The answer is to configure a linked server to Cloud SQL from on-premises and use data synchronization tools, specifically leveraging Database Migration Service (DMS) with continuous change data capture (CDC). This approach is correct because DMS with CDC enables near-zero-downtime migrations by replicating ongoing changes from the source SQL Server database to Cloud SQL in real time, allowing you to keep the database synchronized and cut over only when ready. On the Google Professional Cloud Database Engineer exam, this scenario tests your understanding of migration strategies that balance minimal downtime with support for ongoing transactional changes, a common trap being to choose a one-time bulk export or backup restore method that would require a long maintenance window. Remember that for a 2 TB database, any full dump approach would cause unacceptable downtime, while CDC-based replication is the only way to keep the source and target in sync during the migration window. A useful memory tip is to think of CDC as “Continuous Data Catch-up”—it catches every change so you never fall behind.
PCDE Plan and manage database infrastructure Practice Question
This PCDE practice question tests your understanding of plan and manage database infrastructure. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Your company is migrating a 2 TB SQL Server database to Cloud SQL. You need to choose a migration approach that minimizes downtime and supports ongoing changes. Which TWO options meet these requirements?
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 with a source of SQL Server.
Database Migration Service (DMS) supports continuous change data capture (CDC) for SQL Server, enabling near-zero-downtime migrations by replicating ongoing changes from the source to Cloud SQL until cutover. This approach minimizes downtime and keeps the database synchronized during the migration window, meeting both requirements.
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.
✓
Use Database Migration Service with a source of SQL Server.
Why this is correct
DMS supports SQL Server to Cloud SQL for SQL Server with continuous replication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Export the database as a .bak file and restore to Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
This is a one-time migration, not minimizing downtime.
✗
Use BCP to export data and import via gcloud sql import.
Why it's wrong here
BCP does not support ongoing changes.
✓
Configure a linked server to Cloud SQL from on-premises and use data synchronization tools.
Why this is correct
While not native, this can enable continuous sync.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Migrate to Azure SQL Managed Instance first, then to Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
This adds complexity and doesn't minimize downtime.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Google Cloud often tests the misconception that a full export/import (like .bak or BCP) can be performed with minimal downtime, but these methods require the source to be static, failing the 'ongoing changes' requirement.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Database Migration Service uses SQL Server's native CDC (Change Data Capture) or transaction log replication to stream ongoing changes to Cloud SQL, leveraging the SQL Server transaction log to capture inserts, updates, and deletes in near real-time. This approach relies on the source database being in full recovery mode and requires a replication slot in Cloud SQL to apply changes, ensuring consistency during cutover. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for large databases (e.g., 2 TB) where a full export/import could take hours, making CDC the only viable option for sub-minute downtime.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Plan and manage database infrastructure — This question tests Plan and manage database infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Database Migration Service with a source of SQL Server. — Database Migration Service (DMS) supports continuous change data capture (CDC) for SQL Server, enabling near-zero-downtime migrations by replicating ongoing changes from the source to Cloud SQL until cutover. This approach minimizes downtime and keeps the database synchronized during the migration window, meeting both requirements.
What should I do if I get this PCDE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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