- A
Azure SQL Database (single database)
Why wrong: Azure SQL Database single database is a fully managed PaaS option but does not support SQL Server Agent or cross-database queries. Significant application changes would be required to migrate the scheduled jobs and multi-database logic.
- B
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers high compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, including SQL Server Agent, cross-database queries, and linked servers. It is fully managed and requires minimal changes to existing applications, making it the best fit for this migration.
- C
Azure SQL Database elastic pool
Why wrong: An elastic pool is a collection of single databases sharing resources. It inherits the limitations of single databases, such as lack of SQL Server Agent and cross-database queries, and thus does not meet the requirements.
- D
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Why wrong: SQL Server on Azure VMs provides full control and compatibility but is an IaaS solution, not fully managed. The company would be responsible for patching, backups, and high availability, which contradicts the desire for a fully managed PaaS solution.
DP-900 Practice Question: Identify considerations for relational data on Azure
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of identify considerations for relational data on azure. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. A key principle to apply: azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company plans to migrate an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure. The database uses SQL Server Agent to run scheduled jobs and performs cross-database queries within the same instance. The company wants a fully managed PaaS solution that requires minimal application changes. Which Azure SQL deployment option should they choose?
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 SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance is the correct choice because it provides full SQL Server Agent support for scheduled jobs and enables cross-database queries within the same instance, while being a fully managed PaaS service. It offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, minimizing application changes during migration.
Key principle: Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database (single database)
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database single database is a fully managed PaaS option but does not support SQL Server Agent or cross-database queries. Significant application changes would be required to migrate the scheduled jobs and multi-database logic.
- ✓
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers high compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, including SQL Server Agent, cross-database queries, and linked servers. It is fully managed and requires minimal changes to existing applications, making it the best fit for this migration.
Related concept
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database elastic pool
Why it's wrong here
An elastic pool is a collection of single databases sharing resources. It inherits the limitations of single databases, such as lack of SQL Server Agent and cross-database queries, and thus does not meet the requirements.
- ✗
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose Azure SQL Database (single database) or elastic pool because they are more commonly discussed as PaaS, but they overlook the specific requirements for SQL Server Agent and cross-database queries, which only Managed Instance supports.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure SQL Managed Instance runs in a virtual network (VNet) and uses a dedicated instance scope, allowing cross-database queries via three- or four-part names and full SQL Server Agent functionality, including job scheduling and alerts. Under the hood, it leverages the same database engine as SQL Server but with a managed control plane, enabling features like linked servers and Service Broker that are unavailable in Azure SQL Database. In real-world migrations, this is critical for applications relying on intra-instance dependencies like stored procedures that join tables across databases.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server.
- It supports SQL Server Agent for scheduling jobs.
- Cross-database queries and linked servers are supported.
- It is a fully managed PaaS service, reducing administrative overhead.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server., then practise related DP-900 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — This question tests Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure SQL Managed Instance — Azure SQL Managed Instance is the correct choice because it provides full SQL Server Agent support for scheduled jobs and enables cross-database queries within the same instance, while being a fully managed PaaS service. It offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, minimizing application changes during migration.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Review azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server., then practise related DP-900 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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