Google PCA Practice Question: Analyze and optimize technical and business processes
A company is migrating its on-premises Oracle database to Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL. The database team wants to minimize downtime during migration. Which approach should they use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Google Cloud often tests the misconception that any 'migration service' automatically supports heterogeneous migrations, but here the trap is that Database Migration Service for PostgreSQL is specifically designed for PostgreSQL targets and includes built-in schema conversion from Oracle, whereas options like GoldenGate or dump/restore are either too complex or cause downtime.
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
✓
Use Database Migration Service for PostgreSQL with continuous migration from Oracle via Homogeneous Migration.
Database Migration Service (DMS) for PostgreSQL with continuous migration is the correct approach because it supports ongoing change data capture (CDC) from Oracle to Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL, enabling near-zero downtime. DMS handles schema conversion and data replication continuously, allowing the target to stay synchronized until a cutover, which minimizes downtime compared to batch methods.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set up Oracle GoldenGate to replicate to Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
GoldenGate is not directly supported for Cloud SQL PostgreSQL.
- ✓
Use Database Migration Service for PostgreSQL with continuous migration from Oracle via Homogeneous Migration.
Why this is correct
DMS supports minimal downtime via continuous replication.
- ✗
Take a physical backup of Oracle and restore to Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
Physical backups are not compatible with Cloud SQL PostgreSQL.
- ✗
Export the database as a dump file, upload to Cloud Storage, and import into Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
This approach requires application downtime during export and import.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Google Cloud Platform
Key term
Schema
A schema is a blueprint or logical structure that defines how data is organized, stored, and accessed in a database or information system.
Key term
Data
Data is raw, unprocessed information, like numbers, words, or measurements, that can be stored, processed, and analyzed by computers.
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This PCA practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 PCA exam.