- A
Rewrite the entire application as microservices using a new database for each service from the start
Why wrong: Rewriting everything at once is high risk and requires deep NoSQL expertise.
- B
Use the strangler fig pattern to incrementally replace parts of the monolith with microservices, starting with a non-critical function
Correct. The strangler fig pattern allows gradual migration with minimal risk.
- C
Migrate the entire monolith to a containerized application on Amazon ECS in one go
Why wrong: Big-bang migration of a monolith is risky and does not address database decomposition.
- D
Use AWS DMS to replicate the monolith's database to multiple target databases simultaneously
Why wrong: DMS is not designed to decompose a single database into multiple databases for microservices.
Quick Answer
The answer is to use the strangler fig pattern to incrementally replace parts of the monolith with microservices, starting with a non-critical function. This approach minimizes risk because the strangler fig pattern allows you to gradually decompose the monolith by routing specific functionality to new microservices while the rest of the system continues running, enabling independent testing of each new service. For the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of safe migration strategies when introducing polyglot persistence—the team’s limited NoSQL experience makes a phased, low-impact start essential. A common trap is choosing a big-bang rewrite or a full database migration upfront, which increases failure risk. Remember the memory tip: “Strangle the monolith, don’t strangle the team”—start small, learn fast, and let each microservice pick its own database type.
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 modernizing a monolithic application by decomposing it into microservices. The application currently uses a single MySQL database. The company wants to use a polyglot persistence approach, with different microservices using the most appropriate database type. The team has limited experience with NoSQL databases. Which strategy should the team use to minimize risk during the migration?
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 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 the strangler fig pattern to incrementally replace parts of the monolith with microservices, starting with a non-critical function
Using the strangler fig pattern allows incremental migration, replacing parts of the monolith with microservices one at a time. This reduces risk because each microservice can be tested independently. Starting with a non-critical service provides learning opportunity without high impact.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Rewrite the entire application as microservices using a new database for each service from the start
Why it's wrong here
Rewriting everything at once is high risk and requires deep NoSQL expertise.
- ✓
Use the strangler fig pattern to incrementally replace parts of the monolith with microservices, starting with a non-critical function
Why this is correct
Correct. The strangler fig pattern allows gradual migration with minimal risk.
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.
- ✗
Migrate the entire monolith to a containerized application on Amazon ECS in one go
Why it's wrong here
Big-bang migration of a monolith is risky and does not address database decomposition.
- ✗
Use AWS DMS to replicate the monolith's database to multiple target databases simultaneously
Why it's wrong here
DMS is not designed to decompose a single database into multiple databases for microservices.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAP-C02 question test?
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the strangler fig pattern to incrementally replace parts of the monolith with microservices, starting with a non-critical function — Using the strangler fig pattern allows incremental migration, replacing parts of the monolith with microservices one at a time. This reduces risk because each microservice can be tested independently. Starting with a non-critical service provides learning opportunity without high impact.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
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 SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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