Quick Answer
The answer is transactional replication and Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) online mode. Both methods enable a minimal downtime migration to Azure SQL Managed Instance by continuously capturing and applying changes from the source database while it remains fully operational. DMS online mode uses change data capture to replicate ongoing transactions, allowing you to orchestrate a final cutover that can be completed in under 15 minutes, meeting the strict downtime requirement for a high-volume 500 GB database. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of online versus offline migration strategies; a common trap is choosing log shipping or backup/restore, which require the source database to be taken offline. Remember the key distinction: if the question demands minimal downtime, look for options that support continuous replication. A helpful memory tip is “CDC for zero downtime”—if you see change data capture or transactional replication, those are your low-downtime picks.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and implement data platform resources. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 are planning to migrate a 500 GB on-premises SQL Server database to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The database has high transaction volume and cannot tolerate more than 15 minutes of downtime. Which migration methods should you consider? (Choose TWO.)
Azure Database Migration Service (online mode)
Online mode supports minimal downtime.
Back up to URL and restore
Why wrong: Offline.
Export to BACPAC and import
Why wrong: Offline, causes downtime.
Log shipping
Why wrong: Log shipping to Managed Instance is not directly supported.
Transactional replication
Can be set up with minimal downtime.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Azure Database Migration Service (online mode)
Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) online mode is correct because it uses continuous change data capture (CDC) to replicate ongoing transactions from the source to the target, allowing the source database to remain operational during migration. This minimizes downtime to a final cutover window, which can be under 15 minutes when properly orchestrated.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Azure Database Migration Service (online mode)
Why this is correct
Online mode supports minimal downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Back up to URL and restore
Why it's wrong here
Offline.
Export to BACPAC and import
Why it's wrong here
Offline, causes downtime.
Log shipping
Why it's wrong here
Log shipping to Managed Instance is not directly supported.
Transactional replication
Why this is correct
Can be set up with minimal downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse offline methods (backup/restore, BACPAC) as acceptable for low-downtime scenarios, failing to recognize that only online replication-based methods (DMS online, transactional replication) can meet a strict 15-minute downtime SLA for a high-volume database.
Detailed technical explanation
Azure DMS online mode leverages the SQL Server transaction log reader to capture changes via CDC, streaming them to the target Managed Instance while the source remains fully operational. During the final cutover, DMS applies any remaining log records and then switches the application connection string to the target, typically completing the migration in seconds to minutes. Transactional replication works similarly by publishing source transactions to a distribution database and then applying them at the subscriber (Managed Instance), but it requires more manual setup for schema synchronization and conflict resolution compared to DMS.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Azure Database Migration Service (online mode) — Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) online mode is correct because it uses continuous change data capture (CDC) to replicate ongoing transactions from the source to the target, allowing the source database to remain operational during migration. This minimizes downtime to a final cutover window, which can be under 15 minutes when properly orchestrated.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This DP-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DP-300 exam.
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