The answer is to use Azure Database Migration Service with online mode after removing FileTables. This strategy is correct because DMS online mode enables continuous data replication from the source SQL Server to Azure SQL Database, allowing near-zero downtime by synchronizing ongoing changes until the final cutover. However, since FileTables are an unsupported feature in Azure SQL Database, they must be removed from the source beforehand to avoid migration failure. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of migration prerequisites and the distinction between online (minimal-downtime) and offline modes, with a common trap being the assumption that unsupported features can be migrated and then dropped. Remember the memory tip: “Drop unsupported features first, then replicate online for minimal downtime.”
DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and implement data platform resources. 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.
You need to migrate an on-premises SQL Server 2019 database to Azure SQL Database with minimal downtime. The database is 500 GB and uses some features not supported in Azure SQL Database, such as FileTables. What is the best migration strategy?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 mode after removing FileTables
Option D is correct because Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online mode supports minimal-downtime migrations by continuously replicating ongoing changes from the source SQL Server to Azure SQL Database. However, FileTables are not supported in Azure SQL Database, so they must be removed from the source database before migration. This approach ensures near-zero downtime while addressing the unsupported feature.
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.
✗
Set up log shipping to an Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Log shipping is not supported for Azure SQL Database; it only works with SQL Server on VMs.
✗
Perform an offline migration using Azure Database Migration Service
Why it's wrong here
Offline migration requires downtime and still needs to address non-supported features like FileTables.
✗
Export a BACPAC file from the source and import it to Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
BACPAC export/import is offline and may fail if the database contains unsupported features.
✓
Use Azure Database Migration Service with online mode after removing FileTables
Why this is correct
Online migration minimizes downtime. Remove unsupported features first, then migrate using DMS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume log shipping (Option A) is viable for Azure SQL Database, but log shipping is not supported for Azure SQL Database as it requires SQL Server Agent and file-level restore operations, which are not available in that PaaS offering.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure Database Migration Service online mode uses the transactional replication technology under the hood to capture and apply changes from the source to the target continuously. The migration involves an initial full data load followed by a continuous sync phase, and only at the final cutover is a brief pause required. In real-world scenarios, removing unsupported features like FileTables may require redesigning the application to use Azure Blob Storage or alternative file storage solutions before migration.
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-300 question in full detail.
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — 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 mode after removing FileTables — Option D is correct because Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online mode supports minimal-downtime migrations by continuously replicating ongoing changes from the source SQL Server to Azure SQL Database. However, FileTables are not supported in Azure SQL Database, so they must be removed from the source database before migration. This approach ensures near-zero downtime while addressing the unsupported feature.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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