AZ-305 Question 212
Single answerA company has a large on-premises SQL Server 2012 database that must be migrated to Azure SQL Database. The migration window is very short, and the business requires minimal downtime. You also want to detect any potential compatibility issues before the migration. Which solution should you recommend?
- A
Use the Azure Database Migration Service in online mode after using the Data Migration Assistant for assessment
- B
Export the database to a BACPAC file and import it into Azure SQL Database
- C
Use SQL transactional replication directly to Azure SQL Database with no additional tools
- D
Manually back up the on-premises database and restore it into Azure SQL Database using T-SQL scripts
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
For migrations with minimal downtime requirements, Microsoft recommends using Azure Database Migration Service in an online mode combined with an upfront assessment via the Data Migration Assistant. This combination not only helps identify potential compatibility issues but also provides a near real-time replication pipeline, ensuring minimal business disruption. For further guidance, refer to the official documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/dms/
- A. Correct.
CORRECT. Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) supports online migrations to Azure SQL Database. Using the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) first to assess the database for compatibility or deprecated features ensures a smoother process. DMS then performs near real-time data replication, minimizing downtime.
- B. Incorrect.
INCORRECT. Exporting to a BACPAC file and importing is a valid approach for smaller databases or less stringent downtime requirements. However, it is not ideal for large databases when minimal downtime is critical, because this approach involves an offline export and import.
- C. Incorrect.
INCORRECT. While transactional replication can replicate data from on-premises SQL Server to Azure SQL Database, it is more complex to set up and manage. It also doesn’t inherently address all objects or compatibility checks as effectively as using DMS with DMA.
- D. Incorrect.
INCORRECT. Manual backup and restore to Azure SQL Database isn’t natively supported because you cannot restore a direct .bak file into Azure SQL Database. You would need to use a BACPAC file or another supported migration method, and this process typically results in more downtime.