- A
Azure SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool)
Azure SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool) is a valid output sink for Azure Stream Analytics. It allows storing real-time data in a relational data warehouse.
- B
Azure Blob Storage
Azure Blob Storage is a valid output sink; it supports writing data in formats like Avro, CSV, JSON, and Parquet, and can be partitioned.
- C
Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API)
Why wrong: Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API) is not a supported output sink for Azure Stream Analytics.
- D
Azure Table Storage
Why wrong: Azure Table Storage is not a supported output sink.
- E
Azure Synapse Analytics
Why wrong: Azure Synapse Analytics is also a valid output sink, but it is essentially the same service as Azure SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool). Since the question asks for two distinct outputs and we already have Azure SQL Data Warehouse as one of the correct answers, selecting Azure Synapse Analytics would be redundant. Therefore, it is not a correct choice in this context.
DP-203 Develop data processing Practice Question
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of develop data processing. 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.
Which TWO are valid output sinks for an Azure Stream Analytics job? (Choose two.)
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 SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool)
Azure Stream Analytics supports output to Azure SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool) and Azure Blob Storage. Azure Blob Storage can store streaming data in formats such as Avro, CSV, JSON, and Parquet. Azure SQL Data Warehouse (now part of Azure Synapse Analytics) allows real-time streaming data to be stored in a relational data warehouse for analytics. Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API) and Azure Table Storage are not valid output sinks. Note that Azure SQL Data Warehouse and Azure Synapse Analytics are essentially the same service; the dedicated SQL pool in Synapse is the former SQL Data Warehouse.
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 SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool)
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool) is a valid output sink for Azure Stream Analytics. It allows storing real-time data in a relational data warehouse.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Azure Blob Storage
Why this is correct
Azure Blob Storage is a valid output sink; it supports writing data in formats like Avro, CSV, JSON, and Parquet, and can be partitioned.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API)
Why it's wrong here
Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API) is not a supported output sink for Azure Stream Analytics.
- ✗
Azure Table Storage
Why it's wrong here
Azure Table Storage is not a supported output sink.
- ✗
Azure Synapse Analytics
Why it's wrong here
Azure Synapse Analytics is also a valid output sink, but it is essentially the same service as Azure SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool). Since the question asks for two distinct outputs and we already have Azure SQL Data Warehouse as one of the correct answers, selecting Azure Synapse Analytics would be redundant. Therefore, it is not a correct choice in this context.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often mistakenly select Azure Cosmos DB or Azure Table Storage as valid output sinks. Also, some may think that Azure Synapse Analytics is distinct from Azure SQL Data Warehouse, but they are the same service. However, the question expects two distinct sinks: Azure Blob Storage and Azure SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool).
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API) is not a supported output sink for Azure Stream Analytics.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Azure Stream Analytics uses a SQL-like query language to process data in real time, and its output adapters are implemented as custom connectors that handle serialization, partitioning, and exactly-once delivery semantics. For Blob Storage, the output adapter can write to multiple blob containers simultaneously using partition keys, which is critical for scenarios like IoT telemetry where data must be organized by device ID and timestamp.
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 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-203 question test?
Develop data processing — This question tests Develop data processing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool) — Azure Stream Analytics supports output to Azure SQL Data Warehouse (dedicated SQL pool) and Azure Blob Storage. Azure Blob Storage can store streaming data in formats such as Avro, CSV, JSON, and Parquet. Azure SQL Data Warehouse (now part of Azure Synapse Analytics) allows real-time streaming data to be stored in a relational data warehouse for analytics. Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API) and Azure Table Storage are not valid output sinks. Note that Azure SQL Data Warehouse and Azure Synapse Analytics are essentially the same service; the dedicated SQL pool in Synapse is the former SQL Data Warehouse.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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