Question

Difficulty: HardRelational Data Storage Solutions

An insurance company plans to migrate an on-premises claims processing database system to Azure. The system has the following requirements:
- Runs scheduled ETL processing and database maintenance using SQL Server Agent jobs.
- Requires cross-database queries across two databases using three-part names.
- Must restrict database network traffic to a specific Azure Virtual Network (VNet) without exposing public endpoints.
- Must minimize administrative overhead for operating system patching and VM management.

Which Azure SQL deployment option should you recommend?

  1. Azure SQL Managed InstanceAnswer
  2. B
    Azure SQL Database (Single Database)
  3. C
    SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
  4. D
    Azure SQL Database Elastic Pool

Answer

Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance is the correct choice because it supports legacy SQL Server features such as SQL Server Agent jobs and cross-database queries using three-part names, while running as a fully managed Platform as a Service (PaaS) that handles operating system patching and backups automatically. It also deploys directly into an Azure Virtual Network for secure, private connectivity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the application's compatibility requirements.
The requirements specify SQL Server Agent jobs and cross-database queries using three-part names.
These features are typical of legacy SQL Server environments and are not natively supported in Azure SQL Database (Single Database or Elastic Pools) without workarounds.
2
Analyze the network isolation requirement.
The database traffic must be restricted to an Azure Virtual Network without exposing public endpoints.
Azure SQL Managed Instance deploys directly into an Azure Virtual Network subnet by default, providing native network isolation.
3
Analyze the management overhead requirement.
Operating system patching and VM management must be minimized.
SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines requires full OS and SQL Server management (IaaS), whereas Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed Platform as a Service (PaaS) that automates these tasks.
4
Select the service that meets all criteria.
Azure SQL Managed Instance satisfies SQL Server Agent, cross-database queries, VNet integration, and low administrative overhead.
It is the only option that fulfills both the compatibility and PaaS requirements.

Key Concept

Azure SQL deployment option selection based on SQL Server feature compatibility, network isolation, and management overhead.
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