Quick Answer
The answer is Azure SQL Database because it is a fully managed platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering that eliminates administrative overhead by automating patching, backups, and high availability, whereas SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS) requires you to manually handle these tasks. This distinction is central to the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, which tests your ability to choose the right service based on operational requirements—specifically, the trade-off between control and management burden. A common trap is assuming that running SQL Server on a VM offers similar simplicity, but the exam emphasizes that PaaS shifts responsibility for infrastructure maintenance to Azure. For a startup seeking low overhead, Azure SQL Database is the clear fit. Memory tip: think “PaaS = Patch and Backup Automated, SaaS-style,” while “IaaS = I Administer All Security.”
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 migrating its on-premises SQL Server database to Azure. They want the least administrative overhead for patching and backups. 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: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL
Why wrong: This is a different relational database engine, not SQL Server.
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Why wrong: IaaS requires manual maintenance of the OS and SQL Server.
Azure SQL Database
PaaS provides automated patching, backups, and built-in high availability.
Azure Cosmos DB
Why wrong: Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database, not relational.
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
Option B is correct because Azure SQL Database is a fully managed platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that automates patching, backups, and high availability. Option A is wrong because SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS) requires manual patching and backup management. Option C is wrong because Azure Database for PostgreSQL is a different database engine, not SQL Server. Option D is wrong because Azure Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database, not relational.
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
Why it's wrong here
This is a different relational database engine, not SQL Server.
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Why it's wrong here
IaaS requires manual maintenance of the OS and SQL Server.
Azure SQL Database
Azure Cosmos DB
Why it's wrong here
Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database, not relational.
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
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.
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 — Option B is correct because Azure SQL Database is a fully managed platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that automates patching, backups, and high availability. Option A is wrong because SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS) requires manual patching and backup management. Option C is wrong because Azure Database for PostgreSQL is a different database engine, not SQL Server. Option D is wrong because Azure Cosmos DB is a NoSQL database, not relational.
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: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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