An administrator is troubleshooting a pilot deployment and wants the most appropriate next step. For IBM Certified watsonx Mainframe Modernization Architect, the topic is hybrid cloud integration. What should the team do?

Here's the deal: hybrid cloud integration is not just a checkbox; it is the difference between a clean handoff and a late-night recovery call. In this scenario, answer C is the practical move because it keeps the implementation tied to the real IBM capability instead of chasing a shortcut. The other choices sound tempting, but they either skip governance, ignore operational reality, or solve the wrong problem.

The correct answer is C. Plan secure connectivity between IBM Z, development tooling, repositories, and target runtime environments. That aligns with the Domain 2: Architecture & Components objective because it applies the feature or practice in the context where IBM expects a practitioner to use it. It also keeps the design reviewable, supportable, and realistic for a production environment.

Let's examine why the other options are incorrect: - Option A is incorrect because it sounds related, but it does not solve the hybrid cloud integration requirement described in the scenario. - Option B is incorrect because it removes visibility or governance at the exact point where the team needs it most. - Option D is incorrect because it relies on an assumption rather than verifying the architecture, permissions, or operational behavior. For the exam, connect the feature to the operational outcome: the right answer is the one that preserves control, accuracy, and maintainability instead of relying on a brittle shortcut.