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Question 21
Which Azure SQL Database service tier provides the highest level of transaction throughput and lowest latency?
A) Basic tier
B) Standard tier
C) Premium tier
D) General Purpose tier
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Premium tier provides the highest level of transaction throughput and lowest latency among Azure SQL Database service tiers, designed for mission-critical applications requiring predictable performance, high IOPS, and minimal latency. Premium tier uses local SSD storage with higher IOPS allocation and provides superior performance compared to other tiers that use remote storage.
Premium tier delivers single-digit millisecond latency for read and write operations, supports up to 4000 IOPS per database in smaller sizes scaling to over 200,000 IOPS in larger configurations, and provides dedicated compute and memory resources. This tier is ideal for transactional workloads, real-time analytics, and applications where performance consistency is critical for business operations.
Option A is incorrect because Basic tier is designed for light workloads with minimal throughput requirements, limited to 5 DTUs, supporting small databases with infrequent access patterns and no performance SLA guarantees.
Option B is incorrect because Standard tier provides moderate performance suitable for general business applications but uses remote storage with higher latency compared to Premium tier’s local SSD storage and lower IOPS capabilities.
Option D is incorrect because General Purpose tier, part of the vCore model, uses remote premium storage with higher latency than Premium tier’s local SSD storage, though it offers balanced compute and memory for typical workloads.
Premium tier’s local SSD storage architecture fundamentally provides better performance characteristics than remote storage-based tiers.
Question 22
What is the primary purpose of implementing Azure SQL Database Elastic Pools?
A) To provide backup services
B) To share resources among multiple databases with varying usage patterns
C) To manage user authentication
D) To configure firewall rules
Answer: B
Explanation:
Azure SQL Database Elastic Pools enable multiple databases to share a common set of resources including compute, memory, and storage, optimizing costs for scenarios where databases have varying and unpredictable usage patterns. Elastic pools allow resource allocation to be distributed dynamically among member databases based on actual demand, ensuring efficient utilization while maintaining performance.
Elastic pools are cost-effective for managing multiple databases that experience usage spikes at different times, as resources unused by idle databases become available for active databases. Organizations pay for the pool’s total allocated resources rather than provisioning each database separately, significantly reducing costs for multi-tenant applications or database collections with complementary usage patterns.
Option A is incorrect because backup services are automatically provided for all Azure SQL databases regardless of elastic pool membership, with configurable retention policies and geo-replication options managed separately from resource pooling.
Option C is incorrect because user authentication is managed through Azure Active Directory integration, SQL authentication, or contained database users, which are security features independent of resource sharing and elastic pool configurations.
Option D is incorrect because firewall rules control network access to SQL servers and databases at the server and database levels, which is a separate security configuration from resource pooling and cost optimization through elastic pools.
Elastic pools are particularly beneficial for SaaS applications with multiple tenant databases exhibiting unpredictable resource consumption patterns.
Question 23
Which Azure SQL feature provides automatic index and query tuning recommendations?
A) Manual index management only
B) Automatic tuning with AI-powered recommendations
C) Static performance monitoring
D) Basic query optimization
Answer: B
Explanation:
Automatic tuning uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to continuously analyze query performance, identify optimization opportunities, and provide recommendations or automatically implement index creation, index drops, and query plan corrections. This feature monitors database workload patterns, detects performance regressions, and applies proven optimization techniques without manual intervention.
Automatic tuning can operate in different modes including recommendations-only where administrators review suggestions before implementation, or fully automatic where proven optimizations are applied immediately. The feature tracks performance impact of applied changes and automatically reverts modifications that degrade performance, ensuring safe optimization without risk of negative impacts.
Option A is incorrect because manual index management requires database administrators to identify missing indexes, remove unused indexes, and optimize query plans through manual analysis, which is time-consuming and cannot respond dynamically to workload changes.
Option C is incorrect because static performance monitoring provides visibility into metrics and query execution but does not analyze patterns, generate optimization recommendations, or automatically improve database performance through index and query tuning.
Option D is incorrect because basic query optimization through query writing best practices is important but does not provide the continuous automated analysis, machine learning-based recommendations, and automatic implementation offered by automatic tuning.
