New server hardware

[wbodger]

Looks like I may finally be getting a box so I can migrate from SQL 2K to 2008R2! Now, my sysadmin wants to get a 1u box and build a SAN on the backend for all of the data (for other server data as well). I know typically you want to have RAID 5 with hot swappable drives for better uptime, but logistically, is there any reason NOT to go with a SAN for all of the backend data?

 

[ramam1]

SAN is a fine choice for the DB files. Normally SANs are fully redundant in hardware from the power cables all the way down to the RAID controller cards (plural - more than one RAID card). A SAN box is basically two servers in one box that is optimized for serving up virtual hard drives. You still have to be a smart shopper and know what you need now and what you will need in the future in order to buy a SAN that will meet your needs.

 

[mrdenny]

Check out my blog. I've been talking a lot about storage for the last couple of months, and I will be for the next couple of months as well. My blog URL is below.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2008 BI / MWSS 3.0: Configuration / MOSS 2007: Configuration)
MCITP (SQL 2005 DBA / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2005 DBD / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 BI)
MCM (SQL 2008)
MVP

My Blog