- A
AWS VM Import/Export
Why wrong: AWS VM Import/Export allows importing VM images as EC2 instances, but it is a one-time operation requiring manual initiation and is not automated. It does not minimize manual effort for ongoing migrations.
- B
AWS DataSync
Why wrong: AWS DataSync is used for copying large datasets over the network, not for migrating VM images or automating server migration.
- C
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) automates the replication of on-premises server volumes to AWS, reducing manual intervention. It is designed for large-scale, automated migrations with minimal downtime.
- D
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
Why wrong: AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) is specifically for migrating databases, not for migrating VM images or entire servers.
SAP-C02 AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) Practice Question
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. A key principle to apply: aWS Server Migration Service (SMS). 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 plans to migrate its on-premises VMware VMs to AWS. The company wants to automate the migration of VM images and minimize manual effort. Which AWS service should the company use?
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
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) is the correct choice because it automates the migration of on-premises server volumes (including VMware VMs) to AWS with minimal manual effort. It uses incremental replication to reduce downtime and supports ongoing replication for large-scale migrations. AWS VM Import/Export (Option A) is a one-time import tool that requires manual steps and is not designed for automation. AWS DataSync (Option B) is for file and object transfers, not VM images. AWS DMS (Option D) is for databases. Therefore, SMS (Option C) is the service that best meets the requirement for automated migration with minimal manual effort.
Key principle: AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
AWS VM Import/Export
Why it's wrong here
AWS VM Import/Export allows importing VM images as EC2 instances, but it is a one-time operation requiring manual initiation and is not automated. It does not minimize manual effort for ongoing migrations.
- ✗
AWS DataSync
Why it's wrong here
AWS DataSync is used for copying large datasets over the network, not for migrating VM images or automating server migration.
- ✓
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
Why this is correct
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) automates the replication of on-premises server volumes to AWS, reducing manual intervention. It is designed for large-scale, automated migrations with minimal downtime.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
- ✗
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
Why it's wrong here
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) is specifically for migrating databases, not for migrating VM images or entire servers.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common pitfall is choosing AWS VM Import/Export because it is a familiar VM import tool, but it lacks automation. The correct service for automated server migration is AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) or its successor AWS Application Migration Service (MGN).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review aWS Server Migration Service (SMS), then practise related SAP-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — study guide chapter
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Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization practice questions
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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 — AWS Server Migration Service (SMS).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) — AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) is the correct choice because it automates the migration of on-premises server volumes (including VMware VMs) to AWS with minimal manual effort. It uses incremental replication to reduce downtime and supports ongoing replication for large-scale migrations. AWS VM Import/Export (Option A) is a one-time import tool that requires manual steps and is not designed for automation. AWS DataSync (Option B) is for file and object transfers, not VM images. AWS DMS (Option D) is for databases. Therefore, SMS (Option C) is the service that best meets the requirement for automated migration with minimal manual effort.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Review aWS Server Migration Service (SMS), then practise related SAP-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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?
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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