Upgrading from 2008 Enterprise: Which newer version offers the least path of resistance?

  • I'm embarrassed to say but I've little to no experience with the newer versions of SQL server beyond 2008. Recently, I got approval to upgrade to 2012 however, with the newer 2014 version available I was wondering if it would be better to just go straight to 2014. Without really knowing how/if 2014 betters 2012, what would everyone recommend?

    Our main SQL Server is an extremely busy OLTP system, 64-bit, 128GB RAM, 2 sockets @ 6 cores, with thousands of connections, 4 primary databases with about 2 billion rows in total (and growing rapidly), we have transact replication set up, working towards SAN to SAN replication (using Recoverpoint), we have tons of scheduled jobs, etc.

    In efforts to keep this a readable post, I know there's a lot of information I'm clearly leaving out so feel free to ask...

    So I guess what I want to know is should I stick with 2012 or move to 2014? Why?

    ______________________________________________________________________________Never argue with an idiot; Theyll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience

  • MyDoggieJessie (3/3/2014)


    I'm embarrassed to say but I've little to no experience with the newer versions of SQL server beyond 2008. Recently, I got approval to upgrade to 2012 however, with the newer 2014 version available I was wondering if it would be better to just go straight to 2014. Without really knowing how/if 2014 betters 2012, what would everyone recommend?

    Our main SQL Server is an extremely busy OLTP system, 64-bit, 128GB RAM, 2 sockets @ 6 cores, with thousands of connections, 4 primary databases with about 2 billion rows in total (and growing rapidly), we have transact replication set up, working towards SAN to SAN replication (using Recoverpoint), we have tons of scheduled jobs, etc.

    In efforts to keep this a readable post, I know there's a lot of information I'm clearly leaving out so feel free to ask...

    So I guess what I want to know is should I stick with 2012 or move to 2014? Why?

    I would prefer 2014 bcs there were lot of great improvements especially In-Memory OLTP tables, Using SSDs to extend the memory, Always-ON enhancements etc .. But it's not released yet. If you can't wait that long, then you can go with SQL Server 2012 which also is a pretty good one.

    Another approach would be go with SQL 2012 if you have close deadlines, and wait till SQL 2014 get stabilized and till SP1 gets released.

    http://www.brentozar.com/archive/2013/06/almost-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-next-version-of-sql-server/

    http://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/3120/whats-new-in-sql-server-2014-is-it-worth-the-upgrade/

    --

    SQLBuddy

  • Thanks, I will check those links out today (and there's no rush on the upgrade - even though it was budgeted and approved, it could actually be a year before I actually get to purchase and install it - Corporate red tape and all)

    ______________________________________________________________________________Never argue with an idiot; Theyll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience

  • Nice. You are welcome 🙂

    --

    SQLBuddy

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

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