Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Database Migration Service (DMS). DMS is the correct choice because it supports ongoing replication from a source Oracle database to a target Aurora PostgreSQL instance, allowing you to keep both databases in sync during the migration and then cut over with minimal downtime. This is achieved through DMS’s change data capture (CDC) capability, which continuously applies incremental changes from the source to the target until you are ready to switch. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of migration strategies for heterogeneous databases, often appearing as a distractor where candidates might incorrectly choose AWS Snowball or a manual dump-and-restore approach. A common trap is assuming that a full-load migration is sufficient, but the key phrase “minimal downtime” signals the need for CDC. Memory tip: think “DMS = Data Must Sync” for continuous replication, and remember that for zero-downtime migrations, you always pair DMS with ongoing replication.
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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 wants to migrate an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The migration must have minimal downtime. Which AWS service should be used for the migration?
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
Why wrong: SMS is for server migration, not databases.
AWS DataSync
Why wrong: DataSync is for file storage.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
DMS supports continuous replication.
AWS Snowball
Why wrong: Snowball is for offline data transfer.
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 (DMS)
AWS DMS supports ongoing replication to minimize downtime during migration.
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 Server Migration Service (SMS)
Why it's wrong here
SMS is for server migration, not databases.
AWS DataSync
Why it's wrong here
DataSync is for file storage.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
Why this is correct
DMS supports continuous replication.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
AWS Snowball
Why it's wrong here
Snowball is for offline data transfer.
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 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. 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. 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
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.
Design for New Solutions — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
The correct answer is: AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) — AWS DMS supports ongoing replication to minimize downtime during migration.
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.
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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