DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
You are planning to deploy Azure SQL Database for a new application. The application requires a predictable performance with reserved resources and the ability to scale up during peak season. You want to minimize costs. Which purchasing model should you choose?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse the DTU model as the default cost-saving option, but the vCore model with reserved capacity actually provides deeper discounts for predictable workloads, while the DTU model lacks such reservation flexibility.
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
✓
vCore-based purchasing model with reserved capacity
The vCore-based purchasing model with reserved capacity is correct because it allows you to reserve compute resources for a one- or three-year term, providing a significant discount (up to 40-60%) compared to pay-as-you-go pricing. This model also supports predictable performance with dedicated resources and the ability to scale up (e.g., increase vCores or storage) during peak seasons, while the reserved capacity commitment minimizes costs for the baseline workload.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
vCore-based purchasing model with reserved capacity
Why this is correct
vCore model allows manual scaling and reserved instances reduce costs.
- ✗
DTU-based purchasing model
Why it's wrong here
DTU model is less flexible and may not offer reserved capacity.
- ✗
Hyperscale service tier
Why it's wrong here
Hyperscale is for high storage and read scale-out, not cost optimization for predictable performance.
- ✗
Serverless compute tier
Why it's wrong here
Serverless is for intermittent workloads, not predictable peak seasons.
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.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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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.