- A
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers the highest compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, supporting SQL Agent, cross-database queries within the instance, and Query Store. It provides up to 16 TB of storage, meeting the size requirements.
- B
Azure SQL Database (single database)
Why wrong: Azure SQL Database does not support SQL Agent jobs or cross-database queries directly. It uses elastic jobs as a replacement for SQL Agent, but this requires additional configuration and does not provide the same level of compatibility.
- C
Azure SQL Database Hyperscale
Why wrong: Hyperscale is a service tier within Azure SQL Database for single databases. It still lacks SQL Agent and cross-database query support, so it does not meet the compatibility requirements.
- D
Azure Database for SQL Server
Why wrong: Azure Database for SQL Server is not a real Azure service. The correct service names are Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance. This option is a distractor.
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. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 currently uses SQL Server Agent jobs for scheduled maintenance tasks, cross-database queries, and query store for performance tuning. The database size is 500 GB and needs to scale to 10 TB eventually. They want a managed service that requires minimal application changes. Which Azure relational database service 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 support for SQL Server Agent jobs, cross-database queries, and Query Store, while being a fully managed PaaS service. It allows scaling up to 10 TB (up to 16 TB with some configurations) with minimal application changes, as it uses the same T-SQL surface area and network configuration (VNet) as on-premises SQL Server.
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 Managed Instance
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers the highest compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, supporting SQL Agent, cross-database queries within the instance, and Query Store. It provides up to 16 TB of storage, meeting the size requirements.
Related concept
Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% SQL Server compatibility.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database (single database)
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database does not support SQL Agent jobs or cross-database queries directly. It uses elastic jobs as a replacement for SQL Agent, but this requires additional configuration and does not provide the same level of compatibility.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database Hyperscale
Why it's wrong here
Hyperscale is a service tier within Azure SQL Database for single databases. It still lacks SQL Agent and cross-database query support, so it does not meet the compatibility requirements.
- ✗
Azure Database for SQL Server
Why it's wrong here
Azure Database for SQL Server is not a real Azure service. The correct service names are Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance. This option is a distractor.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Azure SQL Database (single database) with SQL Managed Instance, assuming that Hyperscale's large storage capacity compensates for missing features like SQL Server Agent and cross-database queries, but the exam tests the specific feature requirements (Agent jobs, cross-database queries) that only Managed Instance fully supports.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SQL Managed Instance runs in a dedicated VNet and uses a native virtual network (VNet) integration, allowing it to join the same network as on-premises resources via VPN or ExpressRoute, which is critical for cross-database queries and Agent jobs that rely on linked servers. The service uses the same database engine as SQL Server, including the same Query Store implementation, and supports up to 16 TB of storage with the Business Critical tier, making it suitable for the planned 10 TB scale. Unlike Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance supports SQL Server Agent jobs natively, including T-SQL job steps, schedules, and alerts, without requiring Azure Automation or Elastic Jobs.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Azure SQL Managed Instance offers near 100% SQL Server compatibility.
- It fully supports SQL Server Agent jobs for automation.
- Cross-database queries are supported within an instance.
- Managed Instance scales up to 16 TB of storage.
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
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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 support for SQL Server Agent jobs, cross-database queries, and Query Store, while being a fully managed PaaS service. It allows scaling up to 10 TB (up to 16 TB with some configurations) with minimal application changes, as it uses the same T-SQL surface area and network configuration (VNet) as on-premises SQL Server.
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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