Preparing for SQL server consolidation can be a monumental task. However, the project can be very manageable when you use the right approach.
Implementing an SQL server is a great way to manage your database system effectively. An SQL server also offers scalability and flexibility while allowing your organization to cut back on IT costs. It can create a lot of headaches with database management and increases the risk of IT failure. Server sprawl also creates complexities with maintenance tasks and results in wasted server resources.
Thanks to new technologies many companies are opting to convert to SQL server consolidation. By consolidating your SQL server resources, you can save on costs while increasing productivity by making more efficient use of your company’s IT infrastructure. Incorporation also increases server reliability and reduces the risks of IT failure.
The following tips will help you to prepare for a successful SQL server consolidation project for your organization.
Perform an IT Assessment
To successfully implement SQL server consolidation it is important to define the goals for consolidation clearly. It requires careful assessment of the current infrastructure on the part of the consolidation team so an appropriate strategy can plan. You can also choose to enlist the help of a virtualization provider who can assist with the assessment to formulate a proper consolidation approach (i.e., virtual machine consolidation, implementing a Storage Area Network, stacking SQL servers, etc.).
During the assessment phase, applications that are mission critical should identify. Prioritization of mission-critical programs allows consolidation project teams to negotiate Service Level Agreements that firmly set the criteria for availability, support and monitoring, performance, and change control. It also avoids unexpected problems that can result in extended downtime and lost revenue.
SQL Server Consolidation Planning
Once you have assessed your organizational needs for improved SQL management and negotiated the Service Level Agreement, your organization can begin the planning phase. There are five necessary steps to planning for SQL server consolidation: 1) Research Technologies, 2) Operational Goals, 3) Benchmarks, 4) Documentation, and 5) Ongoing Team Support.
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Research Technologies
Once you define company needs for SQL server consolidation, it is important to become educated on the different types of technologies that are available to help you determine the best approach. Working with a quality virtualization provider can be beneficial at this stage and a time saver regarding in-depth research.
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Operational Goals
- The goals and objectives of your organization must be defined to help you determine what is necessary to accomplish regarding performance and budget before choosing a server consolidation design. Working with a knowledgeable virtualization provider can also be helpful when collaborating with your team.
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Benchmarks
Mapping out references is a must to reduce the amount of disruption to daily operations and to ensure a smooth transition into the new configuration. Setting criteria which are both achievable and measurable are essential in the event you run into setbacks during SQL server consolidation.
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Documentation
Once you have accomplished the previous three steps the project needs to be tied together through documentation. The information should include specifics such as the details of the design, specific team responsibilities, integration steps, and other essential data that will help the project to run as planned.
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Ongoing Team Support
Although it is important to get senior management and stakeholder support, it is just as essential to maintaining this support throughout the consolidation project. The more your supporters understand about the project, the fewer headaches you will have to endure. As you implement and launch the server consolidation environment.
Keep in mind these are necessary foundational steps you should include in SQL server consolidation planning. You should also add your steps and goals according to the individual needs of your company.
Implementing SQL Server Consolidation
When you begin to implement SQL server consolidation, there are essential components you must include. To ensure that the current applications perform equal to or better than they have before consolidation. The information you organized during step 2 should provide you with the data you need to create a checklist. The checklist will vary according to the needs of your organization and will include design and test considerations, a configuration for single and multiple instances, proper deployment, and stabilization.
Testing SQL Consolidation
Depending upon the configuration and the methodologies used during the planning and implementation phases, testing typically involves analyzing the user databases. To accurately determine the appropriate stack used for placing each corresponding user database. Once this process is complete, the data usage and data access patterns can be observed. To decide which user databases can be grouped on consolidated SQL servers to provide the highest performance.
For example, the user databases that carry large workloads can place on different stacks with lower workload databases added. This type of testing determines the best way to get optimal performance for the cost you paid for the hardware. It also results in the successful deployment of databases to the consolidated topology.
Proactive Monitoring and Stabilization
Although careful testing and analysis help to provide for a stable SQL server environment, there is always the possibility of unexpected problems. That may occur in a newly consolidated infrastructure. By continually monitoring the new system, you can proactively address and manage any unanticipated issues. To provide a stabilized environment that is capable of successfully servicing all workloads. To expedite the process while reducing the probability of unexpected issues.
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