There are several benefits to consolidating your SQL servers, but there are also a number of "gotchas" to consider before moving forward. This short guide features expert advice for those looking to learn more about SQL Server consolidation, with details on when (and when not) to consolidate, consolidation strategies, virtualization with Microsoft Hyper-V, and more.
 The challenges of SQL Server consolidation Despite the many benefits of SQL Server consolidation, some IT pros are still reluctant to make the move. Ross Mistry describes the scenarios that could pose a challenge for those looking to consolidate. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why consolidate?
Consolidation planning
Deploying your consolidation
| Why consolidate? |
The case for SQL
Server consolidation
Get the basics on why SQL Server sprawl occurs, and how consolidation creates efficiency through
improved uptimes, performance and monitoring. This eBook chapter also include details on the
different approaches to database and server consolidation.
Key
questions to ask yourself
There several questions that need to be answered before getting started with SQL Server
consolidation. This checklist breaks down what you need to decide on regarding to hardware
resources, database platforms and centralized management.
Pros and
cons of SQL Server consolidation
Despite the many benefits of consolidation, there are also several "gotchas" to consider before
making the move. This article walks you through the good and the bad.
Consolidation as an optimization technique Here you'll learn what to expect when consolidating SQL Servers, such as potential CPU- and CAL-based licensing issues, "new" hardware resources and less-costly system monitoring .
| Consolidation planning |
Planning before you
consolidate
Once you've made the decision to consolidate, it's imprtant to develop an effective strategy to
help manage the challenges that may arise during the consolidation process. this eBook chapter
oulines the steps to mapping out a SQL Server consolidation project.
SQL Server
2008 consolidation strategies and best practices
There are several consolidation options available for those looking to cut costs. Ross Mistry
breaks down these strategies and when to use them, and provides details on the benefits of SQL
Server consolidation with Windows 2008.
Creating a
SQL Server consolidation methodology
Your goals for consolidation will often vary depending on the approach you are taking, so defining
your goals at the beginning is crucial to a successful consolidation. This tip explains what needs
to be decided at the very beginning.
Analyzing
candidate databases and servers
It's important to take a close look at each SQL Server and its user databases to determine their
performance characteristics, resource requirements, dependencies -- not to mention how to migrate
them. Here you'll develop a better understanding of what to look for.
Weeding
out poor candidates
Now all databases make sense for consolidation. Learn to spot the dependiencies that can cause this
in advance, so you can develop workarounds for later.
| Deploying your consolidation |
Performing a SQL
Server consolidation
This eBook chapter provides detailed instructions for performing a SQL Server consolidation to
ensure that apps will offer equal or better performance, higher availability and improved
functionality. You'll also find a checklist to help limit downtime during the migration, as well as
details on onventory, dependency and configurations considerations.
Testing
your consolidation environment
A number of factors go into creating a proper testing environment during the conolidation process.
This article emplains how to get the best results.
Putting
consolidated databases in a production environment
There are a few different ways to migrate databases to a consolidated environment. This tip breaks
down the steps for each technique.
Monitoring
consolidated databases for stability
No matter how much planning you do, it's likely that some unexpected situations will still come up.
Check out these best practices for monitoring your environment and catch these issues early.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why consolidate?
Consolidation planning
Deploying your consolidation
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This was first published in March 2009
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