- A
Azure SQL Managed Instance supports SQL Server Agent for job scheduling.
SQL Agent is available in Managed Instance.
- B
Azure SQL Database supports larger database sizes than Azure SQL Managed Instance.
Why wrong: Managed Instance supports up to 16 TB, while SQL Database supports up to 4 TB in some tiers.
- C
Azure SQL Managed Instance supports cross-database queries within the same instance.
Managed Instance allows queries across databases in the same instance.
- D
Azure SQL Managed Instance does not support virtual network integration.
Why wrong: Managed Instance is always deployed in a VNet.
- E
Azure SQL Database supports elastic pools for cost-effective resource sharing among multiple databases.
Elastic pools are available only in Azure SQL Database.
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.
Which THREE of the following are valid considerations when choosing between Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance?
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
Azure SQL Managed Instance supports SQL Server Agent for job scheduling.
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.
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 Managed Instance supports SQL Server Agent for job scheduling.
Why this is correct
SQL Agent is available in Managed Instance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database supports larger database sizes than Azure SQL Managed Instance.
Why it's wrong here
Managed Instance supports up to 16 TB, while SQL Database supports up to 4 TB in some tiers.
- ✓
Azure SQL Managed Instance supports cross-database queries within the same instance.
Why this is correct
Managed Instance allows queries across databases in the same instance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Azure SQL Managed Instance does not support virtual network integration.
Why it's wrong here
Managed Instance is always deployed in a VNet.
- ✓
Azure SQL Database supports elastic pools for cost-effective resource sharing among multiple databases.
Why this is correct
Elastic pools are available only in Azure SQL Database.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
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.
- →
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All DP-900 questions
982 questions across all exam domains
- →
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
DP-900 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related DP-900 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Describe core data concepts practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Describe core data concepts.
Describe an analytics workload on Azure practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Describe an analytics workload on Azure.
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Identify considerations for relational data on Azure.
Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure.
DP-900 fundamentals practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to DP-900 fundamentals.
DP-900 scenario practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to DP-900 scenario.
DP-900 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to DP-900 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free DP-900 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Azure SQL Managed Instance supports SQL Server Agent for job scheduling. — 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.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
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.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DP-900 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DP-900 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.