The answer is Azure SQL Database. This fully managed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) relational database is the correct choice for a single database migration because it delivers built-in high availability, automated backups with point-in-time restore, and eliminates the need to manage virtual machines or operating system patches—exactly what a small retailer requires without needing cross-database queries or SQL Agent. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish Azure SQL Database from alternatives like SQL Managed Instance or SQL Server on VMs; a common trap is assuming a managed instance is needed when the question explicitly states no cross-database queries or SQL Agent are required. Remember the key differentiator: if the requirement is a single, fully managed database with no VM management and no advanced features, Azure SQL Database is the direct PaaS fit. Memory tip: “Single DB, single PaaS—SQL Database is your base.”
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. 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 small online retailer wants to migrate its single on-premises SQL Server database to Azure. They require a fully managed relational database service with built-in high availability, automated backups, and no need to manage virtual machines. They do not need features like multiple databases with cross-database queries or SQL Agent. Which Azure service should they choose?
Correct. Azure SQL Database is a PaaS offering with built-in high availability and automated backups, requiring no VM management. It is ideal for a single database migration.
B
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why wrong: Incorrect. While also PaaS, SQL Managed Instance provides additional features like cross-database queries and SQL Agent, which are not needed here and would increase cost and complexity.
C
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Why wrong: Incorrect. This is IaaS; you must manage the VM and SQL Server, which contradicts the requirement to avoid managing VMs.
D
Azure Database for MySQL
Why wrong: Incorrect. This is a different database engine (MySQL) and does not meet the requirement to migrate a SQL Server database.
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
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) relational database that provides built-in high availability (99.99% SLA with zone-redundant configuration), automated backups with point-in-time restore, and eliminates the need to manage virtual machines or operating system patches. It is the ideal choice for a single database migration when features like cross-database queries and SQL Agent are not required.
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 SQL Database
Why this is correct
Correct. Azure SQL Database is a PaaS offering with built-in high availability and automated backups, requiring no VM management. It is ideal for a single database migration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While also PaaS, SQL Managed Instance provides additional features like cross-database queries and SQL Agent, which are not needed here and would increase cost and complexity.
✗
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This is IaaS; you must manage the VM and SQL Server, which contradicts the requirement to avoid managing VMs.
✗
Azure Database for MySQL
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This is a different database engine (MySQL) and does not meet the requirement to migrate a SQL Server database.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose Azure SQL Managed Instance because it offers more SQL Server parity, but the question explicitly states the retailer does not need SQL Agent or cross-database queries, making the simpler and more cost-effective Azure SQL Database the correct choice.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure SQL Database uses a shared-architecture model where compute and storage are decoupled, enabling automated failover to a secondary replica within the same region (or across zones) without any application changes. The service automatically handles backups with a retention period of up to 35 days for point-in-time restore, and it supports elastic pools for cost-effective resource sharing among multiple databases, though the retailer's single-database scenario fits the basic DTU or vCore purchasing model. A subtle behavior is that Azure SQL Database does not support cross-database queries natively (unless using elastic query), which aligns perfectly with the retailer's stated lack of need for that feature.
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.
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — This question tests Identify considerations for relational data 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 — Azure SQL Database is a fully managed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) relational database that provides built-in high availability (99.99% SLA with zone-redundant configuration), automated backups with point-in-time restore, and eliminates the need to manage virtual machines or operating system patches. It is the ideal choice for a single database migration when features like cross-database queries and SQL Agent are not required.
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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