Automatic tuning significantly reduces database administration overhead while improving application performance through continuous optimization.
Question 24
What is the primary benefit of implementing Azure SQL Database geo-replication?
A) To reduce storage costs
B) To provide disaster recovery and read scale-out with readable secondary replicas
C) To improve local query performance only
D) To manage user permissions
Answer: B
Explanation:
Geo-replication creates continuously synchronized readable secondary database replicas in different Azure regions, providing disaster recovery capabilities and enabling read scale-out by offloading read-only queries to secondary replicas. This feature protects against regional outages while improving application performance through geographic distribution of read workloads.
Geo-replication supports up to four readable secondaries in different regions with asynchronous replication maintaining near real-time data synchronization. Organizations can fail over to secondary replicas during regional disasters, route read-only queries to secondaries reducing primary database load, and position replicas near users for reduced latency. Replication occurs at the transaction level ensuring consistency.
Option A is incorrect because geo-replication increases storage costs by maintaining multiple database copies across regions rather than reducing costs, though the disaster recovery and performance benefits typically justify the additional expense.
Option C is incorrect because while geo-replication can improve query performance through read scale-out, its primary benefit encompasses disaster recovery capabilities and regional resilience in addition to performance improvements through geographic distribution.
Option D is incorrect because managing user permissions involves configuring authentication, role-based access control, and database-level security, which are separate security features from geo-replication that focuses on data availability and disaster recovery.
Geo-replication is essential for meeting aggressive recovery time objectives and providing high availability for business-critical applications.
Question 25
Which Azure SQL feature enables point-in-time restore of databases?
A) Manual backup scripts only
B) Automated backups with continuous backup retention
C) Data replication only
D) Custom backup solutions only
Answer: B
Explanation:
Automated backups in Azure SQL Database provide continuous protection with full backups weekly, differential backups every 12-24 hours, and transaction log backups every 5-10 minutes, enabling point-in-time restore to any moment within the retention period. This comprehensive backup strategy ensures minimal data loss potential while simplifying recovery operations without requiring manual backup management.
Point-in-time restore allows administrators to recover databases to specific timestamps, which is valuable for recovering from data corruption, accidental deletions, or application errors. Backup retention periods range from 7 to 35 days for standard databases with options for long-term retention up to 10 years. All backups are automatically encrypted and geo-redundantly stored for additional protection.
Option A is incorrect because Azure SQL Database provides built-in automated backups eliminating the need for manual backup scripts, though custom solutions can supplement automated backups for specific requirements.
Option C is incorrect because while data replication provides high availability and disaster recovery through secondary copies, it does not enable point-in-time restore to historical states since replicas contain current data synchronized from the primary.
Option D is incorrect because Azure SQL includes automated backup capabilities as a standard feature, making custom backup solutions unnecessary for typical point-in-time restore requirements, though they may complement automated backups for specific scenarios.
Automated backups with point-in-time restore significantly simplify database protection and reduce recovery time objectives.
Question 26
What is the primary purpose of Azure SQL Database Query Performance Insight?
A) To manage user authentication
B) To visualize and analyze query execution patterns and resource consumption
C) To configure network settings
D) To manage backup schedules
Answer: B
Explanation:
Query Performance Insight provides visual analysis of query execution patterns, resource consumption, and performance trends, helping administrators identify problematic queries, understand workload characteristics, and optimize database performance. This built-in tool displays top resource-consuming queries by CPU, duration, or execution count with historical performance data.
The feature presents interactive visualizations showing query performance over time, drill-down capabilities to examine specific query execution details, and identifies queries that degrade performance or consume excessive resources. Administrators can analyze query wait statistics, execution plans, and resource usage patterns to prioritize optimization efforts and track performance improvements.
Option A is incorrect because managing user authentication involves configuring Azure Active Directory integration, SQL authentication methods, and access control, which are security features separate from query performance analysis and monitoring.
Option C is incorrect because configuring network settings involves firewall rules, virtual network integration, and connectivity configurations, which are networking features unrelated to query performance visualization and resource consumption analysis.
