Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Database Migration Service (DMS). This is the correct choice because DMS supports ongoing change data capture (CDC) replication, allowing you to keep the source SAP HANA database synchronized with the target on AWS while the cutover window is reduced to minutes. For the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of migration strategies for business-critical SAP systems where downtime directly impacts revenue. A common trap is confusing AWS DMS with AWS Server Migration Service (SMS), but SMS is designed for virtual server migrations, not database-level replication. Another distractor is AWS Snowball, which is ideal for large offline data transfers but cannot achieve near-zero downtime. Remember the key distinction: for database replication with minimal interruption, think DMS and CDC. A helpful memory tip is “DMS Keeps Data Moving Seamlessly,” reinforcing that continuous replication is the mechanism for near-zero downtime.
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of technology. 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 wants to migrate its SAP HANA database to AWS and needs to minimize downtime. Which AWS service should be used for a near-zero downtime 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.
AWS Direct Connect
Why wrong: Direct Connect is a network connection, not a migration service.
AWS Snowball
Why wrong: Snowball is offline, not near-zero downtime.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
DMS supports continuous replication for minimal downtime.
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
Why wrong: SMS is for server-level migrations, not database.
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)
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) supports ongoing replication and can migrate SAP HANA to AWS with minimal downtime. Server Migration Service (SMS) is for server migrations, Snowball is for large data transfers offline, and Direct Connect is for network connectivity.
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 migration service.
AWS Snowball
Why it's wrong here
Snowball is offline, not near-zero downtime.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
Why this is correct
DMS supports continuous replication for minimal downtime.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
Why it's wrong here
SMS is for server-level migrations, not database.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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.
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FAQ
Technology — This question tests Technology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) — AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) supports ongoing replication and can migrate SAP HANA to AWS with minimal downtime. Server Migration Service (SMS) is for server migrations, Snowball is for large data transfers offline, and Direct Connect is for network connectivity.
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: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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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