The answer is to use Azure Database Migration Service with online mode, because this approach is specifically designed for Azure SQL Managed Instance migration with minimal downtime, even for large, high-transaction databases like your 2 TB source. DMS online mode leverages continuous data synchronization—using change tracking or log shipping—to keep the target nearly in sync with the source, allowing a brief cutover window instead of hours of downtime. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of migration strategies under real-world constraints; a common trap is choosing offline DMS or backup-and-restore, which would require the database to be quiesced for the entire duration. Remember the key distinction: online mode for minimal downtime, offline mode for simpler, smaller migrations. A useful memory tip is “Online DMS = Sync and Snip,” meaning it synchronizes continuously until you snip the connection with a short cutover.
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 are migrating an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The database is 2 TB in size and has a high transaction rate. You need to minimize downtime during migration. The source server is running SQL Server 2016 Enterprise Edition. Which migration approach should you recommend?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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.
Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online mode is the correct choice because it supports minimal-downtime migrations for large databases with high transaction rates. It uses continuous data synchronization via change tracking or log shipping to keep the target nearly in sync, allowing a brief cutover window. For a 2 TB database, this avoids the lengthy downtime required by offline methods.
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.
✓
Use Azure Database Migration Service with online mode.
Why this is correct
DMS online mode provides near-zero downtime and handles large databases.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Export the database as a BACPAC file and import it into the managed instance.
Why it's wrong here
BACPAC is offline and not suitable for large databases with high transaction rates.
✗
Perform a full backup and restore to the managed instance, then apply log backups.
Why it's wrong here
This is offline and requires manual log shipping.
✗
Set up transactional replication from on-premises to the managed instance.
Why it's wrong here
Transactional replication requires additional configuration and may not be optimal for large databases.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'online migration' with 'minimal downtime' and incorrectly assume that transactional replication (Option D) is the best approach for a full database migration, when in fact DMS online mode is the recommended service for large, high-transaction databases to Azure SQL Managed Instance.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure DMS online mode leverages the Log Reader Agent to capture changes from the source transaction log and apply them to the target using Azure Blob Storage as an intermediate staging area. This allows the source to remain fully operational during the migration, with a final cutover that typically takes only minutes. The service automatically handles schema migration, data migration, and ongoing sync, and it supports resumability in case of network interruptions.
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. — Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online mode is the correct choice because it supports minimal-downtime migrations for large databases with high transaction rates. It uses continuous data synchronization via change tracking or log shipping to keep the target nearly in sync, allowing a brief cutover window. For a 2 TB database, this avoids the lengthy downtime required by offline methods.
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: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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