Option D is incorrect because managing backup schedules is accomplished through backup retention policies and long-term retention configurations, which are data protection features separate from query performance monitoring and optimization tools.
Query Performance Insight democratizes performance troubleshooting by providing intuitive visualizations accessible to administrators without deep query optimization expertise.
Question 27
Which Azure SQL deployment option provides full SQL Server instance control including cross-database queries?
A) Azure SQL Database Single Database
B) Azure SQL Database Elastic Pool
C) Azure SQL Managed Instance
D) Azure SQL Database Serverless
Answer: C
Explanation:
Azure SQL Managed Instance provides near 100% compatibility with on-premises SQL Server Enterprise Edition, offering full instance-level control including cross-database queries, SQL Agent jobs, linked servers, CLR integration, and other enterprise features not available in single databases. Managed Instance bridges the gap between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.
This deployment option maintains SQL Server compatibility while providing managed service benefits including automated patching, backups, high availability, and scalability. Managed Instance supports database migrations with minimal code changes, enables cross-database transactions, and provides native virtual network integration for enhanced security. It is ideal for lift-and-shift migrations requiring extensive SQL Server features.
Option A is incorrect because Azure SQL Database Single Database focuses on individual database deployment optimized for modern cloud applications but lacks instance-level features like cross-database queries, SQL Agent, and linked servers available in Managed Instance.
Option B is incorrect because Elastic Pools share resources among multiple single databases but do not provide instance-level features, cross-database queries, or full SQL Server compatibility offered by Managed Instance.
Option D is incorrect because Serverless is a compute tier for single databases that automatically scales based on workload with pay-per-use billing but does not provide instance-level features or enhanced SQL Server compatibility.
Managed Instance is the preferred option for migrating on-premises SQL Server applications requiring enterprise features with minimal changes.
Question 28
What is the primary benefit of implementing Always Encrypted in Azure SQL Database?
A) To improve query performance
B) To protect sensitive data by encrypting it at the client side with keys never exposed to the database
C) To manage backup retention
D) To configure elastic pools
Answer: B
Explanation:
Always Encrypted protects sensitive data by performing encryption and decryption at the client application layer, ensuring encryption keys never appear in plaintext within the database system, protecting data from database administrators, cloud operators, and unauthorized users. This client-side encryption maintains protection even if the database system is compromised.
Applications use Always Encrypted enabled drivers that transparently encrypt sensitive columns before sending data to the database and decrypt results when retrieving data. Column encryption keys are encrypted by column master keys stored in trusted key stores like Azure Key Vault, with the database storing only encrypted data and metadata. This ensures sensitive information remains protected throughout its lifecycle.
Option A is incorrect because Always Encrypted can actually reduce query performance since encrypted columns have limitations on operations like sorting, filtering, and indexing, though the security benefits typically outweigh performance considerations for sensitive data.
Option C is incorrect because backup retention is configured through retention policies and long-term retention settings for data protection, which is separate from client-side column-level encryption provided by Always Encrypted.
Option D is incorrect because configuring elastic pools involves resource sharing among multiple databases for cost optimization, which is unrelated to client-side encryption of sensitive columns within databases.
Always Encrypted is essential for meeting compliance requirements protecting sensitive data like personal information, financial records, and health data.
Question 29
Which Azure SQL monitoring solution provides intelligent insights and anomaly detection?
A) Basic metrics only
B) Azure SQL Analytics and Intelligent Insights
C) Manual log review only
D) Static dashboards only
Answer: B
Explanation:
Azure SQL Analytics and Intelligent Insights use built-in intelligence and machine learning to automatically detect performance anomalies, identify root causes, and provide actionable recommendations for Azure SQL databases. These tools analyze telemetry data, detect deviations from normal behavior patterns, and alert administrators to potential issues before they impact applications.
Intelligent Insights generates diagnostics logs identifying problems like query performance degradation, excessive wait times, resource bottlenecks, and configuration issues with detailed analysis of contributing factors. Azure SQL Analytics provides centralized monitoring across multiple databases, subscriptions, and elastic pools with customizable dashboards, alerting capabilities, and historical trend analysis for capacity planning.
