AZ-305 Question 56
Single answerA manufacturing company has multiple on-premises SQL Server databases that share stored procedures and cross-database transactions. They want to migrate to Azure to reduce management overhead, keep near-zero downtime for mission-critical workloads, and preserve existing database interdependencies with minimal code changes. Which of the following Azure services is best suited for this scenario?
- A
Azure SQL Database (Single Database)
- B
Azure SQL Database Elastic Pool
- C
Azure SQL Managed Instance
- D
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Azure SQL Managed Instance is designed to offer near-full compatibility with on-premises SQL Server, including features like cross-database queries and the ability to migrate with minimal application refactoring. It also reduces operational overhead by providing automatic patching and backups. According to Microsoft’s documentation (https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/azure-sql/managed-instance/), it’s the recommended PaaS choice for scenarios that require a high degree of SQL Server compatibility, making it the best fit for this scenario.
- A. Incorrect.
Azure SQL Database (Single Database) offers fully managed services but does not natively support seamless cross-database transactions, which is a key requirement for this scenario. While it’s great for isolated applications, it doesn’t directly handle the interdependencies among multiple databases without significant refactoring.
- B. Incorrect.
Azure SQL Database Elastic Pools allow multiple databases to share resources cost-effectively, but the cross-database transaction support is limited and would still require application-level changes to accommodate the separate database contexts. It’s best for multiple independent workloads rather than those with deep interdependencies.
- C. Correct.
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed PaaS solution that closely matches the on-premises SQL Server environment, including support for cross-database queries, near-zero downtime migration using Azure Database Migration Service, and minimal code changes. This makes it ideal for applications with complex interdependencies between databases.
- D. Incorrect.
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines provides complete control over the SQL Server environment but requires more maintenance than a PaaS solution. The organization still has to handle patching, backups, and other administrative tasks, which goes against the goal of reducing management overhead.