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. 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 startup is building a new application and needs a relational database that supports JSON data, automatic scaling, and a serverless compute tier to minimize costs during low usage periods. Which Azure data service should they choose?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL serverless
Why wrong: PostgreSQL serverless is relational but JSON support is not as integrated as SQL Server.
Azure Cosmos DB
Why wrong: Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database, not relational.
Azure SQL Database serverless tier
Azure SQL Database serverless supports JSON, auto-scaling, and pauses when idle.
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why wrong: Managed Instance does not have a serverless tier.
Answer choices
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 serverless tier
Option C is correct because Azure SQL Database serverless tier supports JSON, automatic scaling, and pauses during inactivity. Option A is wrong because Azure Cosmos DB is NoSQL, not relational. Option B is wrong because Azure SQL Managed Instance does not have a serverless tier. Option D is wrong because Azure Database for PostgreSQL serverless does not support JSON as naturally as SQL Server.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL serverless
Why it's wrong here
PostgreSQL serverless is relational but JSON support is not as integrated as SQL Server.
Azure Cosmos DB
Why it's wrong here
Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database, not relational.
Azure SQL Database serverless tier
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why it's wrong here
Managed Instance does not have a serverless tier.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
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
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DP-900 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — This question tests Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Azure SQL Database serverless tier — Option C is correct because Azure SQL Database serverless tier supports JSON, automatic scaling, and pauses during inactivity. Option A is wrong because Azure Cosmos DB is NoSQL, not relational. Option B is wrong because Azure SQL Managed Instance does not have a serverless tier. Option D is wrong because Azure Database for PostgreSQL serverless does not support JSON as naturally as SQL Server.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DP-900 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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