Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-301) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Azure Architect Practice Questions and Study Guide

Using BACPAC files stored in Blob storage is a recommended strategy for migrating database content to Azure, particularly because it simplifies the process of exporting and importing databases. A BACPAC file is a ZIP file with an extension of .bacpac that contains the database schema and data. This approach is particularly effective when moving SQL Server databases to Azure SQL Database.

The advantages of this method include the following:

1. **Simplicity**: The process involves exporting the database to a BACPAC file, which can easily be created using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Azure Data Studio. Once created, the file can be uploaded to Azure Blob storage, making it readily accessible for import into Azure SQL Database.

2. **Compatibility**: BACPAC files are specifically designed for use with Azure SQL databases, ensuring that any compatibility issues between different versions of SQL Server are minimized.

3. **Efficiency**: This method can greatly reduce the time and complexity involved in the migration, particularly for larger databases, as it allows you to handle the data in a single package rather than through multiple connections.

4. **Cloud Integration**: Storing the BACPAC file in Blob storage leverages Azure's scalability and reliability, providing a robust solution