- A
DTU-based purchasing model
Why wrong: The DTU model offers predictable performance but does not support automatic scaling or pausing. It bills at a fixed rate, so it is not cost-optimal for a workload with significant idle periods.
- B
vCore-based purchasing model with provisioned compute tier
Why wrong: Provisioned vCore allows manual scaling but lacks auto-scaling and auto-pause. It is better suited for steady, predictable workloads, not for highly variable usage with extended idle times.
- C
vCore-based purchasing model with serverless compute tier
Serverless automatically scales compute based on load and pauses the database during inactivity, charging only for the compute used. This perfectly matches the requirement to minimize costs during low-usage periods while handling peak traffic.
- D
vCore-based purchasing model with Hyperscale service tier
Why wrong: Hyperscale is designed for very large databases (over 1 TB) with high storage and read scalability. It does not offer auto-pause or compute auto-scaling based on idle periods, and it is more expensive for small to medium databases.
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: serverless compute automatically scales vCores and memory based on workload.. 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 an e-commerce application on Azure SQL Database. The database experiences high transaction volume during business hours (9 AM to 6 PM) but very low activity at night and on weekends. They want to optimize costs by paying only for the compute resources used, while ensuring the database can automatically scale up during peak periods and scale down (or pause) during idle times. Which Azure SQL Database purchasing model and compute tier 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
vCore-based purchasing model with serverless compute tier
The vCore-based purchasing model with serverless compute tier is correct because it automatically scales compute resources based on workload demand and can pause during idle periods, charging only for consumed compute and storage. This matches the requirement of high transaction volume during business hours and low activity at night/weekends, optimizing costs by eliminating charges for unused compute capacity.
Key principle: Serverless compute automatically scales vCores and memory based on workload.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DTU-based purchasing model
Why it's wrong here
The DTU model offers predictable performance but does not support automatic scaling or pausing. It bills at a fixed rate, so it is not cost-optimal for a workload with significant idle periods.
- ✗
vCore-based purchasing model with provisioned compute tier
Why it's wrong here
Provisioned vCore allows manual scaling but lacks auto-scaling and auto-pause. It is better suited for steady, predictable workloads, not for highly variable usage with extended idle times.
- ✓
vCore-based purchasing model with serverless compute tier
Why this is correct
Serverless automatically scales compute based on load and pauses the database during inactivity, charging only for the compute used. This perfectly matches the requirement to minimize costs during low-usage periods while handling peak traffic.
Related concept
Serverless compute automatically scales vCores and memory based on workload.
- ✗
vCore-based purchasing model with Hyperscale service tier
Why it's wrong here
Hyperscale is designed for very large databases (over 1 TB) with high storage and read scalability. It does not offer auto-pause or compute auto-scaling based on idle periods, and it is more expensive for small to medium databases.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the Hyperscale service tier with serverless, but Hyperscale focuses on storage scalability and fast recovery, not compute auto-scaling or pausing, making it unsuitable for cost optimization during idle periods.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The serverless compute tier in Azure SQL Database uses a compute auto-scaling range (e.g., 0.5 to 16 vCores) and an auto-pause delay (configurable from 1 minute to 7 days), during which compute billing stops and only storage costs apply. Under the hood, it leverages a shared resource pool and can resume within 30 seconds to 2 minutes after a connection request, making it ideal for intermittent workloads but not for latency-sensitive applications requiring instant response.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Serverless compute automatically scales vCores and memory based on workload.
- Serverless databases automatically pause during inactivity, stopping compute billing.
- Compute billing in serverless is per second for active usage.
- Serverless is ideal for intermittent, unpredictable workloads with idle periods.
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
Serverless compute automatically scales vCores and memory based on workload.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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 — Serverless compute automatically scales vCores and memory based on workload..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: vCore-based purchasing model with serverless compute tier — The vCore-based purchasing model with serverless compute tier is correct because it automatically scales compute resources based on workload demand and can pause during idle periods, charging only for consumed compute and storage. This matches the requirement of high transaction volume during business hours and low activity at night/weekends, optimizing costs by eliminating charges for unused compute capacity.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Review serverless compute automatically scales vCores and memory based on workload., then practise related DP-900 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Serverless compute automatically scales vCores and memory based on workload.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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