Q30 — AWS SAA-C03 Ch.16

Question 30 of 100 | ← Chapter 16

Q1230. A solutions architect needs to save a particular automated database snapshot from an Amazon RDS for Microsoft SQL Server DB instance for longer than the maximum number of days Which solution will meet these requirements in the MOST operationally efficient way?

Correct Answer: A. Create a manual copy of the snapshot.

Explanation

To meet the requirement of saving a particular automated database snapshot from an Amazon RDS for Microsoft SQL Server DB instance for longer than the maximum retention period, let's analyze the options:Key Requirements:Long-Term Retention: The solution must allow the snapshot to be retained beyond the default or maximum retention period for automated snapshots.Operational Efficiency: The solution should be straightforward and not require excessive manual intervention or complex processes.Solution Analysis:Amazon RDS Snapshots:Automated snapshots in Amazon RDS have a default retention period (e.g., 7 days for some DB engines, but configurable up to 35 days for RDS for SQL Server). If the maximum retention period is not sufficient, automated snapshots cannot be kept longer.Manual snapshots can be retained indefinitely until explicitly deleted.Exporting to Amazon S3:Exporting the snapshot contents to S3 is not a direct or efficient way to retain a database snapshot. It would require additional steps to restore the database from the exported data, and it is not a standard practice for snapshot retention.Native SQL Server Backup:Taking a native SQL Server backup and saving it to S3 is a valid approach, but it is more complex than using RDS snapshots. It requires additional tools, scripts, and management overhead.Evaluating the Options:Option A: Create a manual copy of the snapshot.Correct: Manual snapshots in Amazon RDS can be retained indefinitely. This is the most straightforward and operationally efficient way to retain a snapshot beyond the automated retention period. Option B: Export the contents of the snapshot to an Amazon S3 bucket. Incorrect: This is not a standard or efficient way to retain a snapshot. It would require additional steps to restore the database, and it is not as straightforward as using manual snapshots. Option C: Change the retention period of the snapshot to 45 days. Incorrect: The maximum retention period for automated snapshots in RDS for SQL Server is 35 days (as of the latest AWS documentation). You cannot set it to 45 days. Option D: Create a native SQL Server backup. Save the backup to an Amazon S3 bucket. Incorrect: While this is a valid approach for long-term retention, it is more complex and operationally inefficient compared to using manual RDS snapshots. It requires additional tools, scripts, and management.Final Answer:A. Create a manual copy of the snapshot.This is the most operationally efficient way to retain a snapshot beyond the maximum retention period for automated snapshots. Manual snapshots in Amazon RDS can be retained indefinitely until explicitly deleted.