MS-900 Describe cloud concepts Practice Question
Your organization is planning to migrate on-premises workloads to Microsoft 365. Which cloud deployment model describes using both on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft 365 services?
⚠ Common exam trap
MS-900 often tests the definition of hybrid cloud, and candidates may confuse it with multi-cloud or private cloud, but the key is the combination of on-premises and public cloud services.
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
✓
Hybrid cloud
Hybrid cloud is the deployment model that combines on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services like Microsoft 365. This model allows organizations to keep some resources on-premises while leveraging cloud services for others, providing flexibility and integration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Private cloud
Why it's wrong here
A private cloud is provisioned for exclusive use by a single organisation, typically on-premises or dedicated; it excludes the Microsoft 365 public services the scenario also uses. It is tempting because the organisation keeps on-premises infrastructure, and private cloud would be correct if every workload remained dedicated to that one organisation.
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Community cloud
Why it's wrong here
A community cloud is shared infrastructure provisioned for several organisations with common concerns; it does not describe combining on-premises systems with Microsoft 365. It is tempting because the word 'community' suggests shared tenancy, and it would be the correct model when a group of related organisations jointly owns and governs the same cloud environment.
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Public cloud
Why it's wrong here
A public cloud is provisioned for open use over the internet and is owned by the provider; Microsoft 365 alone is public, but the scenario also retains on-premises infrastructure. It is tempting because Microsoft 365 services are delivered publicly, and public cloud would be the correct model if all workloads were hosted by the provider with no on-premises component.
- ✓
Hybrid cloud
Why this is correct
Hybrid cloud combines on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services such as Microsoft 365, letting workloads span both environments. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement to keep on-premises systems while consuming Microsoft 365, unlike purely public or private models.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
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