- A
DTU-based model with Basic tier
Why wrong: DTU model bundles compute, storage, and I/O, preventing independent scaling. Basic tier has limited size and performance, and does not support auto-pause.
- B
vCore-based model with General Purpose serverless tier
vCore model separates compute and storage, offering independent scaling. The serverless tier auto-pauses during idle periods and scales automatically, aligning with the startup's need to only pay for used compute.
- C
vCore-based model with Business Critical provisioned tier
Why wrong: Business Critical offers high availability and performance but is provisioned (not serverless) and more expensive. It does not auto-pause.
- D
DTU-based model with Standard tier
Why wrong: Standard tier is DTU-based, so compute and storage are bundled. It does not support serverless or independent scaling of compute.
Quick Answer
The answer is the vCore-based General Purpose serverless tier. This is correct because it enables independent scaling of compute and storage, meaning the startup can grow their database from 10 GB to 500 GB without resizing compute, while the serverless feature automatically pauses the database during idle periods to eliminate compute costs—perfectly matching their need to pay only for consumed resources and avoid over-provisioning. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the vCore serverless tier features versus the DTU model, where compute and storage are bundled. A common trap is choosing the DTU-based serverless tier, which does not exist; the serverless option is exclusive to the vCore model. Memory tip: think “vCore = variable compute” for independent scaling and auto-pause, while “DTU = dependent on storage.”
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. 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 deploying a new application on Azure SQL Database. They expect the database to start at 10 GB but grow to 500 GB over time. They want to be able to scale compute independently of storage and only pay for the compute resources they use. They also want to avoid over-provisioning and automatically pause during idle periods. Which purchasing model and service tier should they choose?
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
vCore-based model with General Purpose serverless tier
The vCore-based General Purpose serverless tier is correct because it allows independent scaling of compute and storage, automatically pauses the database during idle periods to eliminate compute costs, and supports growth from 10 GB to 500 GB without manual intervention. This model aligns with the startup's need to pay only for consumed compute resources and avoid over-provisioning.
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.
- ✗
DTU-based model with Basic tier
Why it's wrong here
DTU model bundles compute, storage, and I/O, preventing independent scaling. Basic tier has limited size and performance, and does not support auto-pause.
- ✓
vCore-based model with General Purpose serverless tier
Why this is correct
vCore model separates compute and storage, offering independent scaling. The serverless tier auto-pauses during idle periods and scales automatically, aligning with the startup's need to only pay for used compute.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
vCore-based model with Business Critical provisioned tier
Why it's wrong here
Business Critical offers high availability and performance but is provisioned (not serverless) and more expensive. It does not auto-pause.
- ✗
DTU-based model with Standard tier
Why it's wrong here
Standard tier is DTU-based, so compute and storage are bundled. It does not support serverless or independent scaling of compute.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the DTU model's 'auto-pause' feature (which does not exist) with the vCore serverless tier's auto-pause, or assume the Basic tier's low cost and simplicity fit a growing database without checking its 2 GB storage limit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The vCore-based serverless tier uses a per-second billing model for compute, with a configurable auto-pause delay (default 60 minutes) that suspends the database when no connections or transactions occur, while storage remains billed separately. Under the hood, Azure SQL Database serverless relies on a compute replica that can be deallocated during idle periods, and the database automatically resumes within 30-90 seconds upon the next connection, making it ideal for intermittent workloads like development or batch processing.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
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: vCore-based model with General Purpose serverless tier — The vCore-based General Purpose serverless tier is correct because it allows independent scaling of compute and storage, automatically pauses the database during idle periods to eliminate compute costs, and supports growth from 10 GB to 500 GB without manual intervention. This model aligns with the startup's need to pay only for consumed compute resources and avoid over-provisioning.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
5 more ways this is tested on DP-900
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. A startup has an application with unpredictable usage patterns on Azure SQL Database. They want to minimize cost by paying only for the compute they use and the database should automatically pause during idle periods. Which Azure SQL Database option should they choose?
easy- ✓ A.Serverless
- B.Provisioned (DTU or vCore)
- C.Hyperscale
- D.Business Critical
Why A: Azure SQL Database Serverless is designed for applications with unpredictable usage patterns, as it automatically scales compute resources based on demand and pauses the database during idle periods to eliminate compute costs. This model charges per second for the compute used, making it the most cost-effective choice for workloads that have periods of inactivity.
Variation 2. A startup is building a web application with a relational database backend. They expect variable traffic and want to minimize costs by scaling the database automatically based on demand. Which Azure service should they use?
medium- ✓ A.Azure SQL Database serverless
- B.Azure SQL Managed Instance
- C.SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
- D.Azure Database for MariaDB
Why A: Option C is correct because Azure SQL Database serverless automatically scales compute resources and pauses during inactivity to save costs. Option A (Azure SQL Managed Instance) is not serverless. Option B (SQL Server on Azure VM) requires manual scaling. Option D (Azure Database for MariaDB) does not have serverless compute.
Variation 3. A startup wants to build a new web application with a relational database. They expect variable traffic and want to minimize costs by paying only for the compute resources they use. Which Azure SQL Database deployment option should they choose?
easy- A.Provisioned compute tier
- B.Elastic pool
- C.SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
- ✓ D.Serverless compute tier
Why D: Option C is correct because Azure SQL Database serverless automatically pauses during inactivity and bills per second for compute. Option A is wrong because provisioned computing charges for allocated resources regardless of usage. Option B is wrong because elastic pools are for multiple databases with pooled resources, not serverless. Option D is wrong because SQL on VMs is IaaS, costs for VMs always on.
Variation 4. A small business needs a cost-effective relational database for a new web application. The workload is light and predictable. They want to minimize administrative overhead. Which Azure service should they choose?
easy- A.Azure Database for PostgreSQL
- B.SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
- C.Azure SQL Database (provisioned DTU)
- ✓ D.Azure SQL Database serverless
Why D: Option A is correct because Azure SQL Database serverless is designed for intermittent, unpredictable workloads and automatically pauses when idle, reducing cost. Option B is wrong because Azure SQL Database provisioned is for steady-state workloads. Option C is wrong because SQL Server on Azure VMs is IaaS and requires management. Option D is wrong because Azure Database for PostgreSQL is fully managed but PostgreSQL-specific; Azure SQL Database serverless is more cost-effective for light relational workloads.
Variation 5. 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?
easy- A.Azure Database for PostgreSQL serverless
- B.Azure Cosmos DB
- ✓ C.Azure SQL Database serverless tier
- D.Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why C: 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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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