Where should SQL reside?

[spf62]

We are replacing our current VSphere VCenter server with a new one.

The question came up as to where the MS SQL install should reside.

Should we install SQL on the VCenter server or point to a database on a dedicated SQL server?

Please advise.

Thanks in advance for any help

Steve

[RParker]

SQL should be on a PHYSICAL machine, separate instance, dedicated server.

At the very least it should be a VM managed separately, but in most organizations you probably have a SQL server someplace, you can simply add a database to point VI to.

SQL should not be shared with any other applications.

[Troy_Clavell]

>point to a database on a dedicated SQL server?

yes, keep it separate and clustered if you can. I would also consider using a 64bit SQL Server as well.

[spf62]

Ok great... I kind of thought that's what people would say.

Our new VCenter server is x64 and the SQL server will be seperate.

Thanks again all for your help

[Troy_Clavell]

If you have a small environment you could get away with a local DB. However, keeping it separate will, if nothing else, will offer better flexibility and room for growth.

[RParker]

> If you have a small environment you could get away with a local DB.

Even this is limiting growth, think small stay small. I agree for short term you can use a Local DB, but many people don't think to plan for future growth.

[Troy_Clavell]

I hear ya... That's why I added my However statement

[spf62]

Well I'm not sure what classifies as a "small enviroment"

We have 25 ESX hosts and approx 300 VM's

[Troy_Clavell]

No, you are not small, and that goes way beyond the supported configuration for SQL Express. The bottom line is, protect your DB. It is the most important part of vCenter.

A local DB (SQL Express) really should only be used for testing purposes. Having a full blown SQL 2005/2008 DB server running alongside of your vCenter instance, well, in my opinion, it's too much contention. SQL needs resources and as stated should be on its own.

[spf62]

No No No..... hehe no SQL express will be used.

Even when we only had 5 ESX hosts we still used a full blown SQL.

SQL 2008 will be used on a seperate server.

thanks again

[chouse]

We have 2 vCenter 32-bit win2k3 enterprise servers (2 vCPU, 6GB mem) each with a local install of 32-bit SQL Server 2008 hosting the VC and VUM databases running on the same VM. Each vCenter is responsible for 750+ VMs and 20+ ESX hosts. We don't have any performance issues.