DCSpooner
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

SQL Placement

Since vSphere 4.0 i have always installed my MSSQL in a separate VM. I do know that some people install full MSSQL on the vCenter server.

what do you think?

what is the best practices?

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a_p_
Leadership
Leadership

Do you use a separate SQL Server installation for vCenter Server?

What's the size of your environment (hosts, VMs) and which other VMware applications (e.g. View, ...) do you use?

Depending on your needs you may want to take a look at the vCenter Server Appliance when upgrading to version 5.5. The appliance supports up to 100 hosts and 3000 VMs.

André

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crawfordm
Expert
Expert

In a production environment I always install SQL on a separate VM.  I don't want to build a monster VM.  I want to ensure that SQL processes do not overtake any vCenter processes.

I know this article is a little old, but the points that are made are still valid -

http://rodos.haywood.org/2009/02/vcenter-server-database.html

------------------------------------------------------------------ If you found this answer useful please consider the use of the Helpful or Correct buttons to award points. Thanks, Marc Crawford CCNA, MCSE, MCTS, A+, Net+, Sec +, VCA-WM, VCA-DCV, VCA-Cloud, VCA-NV, VCP-NV, VCP-DCV, VCP, VCAP5-DCA http://gplus.to/marccrawford http://blog.marccrawford.com @uber_tech_geek
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DCSpooner
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

since I will need heartbeat, VCSA is out. And is another discussion (2 VMs versus  1VM and 1Physical)

I am talking in general and in a production environment (10 Hosts; 500 VMs). MSSQL licenses are not an issue and lets say that the SQL server will only be used for VMware.

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wmarusiak
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

In my opinion you have several things to consider.

  • Disadvantages of having SQL together with SQL:
  • Increased resources usage for vCenter Server
  • More complex administration for Database Administrators
  • You can’t cluster SQL if it is installed on vCenter Server

Advantages of having SQL together with vCenter:

  • decreased dependancy on network communication between vCenter and SQL
  • operational costs decreases due to server consolidation

I also recommend to watch great video from VMworld 2013 which explains a bit more about topic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUFg2iuBjXE

Best Regards, Wojciech https://wojcieh.net
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