June 17, 2009 at 10:36 am
We have two DB servers. One is the main and one is the older server.
The older server only has some SSIS packages that shred excel files. We'd really like to retire SQL Server on it. It needs office installed on the machine though. The only option, short of rewriting the packages, would be to install MS office on the main server and move that packages over there.
Any issues with installing MS Office on the server, or other options anyone can think of?
Thanks,
Scott
June 17, 2009 at 11:22 am
Why does it need Office installed? Is it using OLE Automation on Excel or something?
I generally wouldn't be inclined to install Office on a server, but only because of resource and security issues.
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June 17, 2009 at 11:49 am
Its using automation. Resources are definitely a concern. Just not sure how much I should be.
June 17, 2009 at 12:05 pm
OLE Automation of Office is usually (almost always) messy. Has a tendency to do things like leave multiple copies of Excel running in the background (you can find them in the processes list in Task Manager, but no front-end showing anywhere).
If that's necessary for the business, then I would recommend setting up a small virtual server, with just enough resources allocated to allow it to do its job, and set up SQL and Office on there. Have the jobs run there, then move the data over to the main server.
That way, if you find that you have to take steps to repair problems caused by Office automation, you aren't having to do so on your primary server.
Also reduces the security risk. Office has had a few security issues over the years, and it's a wider door on that kind of thing that you want on your primary SQL server.
- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
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June 18, 2009 at 3:55 pm
True. We have enough office automation related issues.
I took a look and the SSIS packages are just converting the xls files to csv. This can be done without automation - use the excel connection to import the file, output it to a csv connection. There's only one or two packages its not a lot of work. So less than a days work retires one sql server we're paying a monthly license on and frees up needed resources for IIS on the box. And of course, no MS Office needed on the DB server.
June 19, 2009 at 7:01 am
Excellent. Good solution.
- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
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