Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) Practice Test

Which Azure service would you recommend to host SQL Server databases with minimal management overhead and user authentication via Active Directory?

1. Azure SQL Database elastic pools

2. Azure SQL Database Managed Instance

3. SQL Server 2016 on Azure virtual machines

4. Azure SQL Database single databases

The correct answer is: Azure SQL Database Managed Instance

Recommending Azure SQL Database Managed Instance for hosting SQL Server databases with minimal management overhead and user authentication via Active Directory is the right choice because this service is specifically designed to bridge the gap between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. Managed Instance offers near-complete compatibility with the latest SQL Server Database Engine, making it easy to migrate existing applications with minimal changes. One of the key advantages of Managed Instance is its automatic management features, such as automatic backups, patching, and high availability. This significantly reduces the administrative burden on database administrators, allowing them to focus on development and performance tuning rather than routine maintenance tasks. Additionally, Managed Instance supports user authentication via Azure Active Directory (AAD), facilitating secure and centralized user management. This integration enhances security and simplifies the process of granting user access to databases in cloud environments, which is essential for enterprises leveraging Azure for their data solutions. Other options, while providing various degrees of functionality, do not offer the same level of management automation and compatibility with SQL Server features. For instance, elastic pools and single databases are designed for specific scenarios that may require more management oversight compared to Managed Instance. SQL Server on Azure virtual machines necessitates full control and manual management, which can lead to increased overhead. Thus