Option A is incorrect because basic metrics provide fundamental monitoring data like CPU utilization and storage consumption but lack the intelligence, anomaly detection, and root cause analysis provided by Intelligent Insights.
Option C is incorrect because manual log review is time-consuming, reactive, and cannot efficiently process large volumes of telemetry data to identify subtle performance patterns and anomalies detected by automated intelligent monitoring.
Option D is incorrect because static dashboards display predetermined metrics and visualizations but do not provide intelligent analysis, anomaly detection, or proactive identification of performance issues and their root causes.
Intelligent monitoring significantly reduces time to detect and resolve database performance issues through automated analysis and proactive alerting.
Question 30
What is the primary purpose of implementing Resource Governor in Azure SQL Managed Instance?
A) To manage backup schedules
B) To control resource allocation and workload prioritization across different workload groups
C) To configure network security
D) To manage user authentication
Answer: B
Explanation:
Resource Governor enables administrators to control CPU, memory, and IO resource allocation by defining workload groups with different priority levels and resource limits, ensuring critical workloads receive necessary resources while preventing resource-intensive queries from impacting other operations. This feature provides workload isolation and performance predictability in multi-tenant or mixed workload environments.
Resource Governor classifies incoming sessions into workload groups based on criteria like application name, user login, or database name, then applies configured resource limits and priorities. Administrators can guarantee minimum resource allocations for critical workloads, cap maximum resources for less important processes, and dynamically adjust configurations without database restart. This prevents resource contention and ensures service level agreement compliance.
Option A is incorrect because managing backup schedules involves configuring retention policies and backup frequency, which are data protection features separate from workload resource management and prioritization provided by Resource Governor.
Option C is incorrect because configuring network security involves firewall rules, virtual network integration, and private endpoints for connectivity protection, which are security features unrelated to resource allocation and workload prioritization.
Option D is incorrect because managing user authentication involves Azure Active Directory integration, SQL authentication, and access control mechanisms, which are identity and security features separate from resource management and workload prioritization.
Resource Governor is essential for maintaining performance SLAs in environments with competing workloads requiring different priority levels.
Question 31
Which Azure SQL feature enables automatic pause and resume based on database activity?
A) Standard compute tier
B) Serverless compute tier
C) Premium tier
D) Basic tier
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Serverless compute tier automatically pauses databases during periods of inactivity and automatically resumes when activity returns, charging only for storage during pause periods. This feature optimizes costs for databases with intermittent, unpredictable usage patterns where continuous availability is not required.
Serverless provides automatic scaling within configured minimum and maximum vCore ranges based on workload demand, with per-second billing for compute resources actually consumed. The auto-pause delay is configurable, allowing administrators to define how long inactivity must persist before pausing. This tier is ideal for development databases, proof-of-concept environments, and applications with sporadic usage patterns.
Option A is incorrect because Standard compute tier provides fixed resource allocation without automatic pause/resume capabilities, requiring continuous payment for provisioned resources regardless of actual database activity levels.
Option C is incorrect because Premium tier focuses on high performance with local SSD storage and predictable throughput but does not offer automatic pause/resume functionality, requiring continuous resource provisioning.
Option D is incorrect because Basic tier provides minimal fixed resources for light workloads but lacks automatic pause/resume capabilities or dynamic scaling based on activity patterns offered by Serverless.
Serverless compute tier can reduce costs by up to 90% for databases with significant idle time compared to provisioned compute tiers.
Question 32
What is the primary benefit of implementing Azure SQL Database ledger tables?
A) To improve query performance
B) To provide tamper-evident storage with cryptographic verification of data integrity
C) To reduce storage costs
D) To manage user permissions
Answer: B
Explanation:
Ledger tables provide tamper-evident storage using blockchain-inspired technology that cryptographically tracks all data modifications, creating an immutable audit trail that cannot be altered even by privileged users including database administrators. This feature enables organizations to prove data integrity to auditors, regulators, and business partners through cryptographic verification.
