DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates 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.
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
✓
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Overview of Azure Data Platform Options
Key term
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed cloud database service that gives you nearly all the features of Microsoft SQL Server on your own server, without you having to manage the hardware or operating system.
Key term
Azure Database Migration
Azure Database Migration is the process of moving databases from on-premises servers or other cloud platforms to Azure’s cloud database services with minimal downtime and data loss.
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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.