Can I really consolidate my SQL Server database?

Denny CherrySenior Database Administrator / Architect

dcherry@awarenesstech.comMVP, MCSA, MCDBA, MCTS, MCITP

Why we consolidateReduce server count

Reduce Cooling CostsReduce Power Costs

Reduce license costsTake advantage of faster servers

Consolidation OptionsMultiple Databases in a single instanceMultiple Instances on a single serverMultiple virtual servers into one physical

server

Multiple Databases 1 InstanceSaves on License CostsSaves on Hardware CostsShared Buffer CacheShared Procedure CacheShared CPUsNo control of buffer/proc cache size

Multiple Instances 1 ServerSave on License CostsSave on Hardware CostsSeparate Buffer CacheSeparate Procedure CacheShared or Isolated CPUsInfluence buffer/proc cache sizes via max

memory

Multiple virtual servers 1 hostSave on Hardware CostsCan save on License costsSeparate Buffer CacheSeparate Procedure CacheShared or Isolated CPUsControl of cache size by controlling VM

resources

How to select a techniqueCPU LoadBuffer Cache SizeProcedure Cache SizePage Life ExpectancyDisk IO LoadLegacy Server CPU & RAM

When is it not going to workAll servers have high CPU LoadsAll servers have large buffer cache

requirementsOne or more servers have large procedure

cache requirementsJBOD can’t handle the IOSingle Server can’t handle the RAM

More ReadingWhen and How to

Consolidatehttp://bit.ly/bFx8il

Server Consolidation with SQL Server 2008 (MS)http://bit.ly/catkb2

SQL Server Consolidation on the 64-Bit Platform (TechNet)http://bit.ly/90Ql4M

Can I really consolidate my SQL Server database?

Denny Cherrydcherry@awarenesstech.com

http://itke.techtarget.com/sql-server

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