DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
Your company is migrating an on-premises SQL Server 2016 database to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The database uses SQL Server Agent jobs, Database Mail, and Service Broker. The database is 500 GB. You need to minimize downtime during migration. Which migration approach should you use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse offline methods like BACPAC or backup/restore as 'minimizing downtime' because they are simple, but they fail to recognize that online migration via DMS is specifically designed to keep the source database operational during the bulk of the migration process.
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
Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online migration mode uses continuous data synchronization via change tracking or log shipping to minimize downtime. This approach supports SQL Server Agent jobs, Database Mail, and Service Broker, which are preserved during migration to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The online mode allows the source database to remain operational until the final cutover, reducing downtime to seconds.
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 from on-premises to Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why it's wrong here
Replication can be complex and may not support all objects like Database Mail.
- ✓
Use Azure Database Migration Service with online migration
Why this is correct
DMS online migration supports minimal downtime and transfers SQL Agent jobs and other objects.
- ✗
Export the database as a BACPAC file and import to Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why it's wrong here
BACPAC is offline and may not include all metadata and jobs.
- ✗
Back up the database to URL and restore to Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why it's wrong here
This is an offline migration method that causes downtime.
Visual reference
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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.