Quick Answer
The correct strategies are implementing a database per service, CQRS with event sourcing, and using read replicas to offload read traffic. These three approaches directly address the core challenge of modernizing a shared MySQL database for microservices on ECS: the database per service pattern decomposes the monolith’s single schema into isolated, independently scalable data stores, while CQRS separates read and write operations to prevent command bottlenecks, and read replicas further offload analytical or reporting queries without impacting transactional performance. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to apply data layer decomposition patterns rather than simply scaling a monolithic database—a common trap is choosing a single RDS instance (which fails to break the monolith) or assuming DynamoDB fits all workloads. Remember the mnemonic “DCR” for Database per service, CQRS, Read replicas to lock in the correct trio.
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 a microservices architecture on Amazon ECS. The application uses a shared MySQL database. Which THREE strategies should the company use to modernize the data layer?
Migrate all data to Amazon DynamoDB.
Why wrong: Not suitable for all use cases (e.g., complex joins).
Use database per service pattern.
Each microservice gets its own database.
Keep a single RDS instance with multiple schemas.
Why wrong: Does not decompose the monolith.
Use Amazon RDS read replicas to offload read queries.
Improves read performance.
Implement CQRS and event sourcing.
Separates read/write models for scalability.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use database per service pattern.
Option A is correct for splitting the database. Option C is correct for implementing CQRS. Option E is correct for using read replicas to offload reads. Option B is wrong because a single RDS instance doesn't decompose the monolith. Option D is wrong because DynamoDB may not suit all workloads.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Migrate all data to Amazon DynamoDB.
Why it's wrong here
Not suitable for all use cases (e.g., complex joins).
Use database per service pattern.
Why this is correct
Each microservice gets its own database.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Keep a single RDS instance with multiple schemas.
Why it's wrong here
Does not decompose the monolith.
Use Amazon RDS read replicas to offload read queries.
Why this is correct
Improves read performance.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Implement CQRS and event sourcing.
Why this is correct
Separates read/write models for scalability.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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.
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All SAP-C02 questions
1,746 questions across all exam domains
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
SAP-C02 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to Design for New Solutions.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 VPC.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 S3 lifecycle policy questions.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 RDS Multi-AZ questions.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 IAM policy.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 Route 53 failover questions.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 CloudFront.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 NAT gateway questions.
Practise SAP-C02 questions linked to SAA-C03 VPC endpoint questions.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Use database per service pattern. — Option A is correct for splitting the database. Option C is correct for implementing CQRS. Option E is correct for using read replicas to offload reads. Option B is wrong because a single RDS instance doesn't decompose the monolith. Option D is wrong because DynamoDB may not suit all workloads.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.