Virtualization and Preparation

Question

Virtualization and Preparation

Steve Jones - SSC Editor

SSC Guru

Points: 736478
More actions
October 24, 2009 at 12:49 pm

#138975

Comments posted to this topic are about the item Virtualization and Preparation

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

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

Open Minded SSCommitted Points: 1872 More actions · Answer 1

This post was good one! I have finished making an inital DRP using virtualization. It's great but I could use a newer, more powerful server instead of adding RAM and re-using an old server.

I can rest easy instead of relying on tape backup (what if the entire server goes down), I just make a script to copy the complete DB backup. (I know it's a long story regarding checking backups etc. so let's skip that since ). Then the DB backup is restored on the VM if things go down.

Silverfox SSC-Insane Points: 23150 More actions · Answer 2

Nice article, good valid points and the links are interesting, still dont agree with virtualisation as the preferred solution for consolidation. I dont necesary agree with some of the points raised as well, I am yet to see a successful implementation at a client.

Always better to be prepared in any case. would be nice if MS included some sort of automatic DR creation even if you had the ability to turn it off, still would be nice to have.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[highlight]Recommended Articles on How to help us help you and[/highlight]
[highlight]solve commonly asked questions[/highlight]

Forum Etiquette: How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help by Jeff Moden[/url]
Managing Transaction Logs by Gail Shaw[/url]
How to post Performance problems by Gail Shaw[/url]
Help, my database is corrupt. Now what? by Gail Shaw[/url]

Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736478 More actions · Answer 3

I don't think I said that virtualization is the preferred method for consolidation. I am pro-virtualization, and it's worth considering. As I mentioned, it's not for everyone or every instance.

But I think dismissing it out of hand is a mistake as well.

GSquared SSC Guru Points: 260824 More actions · Answer 4

A disaster is an emergency you haven't prepared for.

I like the linked blog post. Flat spare tire = untested backup (or similar) is a good metaphore.

- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
Property of The Thread

"Nobody knows the age of the human race, but everyone agrees it's old enough to know better." - Anon

sjsubscribe SSCrazy Points: 2080 More actions · Answer 5

Good points about virtualization.

Any complex org will have a variety of db needs, many of which can start on a virtual server and then migrate to a dedicated one as the app grows. Virtualization offers fast setup times and lower cost of false starts. When the setup, backup, and other maint routines can be automated, then virtualization certainly pays off. Seems like the reluctance comes from the undue burden placed on DBAs for managing virtual setups. Some of the automated tools, like those in Solaris, for containers and virtual boxes, certainly ease such concerns. Don't know if MS equivalents are just as useful.

Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736478 More actions · Answer 6

Note that I'm not recommending Hyper-V. I'm not sure it's any better, or any worse, than other software. I have seen VMware used heavily, and it seems to work well for servers. I know some non-Windows folks that like Virtual Box as well, and many Windows people recommend Hyper-V.

You need to perform the due diligence to see which one works for you.

Silverfox SSC-Insane Points: 23150 More actions · Answer 7

Steve Jones - Editor (10/26/2009)
Note that I'm not recommending Hyper-V. I'm not sure it's any better, or any worse, than other software. I have seen VMware used heavily, and it seems to work well for servers. I know some non-Windows folks that like Virtual Box as well, and many Windows people recommend Hyper-V.
You need to perform the due diligence to see which one works for you.

We have VMware esx where I am atm, we have had problems with performance and the vmhost going down at times. even the VMware specialist here doesnt recommend sql being on vmware.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[highlight]Recommended Articles on How to help us help you and[/highlight]
[highlight]solve commonly asked questions[/highlight]

Forum Etiquette: How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help by Jeff Moden[/url]
Managing Transaction Logs by Gail Shaw[/url]
How to post Performance problems by Gail Shaw[/url]
Help, my database is corrupt. Now what? by Gail Shaw[/url]

Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736478 More actions · Answer 8

You might not have the right SQL Servers on your ESX system, or it might not be sized. I know of 4 companies in the Denver area that run it and have done so for over a year. They are thrilled with the way it works in that they can save on hardware, but more importantly, space and cooling. However many of their larger SQL Servers, for things like ERP, have not been moved. The performance, and the scale is not there.