The answer is Azure SQL Database with read scale-out, because it provides a read-only replica that offloads reporting queries without requiring any application code changes. The technical concept here is the read scale-out feature, which automatically routes queries marked with `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` in the connection string to a secondary replica, freeing the primary database from reporting workloads. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to separate read and write traffic using Azure’s built-in high-availability features, and a common trap is confusing this with Azure SQL Managed Instance or a failover group, which do not offer the same automatic read-only routing. Remember the memory tip: “Read scale-out = ReadOnly intent in the string” — if you see a question about offloading reporting without modifying the app, think of adding that one connection string parameter.
DP-900 Describe an analytics workload on Azure Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe an analytics workload 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. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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 runs a SQL Server database on an Azure virtual machine. They need to offload reporting queries to a read-only copy without modifying the application. Which Azure service should they use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Azure SQL Database with read scale-out
Azure SQL Database with read scale-out (C) is correct because it creates a read-only replica of the database that can handle reporting queries without modifying the application. The application simply adds `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` to the connection string, and the Azure gateway automatically routes read-only queries to the secondary replica, offloading the primary from reporting workloads.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 Analysis Services
Why it's wrong here
Analysis Services is a modeling engine, not a read replica.
✗
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why it's wrong here
SQL Managed Instance does not support built-in read scale-out with automatic read-only routing.
✓
Azure SQL Database with read scale-out
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Database's read scale-out feature allows directing reporting queries to a read-only replica automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Azure Synapse Analytics dedicated SQL pool
Why it's wrong here
Synapse Analytics is for data warehousing, not for offloading queries from a single SQL Server VM.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse read scale-out with Azure SQL Managed Instance or Azure Analysis Services, assuming any read-only copy or analytics service can serve as a transparent offload, but only Azure SQL Database with read scale-out provides automatic, connection-string-based routing without application changes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Read scale-out in Azure SQL Database leverages Always On availability group technology to create a readable secondary replica in the same region. The application must use the `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` connection property; if omitted, queries are routed to the primary replica. This feature is only available in the Premium and Business Critical service tiers, and it supports up to four readable secondary replicas for load balancing read workloads.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-900 question in full detail.
Describe an analytics workload on Azure — This question tests Describe an analytics workload on Azure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure SQL Database with read scale-out — Azure SQL Database with read scale-out (C) is correct because it creates a read-only replica of the database that can handle reporting queries without modifying the application. The application simply adds `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` to the connection string, and the Azure gateway automatically routes read-only queries to the secondary replica, offloading the primary from reporting workloads.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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