The answer is Azure SQL Managed Instance with managed instance link. This service is correct because it enables near-real-time replication from on-premises SQL Server to Azure using distributed availability groups, achieving an RPO of 15 minutes and supporting automatic failover to Azure during an on-premises outage. The managed instance link also allows you to use existing SQL Server licenses with Azure Hybrid Benefit, directly minimizing costs while maintaining database-level consistency. On the Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between disaster recovery replication and one-time migration—a common trap is choosing Azure Database Migration Service, which lacks ongoing sync, or Azure Site Recovery, which replicates at the VM level without SQL-specific transaction consistency. Remember the key phrase: for continuous replication with automatic failover and license reuse, think “managed instance link.”
AZ-305 Design data storage solutions Practice Question
This AZ-305 practice question tests your understanding of design data storage solutions. 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 designing a disaster recovery solution for its on-premises SQL Server databases that are critical for business operations. The databases are approximately 500 GB each. The solution must meet the following requirements: - Replicate data to Azure with minimal data loss (RPO of 15 minutes). - Automatically failover to Azure in case of an on-premises outage. - Use existing SQL Server licenses to minimize costs. Which Azure service should the company use?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Azure SQL Managed Instance with managed instance link
Option D is correct because Azure SQL Managed Instance supports managed instance link for near-real-time replication with RPO of 15 minutes and automatic failover using distributed availability groups. Option A is wrong because Azure Database Migration Service is for one-time migration, not ongoing replication. Option B is wrong because Azure Site Recovery replicates at the VM level, not database-level with SQL-specific consistency. Option C is wrong because Azure SQL Database Managed Instance does not support Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server licenses in the same way as Azure SQL Managed Instance.
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.
✗
Azure Site Recovery with SQL Server replication
Why it's wrong here
Site Recovery provides VM-level replication, not database-level with 15-minute RPO.
✗
Azure Database Migration Service (DMS)
Why it's wrong here
DMS is for migration, not ongoing replication.
✓
Azure SQL Managed Instance with managed instance link
Why this is correct
Provides near-real-time replication and automatic failover using existing licenses.
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.
✗
Azure SQL Database Managed Instance with transaction replication
Why it's wrong here
Transaction replication is complex and may not meet RPO.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-305 question in full detail.
Identify which AZ-305 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.
Design data storage solutions — This question tests Design data storage solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure SQL Managed Instance with managed instance link — Option D is correct because Azure SQL Managed Instance supports managed instance link for near-real-time replication with RPO of 15 minutes and automatic failover using distributed availability groups. Option A is wrong because Azure Database Migration Service is for one-time migration, not ongoing replication. Option B is wrong because Azure Site Recovery replicates at the VM level, not database-level with SQL-specific consistency. Option C is wrong because Azure SQL Database Managed Instance does not support Azure Hybrid Benefit for SQL Server licenses in the same way as Azure SQL Managed Instance.
What should I do if I get this AZ-305 question wrong?
Identify which AZ-305 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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