AZ-305 Question 214
Single answerA company runs a mission-critical on-premises SQL Server database with features such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Row-Level Security. They want to migrate this database to Azure with minimal downtime and as few changes to their existing application as possible. Which solution should you recommend to achieve these objectives?
- A
Use Azure Database Migration Service with an online migration to Azure SQL Managed Instance
- B
Use Azure Migrate to replicate the SQL Server virtual machine to an Azure VM running SQL Server
- C
Perform a manual backup to Azure Blob Storage and then restore the database to Azure SQL Database
- D
Set up Azure Site Recovery to replicate the on-premises SQL Server to an Azure VM
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
When migrating a SQL Server database with advanced features such as TDE and Row-Level Security, Azure SQL Managed Instance is often the best destination to maintain near compatibility with on-premises SQL Server. Azure Database Migration Service provides a managed, streamlined method to migrate with minimal downtime, including online migrations. Microsoft documentation (https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/dms/) outlines how DMS automates data movement and can handle common database features, making it the most appropriate choice for this scenario.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) supports online migrations of SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance, allowing minimal downtime and preserving database features like TDE and Row-Level Security with minimal application changes. DMS orchestrates and automates many tasks that would otherwise require extensive manual steps, making it an ideal choice for mission-critical database migrations.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Azure Migrate primarily helps assess and migrate on-premises servers and VMs, but it is not designed to manage database-specific features and configurations during migrations. While it can help move entire VMs, it does not provide the specialized capabilities for database migration offered by Azure Database Migration Service.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Manually backing up and restoring the database to Azure SQL Database may not support features like TDE and Row-Level Security in exactly the same way as SQL Managed Instance, and it may involve more manual interventions. Also, this approach generally requires a significant downtime window during the switch-over.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Azure Site Recovery is primarily used for disaster recovery scenarios or VM replication, not specialized database migrations that require preserving advanced database features and configurations. While it might replicate a whole VM, it doesn't provide the same level of control or capabilities for handling database migrations as Azure Database Migration Service.