Ledger functionality maintains historical records of all transactions with cryptographic hashing that chains modifications together, making any tampering attempt detectable through verification processes. Database digests can be stored externally in immutable storage like Azure Blob Storage or Azure Confidential Ledger, providing independent proof of data integrity. This is essential for financial systems, regulatory compliance, and scenarios requiring non-repudiation.
Option A is incorrect because ledger tables add overhead for maintaining cryptographic hashes and historical records, potentially reducing performance compared to standard tables, though the security and compliance benefits outweigh performance considerations for data requiring integrity guarantees.
Option C is incorrect because ledger functionality increases storage requirements due to maintaining historical records and cryptographic metadata, rather than reducing costs, though this is justified for compliance scenarios requiring tamper-evident storage.
Option D is incorrect because managing user permissions involves role-based access control and security policies, which are separate from the cryptographic data integrity verification and tamper-evident storage provided by ledger tables.
Ledger tables address compliance requirements for industries requiring auditable proof that data has not been tampered with.
Question 33
Which Azure SQL tool is used for centralized management of multiple Azure SQL resources?
A) SQL Server Management Studio only
B) Azure portal only
C) Azure SQL Database Management through Azure portal, PowerShell, CLI, and APIs
D) Manual configuration only
Answer: C
Explanation:
Azure SQL Database Management utilizes multiple tools including Azure portal for graphical management, Azure PowerShell and Azure CLI for scripting and automation, and REST APIs for programmatic control, enabling centralized management of multiple databases, elastic pools, and managed instances across subscriptions. This multi-tool approach supports various management workflows and organizational preferences.
Azure portal provides intuitive visual management with dashboards, configuration options, and monitoring capabilities. PowerShell and CLI enable infrastructure-as-code practices, automated deployments, and scripted maintenance operations. REST APIs facilitate integration with custom applications and management platforms. Tools like Azure Resource Manager templates enable consistent deployment of complex database configurations.
Option A is incorrect because while SQL Server Management Studio provides powerful database administration capabilities, it focuses on individual database operations rather than centralized management of multiple Azure SQL resources across subscriptions like Azure portal and management APIs.
Option B is incorrect because limiting management to Azure portal alone restricts automation capabilities, scripting, infrastructure-as-code practices, and programmatic control provided by PowerShell, CLI, and APIs for enterprise-scale management.
Option D is incorrect because manual configuration is inefficient, error-prone, and unsuitable for managing multiple databases at scale, whereas automated tools enable consistent, repeatable deployments and management operations.
Effective Azure SQL management combines portal for ad-hoc operations with scripting tools for automation and consistent deployments.
Question 34
What is the primary purpose of Azure SQL Database Hyperscale service tier?
A) To provide minimum cost for small databases
B) To support databases up to 100TB with rapid scaling and high throughput
C) To manage user authentication
D) To provide basic backup services
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Hyperscale service tier is designed for very large databases supporting up to 100TB with architecture optimized for rapid scaling in storage and compute dimensions independently. Hyperscale uses distributed storage architecture with multiple page servers enabling fast backup and restore operations regardless of database size.
Hyperscale provides near-instantaneous backups through storage snapshots, rapid database restore from snapshots rather than traditional restore operations, and ability to add compute replicas quickly for read scale-out. The architecture separates compute from storage enabling scaling operations that complete in minutes rather than hours, making it suitable for large databases with dynamic workload requirements.
Option A is incorrect because Hyperscale is premium-priced tier designed for large database scenarios, not cost minimization. Basic or Serverless tiers are more appropriate for small databases where cost optimization is the primary concern.
Option C is incorrect because managing user authentication involves Azure Active Directory integration, SQL authentication configuration, and access control mechanisms, which are security features available across all service tiers separate from storage architecture.
Option D is incorrect because while Hyperscale provides advanced backup capabilities through snapshots, its primary purpose is supporting very large databases with scalable architecture rather than simply providing basic backup functionality available in all tiers.
Hyperscale removes traditional database size limitations enabling cloud-scale data platforms with flexible performance characteristics.
Question 35
Which feature provides real-time query execution monitoring in Azure SQL Database?
