Back to AWS Server Migration Service

Server Migration Service Overview

5 minutes 5 Questions

AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) is a fully managed service that simplifies and automates the process of migrating existing on-premises servers, virtual machines, or cloud workloads to AWS. SMS incrementally replicates workloads as cloud-hosted Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) ready for deployment on the AWS platform. This enables users to significantly reduce downtime during migrations and ensure that application data stays up to date throughout the migration process for a seamless, streamlined experience.

A Guide to AWS Server Migration Service Overview

AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) is an essential service by Amazon Web Services providing seamless migration of live server volumes to the AWS platform.

Why is it important?
AWS SMS plays a crucial role in reducing the operational downtime of servers during migration. It is cost-friendly as it eliminates the need for expensive migration tools and upfront costs. Plus, it provides incremental replication, ensuring that only altered server volumes are copied post initial migrations, reducing migration time and network bandwidth.

What is it?
AWS SMS is a service designed to automate, simplify, and expedite the process of migrating existing workloads to the AWS Cloud. It provides replication for on-premises server volumes, which makes it easier to coordinate large-scale server migrations.

How does it work?
AWS SMS uses the Server Migration Connector - a standalone appliance deployed into your on-premises environment. Once deployed, it performs incremental server volume replications that you can manage and monitor through the AWS Management Console.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Server Migration Service Overview
When answering questions about AWS SMS in an exam, remember to highlight its primary role in reducing migration downtime and costs. Also, emphasize on its key components like the Server Migration Connector and its core function of incremental server volume replications. Furthermore, familiarize yourself with the AWS Management Console and how it is used for managing and monitoring these replications.

Test mode:
Start practice test
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - AWS Server Migration Service Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

You are migrating a Windows workload from on-premises to AWS and want to use the Server Migration Service. Which of the following server types is NOT supported?

Correct Answer: Windows Server 2003

AWS Server Migration Service does not support the migration of Windows Server 2003 and its editions or Windows Server 2003 R2. All the other mentioned Windows Server editions are supported for migrations to AWS.

Question 2

In the context of AWS Server Migration Service, which of the following is accurate regarding the replication of servers?

Correct Answer: It facilitates incremental replication of live server volumes.

AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) is an agentless service which facilitates the migration of on-premises server workloads to AWS. One of the key features of AWS SMS is that it supports incremental replication. This means that after the initial baseline replication of a server's volumes, only the changed blocks are replicated. This minimizes network bandwidth usage and speeds up the replication process, hence making the incremental replication method extremely efficient for migrating live server volumes. Other answers are incorrect because AWS SMS does not require physical hardware appliances to be installed on-site; it operates agentlessly. Moreover, AWS SMS is not limited to one-time full server volume replications; it is specifically designed to handle ongoing, incremental replications. Lastly, it is not restricted to replicating servers running within AWS regions; in fact, its primary purpose is to migrate on-premises servers into AWS.

Question 3

Which feature of AWS Server Migration Service helps in automating, scheduling, and tracking incremental replications of live server volumes, thus facilitating large-scale server migrations?

Correct Answer: Replication jobs

The feature of AWS Server Migration Service that aids in automating, scheduling, and tracking incremental replications of live server volumes is known as 'Replication jobs'. Replication jobs are pivotal when it comes to large-scale server migrations as they allow for incremental synchronization of server volumes to AWS. This capability is essential to ensure that the server migration process is efficient and minimizes downtime and data transfer costs. The option 'Persistent snapshots' isn't the best answer because, although AWS SMS does use snapshots as a part of the replication process, the snapshots themselves are not used to automate, schedule, and track replications. 'Dedicated host deployments' is incorrect because this term is related to allocating a physical EC2 server for your use, and does not relate to the incremental replication feature of the server migration service. 'AMI generation blueprints' does not accurately describe a feature of the AWS Server Migration Service and therefore does not address the question about automating, scheduling, and tracking incremental replications.

Go Premium

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Preparation Package (2024)

  • 2203 Superior-grade AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless AWS Certified Solutions Architect preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Server Migration Service Overview questions
4 questions (total)
Start 4 question test