- A
Rehost the application on EC2 and use a single RDS MySQL instance for all microservices.
Why wrong: This does not decouple the database and retains the monolith pattern.
- B
Use the strangler fig pattern to gradually migrate functionality to microservices, each with its own database.
The strangler fig pattern allows incremental migration with minimal downtime.
- C
Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to replicate the shared database to multiple target databases in real time.
Why wrong: DMS can replicate, but having multiple databases still requires application changes and does not address decoupling.
- D
Rewrite the entire application as microservices in a single release, using a shared database initially.
Why wrong: Big bang migration increases risk and downtime; shared database is not microservices best practice.
Quick Answer
The correct strategy is to use the strangler fig pattern to gradually migrate functionality to microservices, each with its own database. This approach minimizes downtime by incrementally replacing parts of the monolithic application with new microservices while routing traffic away from the old system, allowing the shared MySQL database to be decoupled one domain at a time. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this tests your understanding of migration patterns that balance risk and operational continuity—a common trap is choosing a full rewrite or a lift-and-shift re-platforming, which either increases downtime or fails to decouple the database. Remember the key principle: strangler fig lets you “strangle” the monolith branch by branch, not chop it down all at once. Memory tip: think of a fig vine slowly enveloping a tree—each new service is a vine that eventually replaces the old trunk.
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 monolithic application to microservices on AWS. The application uses a shared MySQL database. The team wants to decouple the database per microservice. Which strategy should the team use to minimize downtime during 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 gradually migrate functionality to microservices, each with its own database.
Option B is correct because the strangler fig pattern incrementally replaces parts of the monolith. Option A is wrong because re-platforming as-is does not decouple the database. Option C is wrong because a single shared database contradicts microservices. Option D is wrong because rewriting the entire application at once increases risk and downtime.
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.
- ✗
Rehost the application on EC2 and use a single RDS MySQL instance for all microservices.
Why it's wrong here
This does not decouple the database and retains the monolith pattern.
- ✓
Use the strangler fig pattern to gradually migrate functionality to microservices, each with its own database.
Why this is correct
The strangler fig pattern allows incremental migration with minimal downtime.
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.
- ✗
Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to replicate the shared database to multiple target databases in real time.
Why it's wrong here
DMS can replicate, but having multiple databases still requires application changes and does not address decoupling.
- ✗
Rewrite the entire application as microservices in a single release, using a shared database initially.
Why it's wrong here
Big bang migration increases risk and downtime; shared database is not microservices best practice.
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 gradually migrate functionality to microservices, each with its own database. — Option B is correct because the strangler fig pattern incrementally replaces parts of the monolith. Option A is wrong because re-platforming as-is does not decouple the database. Option C is wrong because a single shared database contradicts microservices. Option D is wrong because rewriting the entire application at once increases risk and downtime.
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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