vCenter Server Setup- Do I Need to use a backend SQL database or can I install SQL 2005 on the same server as vCenter?

[s1xth]

So I have been reading the setup of vCenter, and I noticed that it says that you should setup a SQL 2005/2008 database on a backend SQL server instead of installing it on the same machine as the vcenter server. Sadly, i do not have a server I could use right now for another DB for vcenter on the backend, is this a requirement or just a best practice? What does everyone do their setup of vcenter database?

Thanks!

[vmroyale]

Hello.

If you are going to be under 5 hosts and/or 50 virtual machines, the SQL Express version is fine. You may run into loss of data, if you exceed these recommended limits with SQL Express. Also keep in mind the 4 GB database size limit of SQL 2005 Express.

When I set these things up, I tend to go with a backend SQL server if it is available. SQL Express works great for smaller implementations though, and as long as you don't exceed the recommended limits you should not have any issues. You can always upgrade to a full SQL server later, if you outgrow the SQL Express setup. Check out kb 7960893 for more information on that process.

Good Luck!

[s1xth]

Thanks for the information, I understand the limitations of the Express SQL, but I wanted to know more about was whether I could install SQL 2005 FULL on the SAME machine as vCenter Server instead of using a backend SQL server. Would that be an o.k. configuration. I will be having a total of 10 hosts on this vCenter so I will need SQL2005 I just want to know if you can put it on the same machine as the vcenter server or if that is not recommended.

thanks again!!

[vmroyale]

You can install SQL 2005 and vCenter on the same machine. SQL 2005 is a supported database so there are no issues with that. What you will want to ensure is that your hardware can handle the load of both of these applications.

You can check here for information on sizing your vCenter appropriately.

Good Luck!