Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Server Migration Service (SMS). This service is the correct choice because it is purpose-built to replicate entire on-premises servers—including the operating system, applications, and data—to AWS as fully functional Amazon Machine Images, making it ideal for migrating a single Windows Server running SAP ERP and SQL Server with minimal downtime. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to select the right native AWS tool for a full server lift-and-shift scenario, where the requirement is continuous replication rather than database-only or offline transfer. A common trap is confusing AWS DMS, which handles only database migration, or Snowball, which is for offline bulk data transfer, with SMS’s agent-based replication of the entire server. Remember the memory tip: “SMS moves the whole server, DMS moves only the data.”
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.
An SAP administrator needs to migrate an on-premises SAP ERP system to AWS. The current system runs on a single Windows Server with SQL Server and uses 2 TB of storage. The migration must minimize downtime and use native AWS tools. Which service should be used to replicate the on-premises server to AWS?
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 CloudFormation
Why wrong: CloudFormation provisions resources but does not replicate servers.
AWS Snowball
Why wrong: Snowball is for large data transfer, not real-time replication.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
Why wrong: DMS handles database migration only, not the OS or application.
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
SMS replicates entire server volumes to AWS, minimizing downtime.
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 Server Migration Service (SMS)
Option B is correct: AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) is designed to replicate on-premises servers to AWS, supporting Windows and SQL Server. Option A is wrong: AWS CloudFormation is for infrastructure as code, not replication. Option C is wrong: AWS DMS is for database migration, but doesn't replicate the full server. Option D is wrong: AWS Snowball is for offline data transfer, not continuous replication.
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.
AWS CloudFormation
Why it's wrong here
CloudFormation provisions resources but does not replicate servers.
AWS Snowball
Why it's wrong here
Snowball is for large data transfer, not real-time replication.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
Why it's wrong here
DMS handles database migration only, not the OS or application.
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS)
Why this is correct
SMS replicates entire server volumes to AWS, minimizing 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.
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 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
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 PAS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Technology — This question tests Technology — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) — Option B is correct: AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) is designed to replicate on-premises servers to AWS, supporting Windows and SQL Server. Option A is wrong: AWS CloudFormation is for infrastructure as code, not replication. Option C is wrong: AWS DMS is for database migration, but doesn't replicate the full server. Option D is wrong: AWS Snowball is for offline data transfer, not continuous replication.
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 PAS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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