Quick Answer
The correct choice is AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with ongoing replication because it enables continuous data replication between a source database and a target database, keeping them synchronized with minimal downtime during a migration. This works by using change data capture (CDC) to apply ongoing transactions from the source to the target, allowing the application to remain available until the final cutover. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of migration strategies for business continuity, often appearing as a distractor where candidates might confuse network services like Direct Connect or offline tools like Snowball with real-time replication. A common trap is assuming that faster data transfer or a dedicated network link alone solves the downtime problem, but only DMS with ongoing replication provides the continuous sync required. Memory tip: think “DMS + CDC = zero-downtime dream” to recall that ongoing replication is the key for minimal interruption.
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 critical application to AWS and needs to ensure business continuity during the migration. The application must remain available with minimal downtime. Which AWS service should be used to replicate data continuously?
AWS Direct Connect
Why wrong: Direct Connect is a network connection, not a replication service.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with ongoing replication
DMS supports continuous replication to minimize downtime.
Amazon S3 Transfer Acceleration
Why wrong: Only speeds up uploads, does not replicate data continuously.
AWS Snowball Edge
Why wrong: Snowball is for offline data transfer, not continuous replication.
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) with ongoing replication
Option B is correct because AWS DMS with ongoing replication can keep source and target in sync with minimal downtime. Option A is wrong because S3 Transfer Acceleration is for faster uploads, not replication. Option C is wrong because Snowball is for offline data transfer. Option D is wrong because Direct Connect is a network connection, not a replication service.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
AWS Direct Connect
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect is a network connection, not a replication service.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with ongoing replication
Why this is correct
DMS supports continuous replication to minimize downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Amazon S3 Transfer Acceleration
Why it's wrong here
Only speeds up uploads, does not replicate data continuously.
AWS Snowball Edge
Why it's wrong here
Snowball is for offline data transfer, not continuous replication.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
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 — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with ongoing replication — Option B is correct because AWS DMS with ongoing replication can keep source and target in sync with minimal downtime. Option A is wrong because S3 Transfer Acceleration is for faster uploads, not replication. Option C is wrong because Snowball is for offline data transfer. Option D is wrong because Direct Connect is a network connection, not a replication service.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SAP-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SAP-C02 exam.
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