DP-203 SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) Practice Question
Which TWO options are valid methods to load data from on-premises SQL Server into Azure Synapse Analytics?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that candidates may view SSIS as outdated or legacy, but it remains a fully supported and effective method for loading data into Azure Synapse Analytics. Meanwhile, PolyBase is often mistakenly thought of as a loading method, but it is primarily a query engine for external data.
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
✓
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) package
Both SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and Azure Data Factory are fully capable of loading data from on-premises SQL Server into Azure Synapse Analytics. SSIS provides a mature, high-performance ETL tool that can directly target Synapse using the SQL Server Destination or the Azure Synapse Analytics Destination. Azure Data Factory, with its self-hosted integration runtime and incremental copy feature, offers a modern, cloud-native orchestration solution for scheduled and reliable data ingestion. PolyBase from external table, while useful for querying external data, is not primarily a data loading method; it requires additional steps to persist the data into Synapse tables and does not directly load from on-premises SQL Server without external staging.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) package
Why this is correct
SQL Server Integration Services is a valid method because it is a full-featured ETL tool that can connect to on-premises SQL Server and load data directly into Azure Synapse Analytics using connectors like the Synapse destination adapter.
- ✓
Azure Data Factory with incremental copy
Why this is correct
Azure Data Factory with incremental copy is valid because it uses a self-hosted integration runtime to connect to on-premises SQL Server and can perform incremental loads using change tracking or watermark columns, minimizing data transfer.
- ✗
PolyBase from external table
Why it's wrong here
PolyBase from external table is not a direct data loading method from on-premises SQL Server; it is used to query external data sources and typically requires an external data source and format setup, and data must be written into Synapse using additional statements.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Azure Data Engineering
Key term
Azure Data Factory
Azure Data Factory is a cloud-based data integration service that lets you create, schedule, and orchestrate data pipelines to move and transform data from various sources to destinations.
Key term
Azure Synapse Analytics
Azure Synapse Analytics is a cloud-based data integration, warehousing, and analytics service that brings together big data and data warehouse capabilities under one platform.
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