DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are valid options for migrating an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure SQL Database with minimal downtime?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse Azure SQL Database with Azure SQL Managed Instance or SQL Server on Azure VM, where backup/restore and BULK INSERT are valid; Azure SQL Database does not support native backup/restore or transactional replication as a publisher, only as a subscriber.
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
✓
Configure transactional replication between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.
Transactional replication allows continuous synchronization of changes from the on-premises SQL Server publisher to the Azure SQL Database subscriber, enabling migration with minimal downtime by cutting over only after data is in sync. This is a supported hybrid scenario for Azure SQL Database.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use BULK INSERT to export data from on-premises and import to Azure SQL Database.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: BULK INSERT is a one-time operation, causing downtime.
- ✓
Configure transactional replication between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.
Why this is correct
Correct: Transactional replication provides continuous data synchronization with minimal downtime.
- ✓
Use Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode.
Why this is correct
Correct: DMS online mode performs continuous data sync, minimizing downtime.
- ✗
Use SQL Server backup to URL and restore to Azure SQL Database.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Restore from backup is offline and requires downtime.
- ✗
Use the Generate Scripts wizard in SQL Server Management Studio.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Script generation is offline and not suitable for minimal downtime.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Overview of Azure Data Platform Options
Key term
Azure SQL Performance Tuning
Azure SQL Performance Tuning is the process of optimizing the speed and efficiency of queries and database operations in Microsoft Azure SQL Database or SQL Managed Instance to reduce latency and improve throughput.
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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.