SQL Server 2008 Failover Server question

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SQL Server 2008 Failover Server question

WoFe

Mr or Mrs. 500

Points: 552
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January 8, 2009 at 8:14 am

#204726

My company just bought SQL Server 2008 and I have some questions about setting up a failover server.
Currently we have a server in USA and a server in EUROPE and we want to replicate our Databases from USA to EUROPE as a failover so we can have our system up and running in minutes instead of hours/days. The server in EUROPE will not be used for anything other than failover and the data will only be edited on the USA server never on the EUROPE server (unless there is a problem, but after problem is fixed we will go back to the USA server). What would be the best method of setting up a backup SQL Server 2008. I noticed that the install for SQL Server 2008 has failover cluster but I am not sure if that is better than going with a replication format install or if it is the same… also if replication is the best method then what would be the best method of replication (merge or transactions).
Thanks for your help ahead of time.

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

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Nicholas Cain SSC-Dedicated Points: 33009 More actions · Answer 1

I'd recommend setting up a hardware cluster in the US and another in the Europe. That way you are fault tolerant on each side of the pond.

From there go with log shipping to keep everything in sync. There'll be more work in cutting back over to the US in the event that you do hit Europe, however the hardware redundancy in the US will seriously drive down the percentages of that happening.

Shamless self promotion - read my blog http://sirsql.net

WoFe Mr or Mrs. 500 Points: 552 More actions · Answer 2

Thanks, After many hours of reading I have also come up with the same general idea. It is nice to hear the idea I came up with is not far from yours.

Thanks for your response.

Nicholas Cain SSC-Dedicated Points: 33009 More actions · Answer 3

No, it's nice that you've done your independent research, and come to a conclusion that you believe in.

It doesn't matter whether or not it would match mine, the due diligence is what matters, and how growth happens.:)

Shamless self promotion - read my blog http://sirsql.net

w.durkin@online.de Hall of Fame Points: 3943 More actions · Answer 4

Hi,

maybe a little late to mention, but wouldn't Log Shipping also do what you are wanting and be much cheaper in terms of total cost of ownership?

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190016.aspx

Just a thought.....

Regards

GermanDBA

Regards,

WilliamD

WoFe Mr or Mrs. 500 Points: 552 More actions · Answer 5

Thanks for the response. Better late than never. It gives me something to think about. I am still developing the database at this time so I still have more time to think about the route I want to take. Thanks for you help.