Quick Answer
The answer is the Azure Monitor Agent (AMA). This is the correct data connector for on-premises servers because AMA is the modern, consolidated agent that collects security logs from both Windows and Linux machines and forwards them to a Log Analytics workspace, which Microsoft Sentinel then ingests. Unlike the legacy Microsoft Monitoring Agent (MMA), which is deprecated, AMA offers improved performance, central management via data collection rules, and native support for Syslog, making it the single recommended solution for hybrid environments. On the SC-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of Microsoft Sentinel’s data ingestion methods, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose between AMA and outdated options like MMA or cloud-only connectors such as Office 365. A common trap is selecting the Syslog connector alone, but remember that AMA itself handles Syslog for Linux servers. Memory tip: think “AMA = All Machines, Always” — it works for both Windows and Linux, on-premises or in Azure.
This SC-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe the capabilities of microsoft security solutions. 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 company wants to use Microsoft Sentinel to collect security logs from on-premises servers and send them to Azure. Which data connector should they use?
Azure Monitor Agent (AMA)
AMA is the current recommended agent for collecting logs from servers.
Syslog connector
Why wrong: Syslog is for Linux but AMA can collect syslog as well; more comprehensive.
Microsoft Monitoring Agent (MMA)
Why wrong: MMA is being deprecated in favor of AMA.
Office 365 connector
Why wrong: This is for Microsoft 365 logs, not on-premises servers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Azure Monitor Agent (AMA)
Azure Monitor Agent (AMA) is the recommended agent for collecting logs from Windows and Linux machines and sending to Log Analytics workspaces for Sentinel. Option A is wrong because MMA is legacy. Option C is wrong because the Syslog connector is for Linux but AMA also supports Syslog. Option D is wrong because the Office 365 connector is for cloud services.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Azure Monitor Agent (AMA)
Why this is correct
AMA is the current recommended agent for collecting logs from servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Syslog connector
Why it's wrong here
Syslog is for Linux but AMA can collect syslog as well; more comprehensive.
Microsoft Monitoring Agent (MMA)
Why it's wrong here
MMA is being deprecated in favor of AMA.
Office 365 connector
Why it's wrong here
This is for Microsoft 365 logs, not on-premises servers.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which SC-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.
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FAQ
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — This question tests Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Azure Monitor Agent (AMA) — Azure Monitor Agent (AMA) is the recommended agent for collecting logs from Windows and Linux machines and sending to Log Analytics workspaces for Sentinel. Option A is wrong because MMA is legacy. Option C is wrong because the Syslog connector is for Linux but AMA also supports Syslog. Option D is wrong because the Office 365 connector is for cloud services.
Identify which SC-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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
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. Your organization uses Microsoft Sentinel as a SIEM. You need to collect security events from on-premises servers. Which connector should you use?
mediumWhy A: Option B is correct because the Azure Monitor Agent (AMA) is the recommended agent to collect events from Windows and Linux servers to Log Analytics workspaces, which feed into Sentinel. Option A is incorrect because Log Analytics is the workspace, not a connector. Option C is incorrect because Office 365 connector is for cloud services. Option D is incorrect because Azure Security Center is now Defender for Cloud, which integrates but is not a connector.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This SC-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 SC-900 exam.
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