April 12, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Hi,
I would like to set up a test lab where I can mimic SQL Server environments in a basic way. For example:
1. A SQL cluster
2. Mirrored databases
3. SSRS/SSIS/SSAS
I think my first set of questions is about whether this can be done effectively through virtual machines, or whether I need some hardware as well. And also, what software is needed to make a passably realistic SQL cluster. Ideally I would do this at home to have it completely separate from my work environment.
I don't have much networking experience or experience with current Windows servers (2008 etc.), so any advice on what general kinds of things I should study or practice would be very helpful. To take just one example, I don't know if I need to work on setting up my own Active Directory domain, domain controllers, etc.
I'm curious about how people who frequent SQL Server Central go about this. I've done some initial Googling and found these pages which suggest ways to get MS software.
https://www.dreamspark.com/Institution/Subscription.aspx
http://blog.gurock.com/articles/taking-advantage-of-microsofts-empower-for-isvs-program/
I realize the scope of this sounds ambitious, perhaps too much so, but at the most basic level I am trying to learn more about how to set up these things on my own instead of relying on other people all the time. I don't mean to attempt being an expert in everything, just competent in knowing the major parts involved and how to get them to work together.
Thanks for any help or advice.
- webrunner
-------------------
A SQL query walks into a bar and sees two tables. He walks up to them and asks, "Can I join you?"
Ref.: http://tkyte.blogspot.com/2009/02/sql-joke.html
April 12, 2013 at 5:39 pm
If I can add to this question, it is possible to set SQL clustered instances using free tools like VMPlayer for a home educational lab, or must one invest in pricey software to do this?
April 12, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Yes you can, no it isn't expensive.
We have a couple articles on building clusters virtually:
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/virtual/72682/
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Clustering/73989/
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Clustering/73994/
Matt Velic has a great piece on cheap ways to do this as well: http://mattvelic.com/virtual-lab-companion-ebook/
We have an article coming out on this with VMWare (About $300), but you could easily do the same thing in Virtual Box.
April 15, 2013 at 7:44 am
Thanks so much for these replies.
- webrunner
-------------------
A SQL query walks into a bar and sees two tables. He walks up to them and asks, "Can I join you?"
Ref.: http://tkyte.blogspot.com/2009/02/sql-joke.html
April 15, 2013 at 9:15 am
Webrunner, my home lab has been set up comparitively on the cheap, using VMs.
One Technet account (gives me both the OS and SQL) ~$350
One "home-brew" server (Xeon 55xx, 24GB RAM, 2TB HD) ~$500-700 total (a lot of the parts I had already)
For a lab, if you're not needing high-performance and are just looking to practice setting up and troubleshooting things like clustering, log shipping, etc, VMs are fine. Takes a bit more work to set up a cluster (3 VMs needed, one to provide shared storage,) but entirely possible.
Jason
April 15, 2013 at 9:37 am
jasona.work (4/15/2013)
Webrunner, my home lab has been set up comparitively on the cheap, using VMs.One Technet account (gives me both the OS and SQL) ~$350
One "home-brew" server (Xeon 55xx, 24GB RAM, 2TB HD) ~$500-700 total (a lot of the parts I had already)
For a lab, if you're not needing high-performance and are just looking to practice setting up and troubleshooting things like clustering, log shipping, etc, VMs are fine. Takes a bit more work to set up a cluster (3 VMs needed, one to provide shared storage,) but entirely possible.
Jason
Great, thanks Jason. This is very helpful. I'll post back with the setup I end up building.
- webrunner
-------------------
A SQL query walks into a bar and sees two tables. He walks up to them and asks, "Can I join you?"
Ref.: http://tkyte.blogspot.com/2009/02/sql-joke.html
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