SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
A company is migrating a legacy three-tier application to AWS. The application consists of a Java-based web tier, a business logic tier running on Windows Server 2012, and a Microsoft SQL Server database. The company wants to minimize changes to the application and reduce operational overhead. The business logic tier uses Windows authentication and accesses the database via integrated security. The company requires a highly available architecture across multiple Availability Zones. Which migration strategy should a solutions architect recommend?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that replatforming to a managed service like Elastic Beanstalk or Aurora always reduces operational overhead, but it often requires code changes and may not support Windows authentication.
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
✓
Rehost the web tier and business logic tier on Amazon EC2 instances, and migrate the database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server with Multi-AZ.
Rehosting the application tiers on EC2 and migrating the database to RDS for SQL Server with Multi-AZ is the most suitable strategy. It preserves the existing application code and authentication mechanisms, while providing high availability and reducing operational overhead by leveraging a managed database service. This approach aligns with the rehost migration pattern and meets the requirements.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Repurchase a SaaS solution that provides similar functionality, and retire the legacy application.
Why it's wrong here
Repurchasing a SaaS solution involves replacing the application entirely, which is not a migration strategy but a business decision. It may not meet specific requirements such as Windows authentication and integrated security, and could lead to data migration challenges. This option does not align with the stated goal of minimizing changes to the application.
- ✗
Refactor the application into microservices running on Amazon ECS, and use Amazon DynamoDB for data storage.
Why it's wrong here
Refactoring into microservices requires a complete rewrite of the application, which contradicts the goal of minimizing changes. DynamoDB is a NoSQL database and cannot replace SQL Server with integrated security without major code changes. This approach introduces unnecessary complexity and does not leverage the existing investment.
- ✗
Replatform the web tier to AWS Elastic Beanstalk, rehost the business logic tier on EC2, and migrate the database to Amazon Aurora MySQL.
Why it's wrong here
Replatforming the web tier to Elastic Beanstalk might require code changes and does not support the existing Java environment seamlessly. Migrating to Aurora MySQL breaks compatibility with SQL Server-specific features and Windows authentication. This option does not minimize changes and introduces significant application modifications, increasing risk and effort.
- ✓
Rehost the web tier and business logic tier on Amazon EC2 instances, and migrate the database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server with Multi-AZ.
Why this is correct
Rehosting the application tiers on EC2 preserves the existing Java and Windows Server 2012 environment with minimal modifications. Migrating the database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server with Multi-AZ supports Windows authentication and integrated security, and provides high availability across Availability Zones. This approach aligns with the goal of minimizing changes and reducing operational overhead by offloading database management to AWS.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Amazon Web Services exam blueprint
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