Quick Answer
The three factors to consider when choosing between Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance are automatic scaling of compute resources, support for instance-level features like SQL Agent jobs, and the ability to perform cross-database queries. This distinction matters because SQL Database offers auto-scaling options such as serverless compute, making it ideal for variable workloads, while SQL Managed Instance provides full instance-scope compatibility, including SQL Agent and cross-database querying, which are essential for lift-and-shift migrations of existing SQL Server applications. On the DP-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of the core architectural differences between platform-as-a-service offerings, often appearing as a scenario where you must match workload requirements to the correct service. A common trap is assuming both services support the same features—remember that SQL Managed Instance is the “full SQL Server in the cloud” option, whereas SQL Database is a more streamlined, scalable database service. For a quick memory tip, think: “Managed Instance is for migration, Database is for modernization.”
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.
Which THREE factors should you consider when choosing between Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance?
Support for Microsoft Entra ID authentication
Why wrong: Both support Microsoft Entra ID.
Need for SQL Server Agent jobs
SQL Managed Instance supports SQL Agent.
Need for cross-database queries
SQL Managed Instance supports cross-database queries.
Automatic scaling of compute resources
SQL Database has serverless compute.
Requirement for VNet integration
Why wrong: Both support VNet integration.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Need for SQL Server Agent jobs
Option A is correct because SQL Managed Instance supports instance-level features like SQL Agent jobs. Option C is correct because SQL Managed Instance supports cross-database queries. Option D is correct because SQL Database has auto-scaling options like serverless. Option B is wrong because both support VNet integration. Option E is wrong because both support Microsoft Entra ID authentication.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Support for Microsoft Entra ID authentication
Why it's wrong here
Both support Microsoft Entra ID.
Need for SQL Server Agent jobs
Why this is correct
SQL Managed Instance supports SQL Agent.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Need for cross-database queries
Why this is correct
SQL Managed Instance supports cross-database queries.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Automatic scaling of compute resources
Why this is correct
SQL Database has serverless compute.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Requirement for VNet integration
Why it's wrong here
Both support VNet integration.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Identify which DP-900 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
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..
The correct answer is: Need for SQL Server Agent jobs — Option A is correct because SQL Managed Instance supports instance-level features like SQL Agent jobs. Option C is correct because SQL Managed Instance supports cross-database queries. Option D is correct because SQL Database has auto-scaling options like serverless. Option B is wrong because both support VNet integration. Option E is wrong because both support Microsoft Entra ID authentication.
Identify which DP-900 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE of the following are valid considerations when choosing between Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance?
hardWhy A: Options A, C, and E are correct. Azure SQL Database supports elastic pools, while Managed Instance supports instance-level features like SQL Agent and cross-database queries. Option B is incorrect because both support VNet integration, but Managed Instance is always placed in a VNet. Option D is incorrect because Managed Instance supports larger databases.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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