- A
Batch processing and real-time processing
Batch processing refers to processing data in large batches, while real-time processing handles data as it arrives. The order processing is transactional, not necessarily real-time analytics, and the weekly reports are batch, but 'batch' and 'real-time' are not the precise terms for workload types.
- B
OLTP and OLAP
Correct. OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) is for transactional workloads like order placement. OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) is for analytical workloads like weekly reports.
- C
Structured and Unstructured data
Why wrong: Structured and unstructured refer to data types, not workload types. The scenario describes workloads, not data formats.
- D
Data ingestion and data transformation
Why wrong: Data ingestion and transformation are steps in a data pipeline, not classifications of the workloads themselves.
DP-900 Describe core data concepts Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 retail company operates an online store. When a customer places an order, the system immediately updates inventory and payment records. Separately, the company's business analysts run weekly reports that aggregate sales data to identify trends. Which two terms correctly describe these workloads?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"immediately / without restart"Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
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
Batch processing and real-time processing
The order processing system that immediately updates inventory and payment records is a classic Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) workload, which handles high volumes of small, real-time transactions with ACID guarantees. The weekly sales aggregation reports run by business analysts are an Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) workload, which involves complex queries over large historical datasets to support business intelligence. Option B correctly pairs these two distinct processing paradigms.
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.
- ✓
Batch processing and real-time processing
Why this is correct
Batch processing refers to processing data in large batches, while real-time processing handles data as it arrives. The order processing is transactional, not necessarily real-time analytics, and the weekly reports are batch, but 'batch' and 'real-time' are not the precise terms for workload types.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
OLTP and OLAP
Why this is correct
Correct. OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) is for transactional workloads like order placement. OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) is for analytical workloads like weekly reports.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Structured and Unstructured data
Why it's wrong here
Structured and unstructured refer to data types, not workload types. The scenario describes workloads, not data formats.
- ✗
Data ingestion and data transformation
Why it's wrong here
Data ingestion and transformation are steps in a data pipeline, not classifications of the workloads themselves.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the processing mode (batch vs. real-time) with the workload type (OLTP vs. OLAP), failing to recognize that OLTP is inherently real-time and OLAP is typically batch-oriented, but the question specifically asks for the correct terms that describe the workloads themselves.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Structured and unstructured refer to data types, not workload types. The scenario describes workloads, not data formats.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OLTP systems are optimized for fast, concurrent write operations using row-based storage and indexes (e.g., B-trees), ensuring immediate consistency via transactions with ACID properties. OLAP systems, in contrast, use columnar storage (e.g., in Azure Synapse or SQL Server Analysis Services) to enable fast aggregation and scanning of large volumes of historical data, often employing star schemas and materialized views. A subtle behavior is that mixing OLTP and OLAP on the same database can lead to performance degradation due to lock contention and I/O pattern conflicts, which is why companies often use separate systems or a data warehouse for analytics.
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
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Describe core data concepts — This question tests Describe core data concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Batch processing and real-time processing — The order processing system that immediately updates inventory and payment records is a classic Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) workload, which handles high volumes of small, real-time transactions with ACID guarantees. The weekly sales aggregation reports run by business analysts are an Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) workload, which involves complex queries over large historical datasets to support business intelligence. Option B correctly pairs these two distinct processing paradigms.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This DP-900 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DP-900 exam.
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