A) Historical reports only
B) Query Store and live query statistics
C) Static performance counters
D) Manual query analysis only
Answer: B
Explanation:
Query Store captures and retains query execution history, plans, and runtime statistics automatically, providing detailed performance insights over time. Combined with live query statistics, administrators can monitor real-time query execution including operator-level progress, row counts, and resource consumption during query execution.
Query Store maintains historical data enabling performance trend analysis, identification of query plan regressions, and forcing specific execution plans when optimal plans exist. Live query statistics show real-time execution progress for running queries, helping identify bottlenecks at specific operators within execution plans. These features together provide comprehensive query performance visibility for optimization efforts.
Option A is incorrect because historical reports alone lack real-time visibility into currently executing queries and immediate performance issues requiring instant attention, though historical analysis remains important for trend identification.
Option C is incorrect because static performance counters provide system-level metrics like CPU and memory utilization but do not offer the query-level detail, execution plan analysis, and real-time operator statistics provided by Query Store.
Option D is incorrect because manual query analysis is time-consuming, lacks automated data collection, cannot capture historical performance patterns, and misses real-time execution visibility provided by Query Store and live statistics.
Query Store is enabled by default in Azure SQL Database providing immediate value without configuration requirements.
Question 36
What is the primary benefit of implementing Azure SQL Database temporal tables?
A) To improve query performance only
B) To automatically maintain full history of data changes for auditing and point-in-time analysis
C) To reduce storage costs
D) To manage network security
Answer: B
Explanation:
Temporal tables automatically maintain complete history of data changes by storing all modifications in a system-versioned history table, enabling querying data as it existed at any point in time without requiring custom audit triggers or application logic. This built-in functionality simplifies compliance, auditing, and trend analysis requirements.
Temporal tables track the period when each row version was valid using system-managed datetime columns, allowing queries to retrieve data state at specific historical points or analyze changes over time ranges. Use cases include regulatory compliance requiring audit trails, troubleshooting data issues by examining historical states, analyzing trends, and slowly changing dimension implementation in data warehouses.
Option A is incorrect because temporal tables add overhead for maintaining history data and may reduce performance for insert, update, and delete operations compared to standard tables, though historical query capabilities provide significant business value.
Option C is incorrect because temporal tables increase storage requirements by maintaining complete history of all data modifications rather than reducing costs, though compression and retention policies can manage historical data growth.
Option D is incorrect because managing network security involves firewall rules, virtual network integration, and private endpoints for connectivity protection, which are security features unrelated to automatic data change history maintenance.
Temporal tables eliminate need for custom audit triggers and provide standardized approach to data history tracking.
Question 37
Which Azure SQL feature enables cross-database queries in single databases?
A) Native cross-database queries
B) Elastic database queries with external tables
C) Linked servers
D) Direct table access across databases
Answer: B
Explanation:
Elastic database queries enable cross-database queries in Azure SQL Database single databases by creating external data sources and external tables that reference tables in other databases, allowing T-SQL queries to join data across multiple databases. This feature bridges the limitation that single databases cannot directly query other databases using standard syntax.
Elastic queries support horizontal partitioning scenarios where data is distributed across multiple databases and vertical partitioning where different tables reside in separate databases. External tables provide abstraction layer making remote tables appear local, with queries transparently executing against remote databases. This enables reporting, data integration, and analytics across multiple single databases.
Option A is incorrect because Azure SQL Database single databases do not support native cross-database queries using three-part naming conventions available in SQL Server or Managed Instance, requiring elastic queries or other integration approaches.
Option C is incorrect because linked servers are not supported in Azure SQL Database single databases, though they are available in Managed Instance which provides greater SQL Server compatibility for enterprise features.
Option D is incorrect because direct table access across databases using standard three-part naming is not available in single databases, requiring elastic queries, external tables, or alternative integration methods for cross-database scenarios.
Elastic queries provide essential integration capabilities for multi-database architectures in Azure SQL Database single database deployments.
Question 38
What is the primary purpose of implementing Azure SQL Database data masking?
