AWS Certified Database – Specialty — Question 278

A database specialist needs to reduce the cost of an application's database. The database is running on a Multi-AZ deployment of an Amazon RDS for Microsoft SQL Server DB instance. The application requires the database to support stored procedures, SQL Server Wire Protocol (TDS), and T-SQL. The database must also be highly available. The database specialist is using AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) to migrate the database to a new data store.

Which solution will reduce the cost of the database with the LEAST effort?

Answer options

• A. Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate to an RDS for MySQL Multi-AZ database. Update the application code to use the features of MySQL that correspond to SQL Server. Update the application to use the MySQL port.
• B. Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate to an RDS for PostgreSQL Multi-AZ database. Turn on the SQL_COMPAT optional extension within the database to allow the required features. Update the application to use the PostgreSQL port.
• C. Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate to an RDS for SQL Server Single-AZ database. Update the application to use the new database endpoint.
• D. Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate the database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. Turn on Babelfish for Aurora PostgreSQL. Update the application to use the Babelfish TDS port.

Correct answer: D

Explanation

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL with Babelfish enabled allows the database to natively understand T-SQL and the TDS wire protocol, enabling the application to connect with minimal code changes and minimal migration effort. This solution maintains the high availability requirement through Aurora's multi-AZ architecture while eliminating SQL Server licensing fees to reduce costs. Other options either fail the high availability requirement (Single-AZ) or demand extensive, high-effort application code rewrites.