is block storage and not shared.
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.
✗
Amazon S3 with S3 File Gateway.
Why it's wrong here
S3 File Gateway provides NFS but is not a fully managed file system.
✓
AWS DataSync to transfer files from on-premises to Amazon EFS.
Why this is correct
DataSync automates data transfer to AWS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
AWS Storage Gateway File Gateway.
Why it's wrong here
File Gateway provides NFS, but EFS is more native.
✗
Amazon EBS with a shared snapshot.
Why it's wrong here
EBS volumes cannot be shared across instances.
✓
Amazon EFS (Elastic File System).
Why this is correct
EFS provides a scalable NFS file system for EC2 instances.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AWS DataSync to transfer files from on-premises to Amazon EFS. — Options B and D are correct because Amazon EFS provides a scalable NFS file system, and AWS DataSync can migrate data from on-premises to EFS. Option A is wrong because S3 is object storage, not file. Option C is wrong because Storage Gateway File Gateway also provides NFS, but DataSync is more efficient for initial migration. Option E is wrong because EBS is block storage and not shared.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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