A) To improve query performance
B) To hide sensitive data from unauthorized users by obscuring it in query results
C) To manage backup retention
D) To configure elastic pools
Answer: B
Explanation:
Dynamic data masking hides sensitive data in query results for unauthorized users by applying masking rules to specific columns, showing masked values instead of actual data without modifying the underlying stored data. This feature provides application-transparent protection against unauthorized exposure of sensitive information to non-privileged users.
Data masking rules can apply various masking functions including default masking showing X’s for strings, email masking showing first letter and domain, random number masking, or custom masking functions. Privileged users with appropriate permissions see actual data while others see masked results. This protects sensitive information during development, testing, reporting, and support scenarios.
Option A is incorrect because data masking adds processing overhead to apply masking functions to query results and does not improve performance, though the security benefits of protecting sensitive data typically outweigh minimal performance impact.
Option C is incorrect because backup retention is configured through retention policies and long-term retention settings for data protection, which is separate from query result masking for unauthorized users accessing the database.
Option D is incorrect because configuring elastic pools involves resource sharing among databases for cost optimization, which is unrelated to masking sensitive data in query results to protect against unauthorized exposure.
Dynamic data masking complements encryption and access controls providing defense-in-depth protection for sensitive data.
Question 39
Which Azure SQL deployment model provides the most cost-effective option for intermittent workloads?
A) Provisioned compute with continuous availability
B) Serverless compute with auto-pause
C) Always-on Premium tier
D) Dedicated hardware
Answer: B
Explanation:
Serverless compute with auto-pause capability provides the most cost-effective option for intermittent workloads by automatically pausing databases during inactivity and charging only for storage during pause periods, while automatically scaling compute resources during active periods. This billing model aligns costs directly with actual usage patterns.
During pause periods, organizations pay only for storage at significantly reduced rates compared to continuous compute costs. When activity resumes, databases automatically start within seconds. Serverless also provides automatic scaling within configured ranges, ensuring adequate performance during active periods. Combined benefits of auto-pause and automatic scaling optimize both cost and performance for unpredictable workloads.
Option A is incorrect because provisioned compute with continuous availability charges for allocated resources regardless of actual usage, making it expensive for intermittent workloads with significant idle time between activity periods.
Option C is incorrect because Always-on Premium tier provides maximum performance with continuous resource allocation at premium pricing, which is cost-ineffective for intermittent workloads that do not require continuous high-performance availability.
Option D is incorrect because dedicated hardware represents the highest cost deployment with fixed resource allocation, suitable for isolation requirements or specific compliance needs but not cost-optimized for intermittent usage patterns.
Serverless can reduce costs by up to 90% compared to provisioned compute for workloads with significant idle time.
Question 40
What is the primary benefit of implementing Azure SQL Database zone-redundant configuration?
A) To reduce storage costs
B) To protect against datacenter failures by distributing replicas across availability zones
C) To improve query performance only
D) To manage user authentication
Answer: B
Explanation:
Zone-redundant configuration distributes database replicas across multiple availability zones within a region, protecting against datacenter-level failures while maintaining high availability without requiring manual failover or application changes. Each availability zone represents physically separate datacenters with independent power, cooling, and networking.
Zone redundancy ensures that if one availability zone experiences outage due to infrastructure failure, natural disaster, or other issues, replicas in other zones continue serving requests with automatic failover. This configuration provides higher availability SLA compared to single-zone deployments, typically offering 99.995% uptime. Zone redundancy is available for Premium, Business Critical, and Hyperscale tiers.
Option A is incorrect because zone-redundant configuration increases costs by maintaining additional replicas across availability zones rather than reducing storage costs, though enhanced availability typically justifies the additional expense for critical applications.
Option C is incorrect because while zone redundancy maintains performance during zone failures through automatic failover, its primary purpose is resilience against datacenter failures rather than improving query performance during normal operations.
Option D is incorrect because managing user authentication involves Azure Active Directory integration, SQL authentication methods, and access control, which are security features separate from availability zone distribution for infrastructure resilience.
Zone redundancy provides the highest level of availability protection for mission-critical databases requiring maximum uptime.
