DP-900 Practice Question: Identify considerations for relational data on Azure
You need to migrate an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure. The database uses many stored procedures and CLR assemblies. Which Azure service is most compatible without requiring major application changes?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse Azure SQL Database with Azure SQL Managed Instance, assuming both are equally compatible, but Azure SQL Database deliberately omits features like CLR and SQL Server Agent to enforce multi-tenant isolation, while Managed Instance is designed for full compatibility with on-premises SQL Server workloads.
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
Azure SQL Managed Instance (D) is the most compatible choice because it provides near 100% compatibility with the on-premises SQL Server engine, including full support for CLR assemblies and stored procedures. Unlike Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance does not require rewriting or refactoring code that relies on SQL Server Agent, cross-database queries, or CLR integration, making it ideal for lift-and-shift migrations without major application changes.
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 Database for MySQL
Why it's wrong here
Azure Database for MySQL is a fully managed PaaS offering, but it runs the MySQL engine, not Microsoft SQL Server. The on-premises SQL Server database uses T-SQL, SQL Server-specific stored procedures, and possibly CLR objects that MySQL does not support. Migrating would require rewriting application code and database objects to match MySQL's dialect, making it unsuitable for a direct migration.
- ✗
Azure Virtual Machines with SQL Server
Why it's wrong here
Azure Virtual Machines with SQL Server is an IaaS solution that gives you full control over the OS and SQL Server instance. While it does support CLR assemblies, you are responsible for applying patches, managing backups, configuring high availability, and maintaining the entire stack. This management overhead makes it a less ideal choice compared to a fully managed Azure service when seeking to migrate an existing SQL Server database.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database is a PaaS single database that supports many SQL Server features, but it has notable limitations for compatibility. Specifically, it does not support common language runtime (CLR) assemblies, and it also restricts instance-level features like SQL Server Agent and cross-database queries. Since the migration needs to preserve the existing stored procedures and possibly CLR code, this option is not viable.
- ✓
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed PaaS service that provides near-total compatibility with on-premises SQL Server. It supports CLR assemblies, stored procedures, SQL Server Agent, linked servers, and other instance-level features, making it the ideal target for a seamless migration. Because Microsoft handles patching, backups, and high availability, it combines the benefits of a managed service with the compatibility requirements of the existing database.
Go deeper
Related to this question
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Azure SQL Services
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
Key term
SQL Managed Instance
SQL Managed Instance is a cloud database service from Azure that gives you most of the features of a full SQL Server instance without you having to manage the underlying hardware or software patches.
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