server name after migration

Question

server name after migration

sqlfriend

SSC Guru

Points: 52781
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April 9, 2012 at 1:17 pm

#267146

We are doing some migration from SQl server 2005 to 2008 R2.
We migrate from an older server to new server.
What do you as a DBA usually do about the server name,
Do you change the new server name to the Old production server name after migration, or leave it as the new server name, and ask application end to change it?
What is better option?
Thanks

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Jared SSC Guru Points: 61793 More actions · Answer 1

We always try to keep the server name the same. This way, they do not have to change the connection strings in every single application config.

Jared
CE - Microsoft

Orlando Colamatteo SSC Guru Points: 182279 More actions · Answer 2

Keeping the same server name would cover you, but in my experience that is an option less so than it is an option.

Ideally I try to use something like Cisco's Global Site Selector (GSS) to abstract the physical server name. The poor mans version I use when GSS is not around is standard DNS. Either way your physical machine names are not tied to your application configuration files. Planning ahead, you would want a GSS/DNS name for each application in case you needed to move an application's databases onto another instance, only the one GSS/DNS name would be affected and the rest of the GSS/DNS names pointed to that instance stay as-is.

When you're ready to migrate your server you would just change your GSS/DNS entry and your client apps start hitting the new instance, i.e. your application configuration files are unaffected.

There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
--Plato

sqlfriend SSC Guru Points: 52781 More actions · Answer 3

SQLKnowItAll (4/9/2012)
We always try to keep the server name the same. This way, they do not have to change the connection strings in every single application config.

So, what exactly the step you do for keeping the same name?

By changing the server name, will that leave some foot print of original server name here and there on the server?

Thanks

Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736255 More actions · Answer 4

Steve Jones - SSC Editor

SSC Guru

Points: 736255

April 9, 2012 at 4:05 pm

#1470964

Rename the windows host

Rename the SQL instance.

heymiky SSCarpal Tunnel Points: 4875 More actions · Answer 5

You can use SQL Aliases for this, we configure every SQL client using a standard .reg file that contains server\instance details, it doesn't cover every applications as there is stuff out there that just doesn't work using an alias in the connect string but typically we have 75+% of apps working like this now. We typically push out a new .reg file using SCCM when things change.

ajay.g Ten Centuries Points: 1117 More actions · Answer 6

Hi,

Here we are migrating the complete Server from one version to another version .i.e. one Physical or Virtual Server to another Physical or Virtual Server. So the Server name will be changed and whatever the changes required at Application level, those should be changed as per the new Server name.

sqlfriend SSC Guru Points: 52781 More actions · Answer 7

That is what we do too. Use the new server name.

So what is the better option ?

Orlando Colamatteo SSC Guru Points: 182279 More actions · Answer 8

sqlfriends (4/10/2012)
That is what we do too. Use the new server name.
So what is the better option ?

You have been given many viable options, all worked for one or more on the thread in the given environment. Better is subjective...i.e. only you can decide.

There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
--Plato

sqlfriend SSC Guru Points: 52781 More actions · Answer 9

Thanks, but my question about this is not answered yet.

So, what exactly the step you do for keeping the same name?

By changing the server name, will that leave some foot print of original server name here and there on the server?

Orlando Colamatteo SSC Guru Points: 182279 More actions · Answer 10

sqlfriends (4/10/2012)
Thanks, but my question about this is not answered yet.
So, what exactly the step you do for keeping the same name?
By changing the server name, will that leave some foot print of original server name here and there on the server?

http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/FindPost1280486.aspx

There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
--Plato

Perry Whittle SSC Guru Points: 234013 More actions · Answer 11

sqlfriends (4/9/2012)
So, what exactly the step you do for keeping the same name?

rename windows server, then use sp_dropserver followed by sp_addserver.

Note you cannot rename the instance name only the servername

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"Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

sqlfriend SSC Guru Points: 52781 More actions · Answer 12

sqlfriend

SSC Guru

Points: 52781

April 10, 2012 at 4:15 pm

#1471591

Thanks a lot

Jared SSC Guru Points: 61793 More actions · Answer 13

Perry Whittle (4/10/2012)
sqlfriends (4/9/2012)
So, what exactly the step you do for keeping the same name?
rename windows server, then use sp_dropserver followed by sp_addserver.
Note you cannot rename the instance name only the servername

Hmm... I think we actually are able to rename the instance name. I have not done it, personally, but I will ask my co-worker as I believe this is done when we switch severs.

Jared
CE - Microsoft

Orlando Colamatteo SSC Guru Points: 182279 More actions · Answer 14

SQLKnowItAll (4/10/2012)
Perry Whittle (4/10/2012)
sqlfriends (4/9/2012)
So, what exactly the step you do for keeping the same name?
rename windows server, then use sp_dropserver followed by sp_addserver.
Note you cannot rename the instance name only the servername
Hmm... I think we actually are able to rename the instance name. I have not done it, personally, but I will ask my co-worker as I believe this is done when we switch severs.

Very interested to see how that is done...all the msdn docs and interwebs say no.

There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
--Plato