Quick Answer
The answer is Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP because it uniquely supports VSAM file system migration to AWS by providing a native NFS protocol that replicates the record-oriented, indexed file structure of VSAM from mainframe COBOL applications. This service offers advanced data management features like SnapMirror and deduplication, allowing legacy VSAM datasets to be accessed and managed on AWS without rewriting application logic. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of mainframe modernization patterns, specifically how to match legacy storage semantics to cloud-native services. A common trap is choosing Amazon EFS, which is a general-purpose POSIX file system that lacks VSAM’s key-sequenced data set (KSDS) support, or S3, which is object storage and cannot handle record-level I/O. For the exam, remember the mnemonic “VSAM needs NFS on FSx”—if you see VSAM and COBOL in a migration scenario, immediately think of FSx for NetApp ONTAP as the only service that preserves the file system behavior.
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of migration. 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 legacy mainframe application to AWS. The application uses COBOL and VSAM files. Which AWS service can best replicate the VSAM file system?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Amazon S3 with Object Lock
Why wrong: S3 is object storage, not suitable for VSAM.
Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP
FSx for ONTAP supports VSAM files via NFS.
Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS)
Why wrong: EBS is block storage, but does not directly replace VSAM.
Amazon Elastic File System (EFS)
Why wrong: EFS does not natively support VSAM.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP
Option D is correct because Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP supports VSAM via NFS. Option A is incorrect because EFS is a general-purpose file system. Option B is incorrect because S3 is object storage. Option C is incorrect because EBS is block storage attached to EC2.
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.
Amazon S3 with Object Lock
Why it's wrong here
S3 is object storage, not suitable for VSAM.
Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP
Why this is correct
FSx for ONTAP supports VSAM files via NFS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS)
Why it's wrong here
EBS is block storage, but does not directly replace VSAM.
Amazon Elastic File System (EFS)
Why it's wrong here
EFS does not natively support VSAM.
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 PAS-C01 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.
Migration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Migration — This question tests Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP — Option D is correct because Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP supports VSAM via NFS. Option A is incorrect because EFS is a general-purpose file system. Option B is incorrect because S3 is object storage. Option C is incorrect because EBS is block storage attached to EC2.
Identify which PAS-C01 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.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This PAS-C01 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 PAS-C01 exam.
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