Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) because it is the only service that supports ongoing change data capture (CDC) replication, enabling you to migrate an Oracle database to AWS with minimal downtime by keeping the source and target synchronized during the initial load. For a 2 TB database with a low-latency Direct Connect link, DMS performs a full load of the schema and data, then continuously applies incremental changes from Oracle’s redo logs until you cut over, reducing downtime to seconds. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between online and offline migration strategies—a common trap is choosing AWS Snowball for speed, but that requires stopping writes for days. Remember: DMS = Data Must Sync, meaning it keeps both sides in step until you flip the switch.
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 an on-premises Oracle database to AWS. The database is 2 TB in size and has a low-latency connection to AWS via AWS Direct Connect. The company wants to minimize downtime during the migration. Which AWS service should the architect use for the initial data load?
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.
AWS DataSync
Why wrong: DataSync is for file-based data transfer, not database migration.
AWS Snowball Edge
Why wrong: Snowball is for offline data transfer, which would cause longer downtime.
AWS Server Migration Service (AWS SMS)
Why wrong: SMS is for server-level migration, not databases.
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS)
AWS DMS supports continuous replication, minimizing downtime.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS)
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with Oracle as source and target (e.g., RDS for Oracle) supports ongoing replication to minimize downtime. AWS Snowball is for offline data transfer and would involve longer downtime. S3 Transfer Acceleration is for S3 uploads, not database migration. Server Migration Service is for server migration, not databases.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
AWS DataSync
Why it's wrong here
DataSync is for file-based data transfer, not database migration.
AWS Snowball Edge
Why it's wrong here
Snowball is for offline data transfer, which would cause longer downtime.
AWS Server Migration Service (AWS SMS)
Why it's wrong here
SMS is for server-level migration, not databases.
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS)
Why this is correct
AWS DMS supports continuous replication, minimizing downtime.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
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
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SAP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
The correct answer is: AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) — AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with Oracle as source and target (e.g., RDS for Oracle) supports ongoing replication to minimize downtime. AWS Snowball is for offline data transfer and would involve longer downtime. S3 Transfer Acceleration is for S3 uploads, not database migration. Server Migration Service is for server migration, not databases.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SAP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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.
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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