DP-900 Practice Question: Identify considerations for relational data on Azure
Which TWO Azure services can be used to host a relational database that is compatible with SQL Server?
⚠ Common exam trap
DP-900 often tests the distinction between SQL Server-compatible services and other relational databases — candidates may incorrectly include PostgreSQL or MySQL as SQL Server-compatible because they are all relational.
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 Database
Azure SQL Database (A) is correct because it is a fully managed PaaS relational database engine built on the same SQL Server engine, so it is directly compatible with SQL Server T-SQL, tooling, and drivers. Azure SQL Managed Instance (D) is also correct because it runs the SQL Server database engine with near-100% compatibility, including features like SQL Agent, cross-database queries, and CLR, making it a relational SQL Server-compatible service. Azure Database for PostgreSQL (B) is not correct because it is a PostgreSQL-compatible relational service, not SQL Server-compatible. Azure Cosmos DB (C) is not correct because it is a multi-model NoSQL database, not a relational SQL Server-compatible engine. Azure Database for MySQL (E) is not correct because it is a MySQL-compatible relational service, not SQL Server-compatible.
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 Database
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed platform-as-a-service engine built on the SQL Server database engine, so it satisfies the SQL Server compatibility constraint. It hosts relational data without you managing the underlying operating system or patching, making it a direct fit for the scenario.
- ✗
Azure Database for PostgreSQL
Why it's wrong here
PostgreSQL implements its own dialect and protocol, so it does not provide SQL Server compatibility. It is tempting because it is a managed relational Azure database, and would be correct when the application is written for PostgreSQL rather than SQL Server.
- ✗
Azure Cosmos DB
Why it's wrong here
Cosmos DB is a multi-model NoSQL service offering SQL-compatible query syntax over document, graph and key-value APIs, not a relational engine with T-SQL, schemas or joins. It is tempting because its API is named SQL, but that describes query language only; Azure SQL Database and SQL Managed Instance host SQL Server-compatible relational databases.
- ✓
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Managed Instance runs the SQL Server database engine, so it is compatible with SQL Server and hosts relational databases. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a relational database compatible with SQL Server, unlike non-relational or non-SQL Server-compatible services.
- ✗
Azure Database for MySQL
Why it's wrong here
MySQL uses its own SQL dialect and wire protocol, so it cannot host a SQL Server-compatible relational database. It is tempting because it is a managed relational database on Azure, and would be correct when the workload requires MySQL compatibility rather than SQL Server.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Cosmos DB APIs: Core SQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Gremlin
Key term
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database-as-a-service (DBaaS) in Microsoft Azure, based on the SQL Server engine, that handles scaling, backups, patching, and high availability automatically.
Key term
Azure Cosmos DB
Azure Cosmos DB is a fully managed, globally distributed NoSQL database service that offers fast reads and writes anywhere in the world with automatic scaling and multiple consistency models.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
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