Hotspot Question You have an on-premises app named App1 that stores data in a Microsoft SQL Server database named DB1. App1 uses cross-database transactions. You plan to move App1 to Azure. You need t

This question tests knowledge of Azure SQL services for migrating an on-premises SQL Server database that uses cross-database transactions, with requirements for Microsoft Entra authentication, minimal patching overhead, and minimal migration effort.

Submitted by kev92· Mar 6, 2026Design data storage solutions

Question

Hotspot Question You have an on-premises app named App1 that stores data in a Microsoft SQL Server database named DB1. App1 uses cross-database transactions. You plan to move App1 to Azure. You need to recommend which services to use to host DB1 in Azure and migrate DB1 to Azure. The solution must meet the following requirements: - Ensure that once App1 moves to Azure, DB1 users can authenticate by using their Microsoft Entra credentials. - Minimize administrative effort to patch and update the database host once App1 moves to Azure. - Minimize administrative effort during the migration of DB1 to Azure. - Minimize costs. What should you recommend? To answer, select the appropriate options in the answer area. NOTE: Each correct selection is worth one point. Answer:

Exhibits

Answer Area

To host DB1:
Azure Database for PostgreSQLAzure SQL DatabaseAzure SQL Managed InstanceSQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
To migrate DB1:
Azure Database Migration ServiceAzure MigrateSQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA)

Explanation

Approach. The correct hosting service is Azure SQL Managed Instance (SQL MI). SQL MI supports cross-database transactions (unlike Azure SQL Database), supports Microsoft Entra (Azure AD) authentication, and is a fully managed PaaS service that minimizes patching and update overhead. For migration, the Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) is the correct tool - it minimizes administrative effort by automating the migration of on-premises SQL Server databases to Azure SQL Managed Instance with minimal downtime. SQL MI is more cost-effective than running SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS) because it eliminates OS and SQL Server patch management, and DMS reduces manual migration steps compared to backup/restore or manual data transfer methods.

Concept tested. Selecting the right Azure SQL hosting option (Azure SQL Database vs. SQL Managed Instance vs. SQL on Azure VMs) based on feature requirements such as cross-database transactions, Microsoft Entra authentication, PaaS management benefits, and the correct migration tool (Azure Database Migration Service) for minimizing migration administrative effort.

Reference. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/managed-instance/sql-managed-instance-paas-overview and https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/dms/dms-overview

Topics

#SQL Server migration#Azure SQL Managed Instance#Azure Database Migration Service#Microsoft Entra authentication

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