The correct answer is heterogeneous migration using AWS DMS with ongoing replication, because this strategy enables near-zero downtime by continuously replicating changes from the source SAP database to the target on AWS while the source remains live, then performing a brief cutover within the 4-hour window. AWS DMS handles schema conversion for heterogeneous migrations (e.g., from Oracle to Amazon Aurora) and its ongoing replication feature keeps data synchronized until the final switch, making it ideal for a 5 TB database where full offline transfer would exceed the allowed downtime. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between database-level migration tools (DMS) and server-level tools (AWS MGN) or offline bulk transfer methods (Snowball), which are common traps. Remember that for minimal downtime, you need continuous replication, not a one-time dump. Memory tip: think “DMS replicates, Snowball hibernates” — if the window is tight, choose ongoing replication.
PAS-C01 Migration Practice Question
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 its SAP production system to AWS and needs to ensure that the migration does not exceed the allowed downtime window of 4 hours. The source database is 5 TB. Which migration strategy should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Heterogeneous migration using AWS DMS with ongoing replication
Heterogeneous migration using AWS DMS with ongoing replication allows near-zero downtime. Option A is wrong because Homogeneous migration with AWS SCT and DMS still requires schema conversion, but may take longer. Option B is wrong because AWS MGN is for server migration, not database. Option D is wrong because AWS Snowball is for offline data transfer, not suitable for 4-hour window.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Homogeneous migration using AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) and AWS DMS
Why it's wrong here
SCT adds time for schema conversion.
✓
Heterogeneous migration using AWS DMS with ongoing replication
Why this is correct
DMS with ongoing replication minimizes downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
AWS Snowball Edge for offline data transfer
Why it's wrong here
Snowball takes days for shipping, cannot meet 4-hour window.
✗
AWS Application Migration Service (MGN) replication
Why it's wrong here
MGN is for server migration, not database.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 — This question tests Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Heterogeneous migration using AWS DMS with ongoing replication — Heterogeneous migration using AWS DMS with ongoing replication allows near-zero downtime. Option A is wrong because Homogeneous migration with AWS SCT and DMS still requires schema conversion, but may take longer. Option B is wrong because AWS MGN is for server migration, not database. Option D is wrong because AWS Snowball is for offline data transfer, not suitable for 4-hour window.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
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.
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.
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.