- A
Azure Cosmos DB
Why wrong: Azure Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database and does not provide a native SQL interface over Blob Storage. It is designed for transactional workloads, not direct querying of blob data.
- B
Azure SQL Database
Why wrong: Azure SQL Database is a relational database but cannot directly query data stored in Blob Storage without importing it. It is not designed for near real-time queries over external blob data.
- C
Azure Synapse SQL Pool
Azure Synapse SQL Pool (within Azure Synapse Analytics) can query data in Blob Storage/ADLS Gen2 using PolyBase or external tables, enabling near real-time SQL queries over the stored IoT data.
- D
Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2
Why wrong: Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 is a storage service that provides scalable blob storage with hierarchical namespace, but it does not include a SQL query interface. A separate query service like Azure Synapse SQL Pool is required.
DP-203 PolyBase 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. A key principle to apply: polyBase. 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 stores IoT sensor data in Azure Blob Storage. The data is appended every minute and must be queried in near real-time using a SQL interface. Which Azure service should be used to enable this?
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
Azure Synapse SQL Pool
Azure Synapse SQL Pool (part of Azure Synapse Analytics) can query IoT sensor data stored in Blob Storage or ADLS Gen2 in near real-time using PolyBase or external tables. This schema-on-read approach provides a SQL interface directly over the stored data without needing to move it into a traditional database.
Key principle: PolyBase
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 Cosmos DB
Why it's wrong here
Azure Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database and does not provide a native SQL interface over Blob Storage. It is designed for transactional workloads, not direct querying of blob data.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database is a relational database but cannot directly query data stored in Blob Storage without importing it. It is not designed for near real-time queries over external blob data.
- ✓
Azure Synapse SQL Pool
Why this is correct
Azure Synapse SQL Pool (within Azure Synapse Analytics) can query data in Blob Storage/ADLS Gen2 using PolyBase or external tables, enabling near real-time SQL queries over the stored IoT data.
Related concept
PolyBase
- ✗
Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2
Why it's wrong here
Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 is a storage service that provides scalable blob storage with hierarchical namespace, but it does not include a SQL query interface. A separate query service like Azure Synapse SQL Pool is required.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often assume that Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 provides a SQL interface on its own, but it is only a storage layer. The correct service to enable SQL queries over Blob Storage is Azure Synapse Analytics (using SQL Pool or Serverless SQL).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ADLS Gen2 exposes a hierarchical namespace that allows SQL engines like Synapse Serverless SQL to treat blob containers as external tables using the OPENROWSET function with CSV/Parquet/JSON formats. The append-blob type in Azure Blob Storage supports atomic appends (up to 4 MB per append), making it ideal for IoT telemetry that arrives every minute. Under the hood, ADLS Gen2 uses Azure Blob Storage's REST API (version 2018-11-09+) with additional directory operations, enabling SQL-based queries via the T-SQL language without data movement.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- PolyBase
- External tables
- Schema-on-read
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
PolyBase
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Quick reference
Azure Blob Storage Tier Comparison
| Tier | Storage Cost | Retrieval Cost | Latency | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot | Highest | Lowest | Immediate | Active data, frequent reads |
| Cool | Lower | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / month |
| Cold | Lower still | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / quarter |
| Archive | Lowest | Highest + rehydration delay | Hours | Long-term compliance retention |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review polyBase, then practise related DP-203 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Design and implement data storage — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-203 question test?
Design and implement data storage — This question tests Design and implement data storage — PolyBase.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure Synapse SQL Pool — Azure Synapse SQL Pool (part of Azure Synapse Analytics) can query IoT sensor data stored in Blob Storage or ADLS Gen2 in near real-time using PolyBase or external tables. This schema-on-read approach provides a SQL interface directly over the stored data without needing to move it into a traditional database.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Review polyBase, then practise related DP-203 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
PolyBase
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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