- A
Azure SQL Database (single database)
Why wrong: Azure SQL Database single database does not support cross-database queries within the same logical server without workarounds like elastic query, and it lacks SQL Agent and Service Broker features entirely. Application code changes would be required.
- B
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers high compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, including SQL Agent, Service Broker, and cross-database queries. It is a PaaS solution that requires minimal to no application code changes, making it the best fit for this scenario.
- C
Azure SQL Database elastic pool
Why wrong: An elastic pool is a resource-sharing container for multiple Azure SQL databases. It does not provide instance-level features like SQL Agent or Service Broker, nor does it support cross-database queries across databases in the pool.
- D
Azure SQL Database Hyperscale
Why wrong: The Hyperscale service tier is designed for large databases with high scalability, but it does not include SQL Agent or Service Broker support. It also does not inherently support cross-database queries within the same instance.
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% SQL Server compatibility.. 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 for nightly maintenance jobs, Service Broker for asynchronous messaging, and requires cross-database queries within the same instance. The company wants a fully managed Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution that minimizes application code 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 near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, including SQL Server Agent, Service Broker, and cross-database queries within the same instance, while being a fully managed PaaS offering. This minimizes application code changes because the migration can be performed with minimal schema or code modifications, unlike Azure SQL Database which lacks these features.
Key principle: Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% SQL Server compatibility.
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 does not support cross-database queries within the same logical server without workarounds like elastic query, and it lacks SQL Agent and Service Broker features entirely. Application code changes would be required.
- ✓
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers high compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, including SQL Agent, Service Broker, and cross-database queries. It is a PaaS solution that requires minimal to no application code changes, making it the best fit for this scenario.
Related concept
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% SQL Server compatibility.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database elastic pool
Why it's wrong here
An elastic pool is a resource-sharing container for multiple Azure SQL databases. It does not provide instance-level features like SQL Agent or Service Broker, nor does it support cross-database queries across databases in the pool.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database Hyperscale
Why it's wrong here
The Hyperscale service tier is designed for large databases with high scalability, but it does not include SQL Agent or Service Broker support. It also does not inherently support cross-database queries within the same instance.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Azure SQL Database elastic pool with a managed instance, assuming it provides instance-level features, when in fact it is merely a cost-saving container for multiple single databases that still lack SQL Server Agent, Service Broker, and cross-database query support.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure SQL Managed Instance runs in a dedicated virtual network and uses a full SQL Server Database Engine, enabling features like CLR integration, linked servers, and Database Mail, which are absent in Azure SQL Database. The Service Broker in Managed Instance uses the same T-SQL syntax and message types as on-premises, allowing asynchronous messaging to work without code changes. Cross-database queries within the same instance are supported via three- or four-part names, just like on-premises, whereas Azure SQL Database requires elastic queries or external data sources.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% SQL Server compatibility.
- It supports SQL Server Agent for job scheduling.
- Service Broker for asynchronous messaging is fully supported.
- Cross-database queries within the same instance are natively available.
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% SQL Server compatibility.
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% SQL Server compatibility., 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% SQL Server compatibility..
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 near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, including SQL Server Agent, Service Broker, and cross-database queries within the same instance, while being a fully managed PaaS offering. This minimizes application code changes because the migration can be performed with minimal schema or code modifications, unlike Azure SQL Database which lacks these features.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Review azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% SQL Server compatibility., 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% SQL Server compatibility.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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