DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
You are planning the migration of a large on-premises SQL Server database to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The database is 500 GB in size and has a high transaction rate. You need to minimize downtime during the migration. Which migration approach should you recommend?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse 'online migration' with 'replication' (Option A), assuming transactional replication is the only way to achieve minimal downtime, but DMS online mode is the native, integrated service designed specifically for this scenario with simpler management and lower overhead.
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 migration mode.
Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online migration mode uses transactional log shipping to continuously synchronize changes from the source SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance, enabling near-zero downtime. This is essential for a 500 GB database with a high transaction rate, as it allows the source to remain operational during the migration and only requires a final cutover with minimal interruption.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set up transactional replication to replicate data to SQL Managed Instance.
Why it's wrong here
Replication requires schema changes and is complex.
- ✗
Perform an offline migration using Azure Database Migration Service.
Why it's wrong here
Offline migration requires downtime.
- ✗
Export the database as a BACPAC file and import to SQL Managed Instance.
Why it's wrong here
BACPAC is offline and slow for large databases.
- ✓
Use Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode.
Why this is correct
Online mode uses log shipping to minimize downtime.
Go deeper
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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