Making a case for SQL Server Consolidation

Question

Making a case for SQL Server Consolidation

SQL-Student

SSC Eights!

Points: 868
More actions
January 14, 2010 at 11:33 pm

#229159

Hello,
I want to start a process of consolidation of SQL Servers which are running my department.
How do I go about collecting the metrics which will make the case for a consolidation project?
Does anyone have a pre-built template or process which I can follow?
Thanks a lot for your help!

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply

SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281334 More actions · Answer 1

Database size, database use, database load, server hardware (cpu, disk space, and RAM) all play into the decision. Also, playing into the decision, is to what kind of Servers are you consolidating (Dev, QA/UAT, Prod).

Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events

SQL-Student SSC Eights! Points: 868 More actions · Answer 2

I am talking about prod servers. Most of our Dev/Test Servers run out of VMWare already so no point in consolidating them.

All Prod servers run on dedicated machines.

SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281334 More actions · Answer 3

You will want to check for CPU utilization, memory utilization, disk IO, disk space for starters.

Depending on usage will get you number of servers you can consolidate.

Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events

Welsh Corgi SSC Guru Points: 116520 More actions · Answer 4

The PSSDIAG data collection utility is commonly used to collect information prior to a consolidation.

Refer to the following Links:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/830232

http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/webcasts/wc082401/WC082401.ppt

There a number of other factors to consider that are addressed in the following links:

http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/searchSQLServer/downloads/SQLserverchapter2_06-19-06.pdf

http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/generic/0,295582,sid87_gci1192482,00.html

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/white-papers.aspx

For better, quicker answers on T-SQL questions, click on the following...
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Best+Practices/61537/

For better answers on performance questions, click on the following...
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/SQLServerCentral/66909/

thinknight SSCrazy Points: 2068 More actions · Answer 5

I completed a consolidation project in a big bank.

First, PSSDIAG is a useful tool. You can schedule tool and could collect data (perfmon counters, SQL Server properties, databases on instance, etc.)

But you must determine correctly cpu, especially disk requirements,

If you do not have a deadline, project will goes on too long. Because consolidation of third-party applications' databases is very hard. And also, Applications like MOS, SUS, SMS, SEP need some configuration on OS.

Another importance is FILE-STREAMED databases....