The answer is Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode. This is correct because the online migration mode leverages continuous change data capture (CDC) to replicate ongoing transactions from the source SQL Server to Azure SQL Database, allowing you to minimize downtime migration sql server to azure sql using dms online by synchronizing data in near real-time until the final cutover. For the Microsoft Azure Data Engineer Associate DP-203 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of migration strategies for large, frequently updated tables—a common trap is choosing a bulk copy or offline method, which would cause unacceptable downtime. Remember that “online” in DMS means “zero-downtime sync,” while “offline” means a full data copy with service interruption. Memory tip: think “CDC = Continuous Data Capture = Continuous Cutover.”
DP-203 Design and implement data storage Practice Question
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of design and implement data storage. 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.
Your company is migrating an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure SQL Database. The database includes a large fact table with hourly updates. You need to minimize downtime during migration. Which Azure service should you use to replicate data continuously?
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
✓
Use Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode
Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online migration mode uses continuous change data capture (CDC) to replicate ongoing changes from the source SQL Server to Azure SQL Database with minimal downtime. This is the only option that supports near-zero downtime migration by synchronizing data continuously until the final cutover, which is critical for a large fact table with hourly updates.
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 Azure SQL Managed Instance as a target
Why it's wrong here
D is wrong because Managed Instance is a target, not a migration tool.
✗
Use Azure Data Factory with a copy activity
Why it's wrong here
A is wrong because Azure Data Factory is for batch data movement, not continuous replication.
✓
Use Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode
Why this is correct
B is correct because DMS online migration uses CDC to replicate changes continuously.
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.
✗
Use Azure Synapse Link for SQL Server
Why it's wrong here
C is wrong because Synapse Link is for analytics, not migration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse Azure Data Factory's copy activity (a batch tool) with continuous replication, or assume Azure SQL Managed Instance inherently supports migration, when in fact DMS online mode is the specific service designed for minimal-downtime migrations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure DMS online mode leverages the SQL Server transaction log to capture and apply changes in near real-time using the Log Reader Agent, ensuring minimal data loss during cutover. The service supports a pre-migration assessment, then performs a full data load followed by continuous sync, and finally allows a controlled cutover with a brief pause of writes. This approach is ideal for large tables because it avoids the need for a full offline copy, which would be impractical for hourly-updated fact tables.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-203 question in full detail.
Design and implement data storage — This question tests Design and implement data storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode — Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online migration mode uses continuous change data capture (CDC) to replicate ongoing changes from the source SQL Server to Azure SQL Database with minimal downtime. This is the only option that supports near-zero downtime migration by synchronizing data continuously until the final cutover, which is critical for a large fact table with hourly updates.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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