DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
You are migrating an on-premises SQL Server database with 5 TB of data to Azure SQL Database. The database has multiple large tables and indexes. You need to minimize downtime during migration. Which service should you use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse Azure SQL Database with SQL Server on Azure VMs, assuming that native backup/restore or log shipping (Option C) is available for Azure SQL Database, when in fact those features are only supported for IaaS-based SQL Server instances.
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 Database Migration Service with online migration mode
Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online migration mode is the correct choice because it minimizes downtime by continuously synchronizing ongoing changes from the on-premises SQL Server to Azure SQL Database while the initial bulk data copy is in progress. This allows you to cut over to the target with only a brief pause, which is critical for a 5 TB database where offline methods would cause extended unavailability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Export to BACPAC and import using SqlPackage
Why it's wrong here
BACPAC can cause long downtime for large databases.
- ✓
Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode
Why this is correct
DMS online mode minimizes downtime by continuously replicating changes.
- ✗
Backup and restore using URL with log shipping
Why it's wrong here
Log shipping is not supported for Azure SQL Database.
- ✗
Transactional replication from on-premises to Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Replication setup is complex and not optimal for large databases.
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.
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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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.