DP-300 Configure and manage automation of tasks Practice Question
You are a database administrator for a healthcare company that uses Azure SQL Database. You need to automate the process of exporting a BACPAC file to Azure Blob Storage every day at 3:00 AM. You want to minimize development effort and use an Azure-native service. What should you use?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that any data movement service can create a BACPAC, when only specific cmdlets or the portal export feature produce that format.
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 Automation runbook with a PowerShell script that uses the New-AzSqlDatabaseExport cmdlet.
Azure Automation runbooks can run PowerShell on a schedule, and the New-AzSqlDatabaseExport cmdlet is designed to export an Azure SQL Database to a BACPAC in Blob Storage. This combination is Azure-native, requires minimal code, and directly automates the daily export. Other options either use unsupported commands, require more development, or do not produce BACPAC files.
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 Agent job on an Azure virtual machine that runs a T-SQL script using BACKUP DATABASE TO URL.
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database does not support BACKUP DATABASE TO URL for BACPAC exports; that command is for native backups in Managed Instance or SQL Server on VMs. Deploying a separate VM adds unnecessary overhead. This approach would not produce a BACPAC file and requires managing a VM, so it fails the requirement.
- ✗
Azure Logic Apps with a recurrence trigger and a SQL Server connector to execute an export command.
Why it's wrong here
Logic Apps can schedule workflows, but the SQL Server connector does not have an action to export a BACPAC. You would need to call an API or run a script, which adds complexity. This approach requires custom development and may not support BACPAC export natively. It is not the minimal-effort solution for this scenario.
- ✓
Azure Automation runbook with a PowerShell script that uses the New-AzSqlDatabaseExport cmdlet.
Why this is correct
Azure Automation provides a serverless way to run PowerShell scripts on a schedule. The New-AzSqlDatabaseExport cmdlet initiates a BACPAC export to Azure Blob Storage. This requires minimal development effort, as the cmdlet handles the export, and Automation manages the schedule and execution. It is an Azure-native solution that directly meets the requirement.
- ✗
Azure Data Factory pipeline with a copy activity that exports the database to Blob Storage.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Data Factory copy activity moves data between supported stores but does not create BACPAC files. A BACPAC includes schema and data, while Data Factory typically handles table-level data movement. Configuring a pipeline to replicate all objects would be complex and not produce a BACPAC. This option does not meet the requirement and adds development effort.
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 |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Configuring Automation Tasks for Database Administration
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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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
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