SS2K 24/7 - Corporate Implementations

[JayKusch]

Afternoon Folk.

Does anyone have a good source to go to on a few larger corporations that are running their SS2K installations in a true 24/7 framework?


Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[SQLBill]

What information are you looking for? I'm running SQL Server 2K on a Win2K Advanced Server cluster and it's up 24/7.

-SQLBill

 

[JayKusch]

Just info on how backups are handled for multi-terrabyte systems. Having 50,000+ connections hitting a particular SP. And general information given on how to manage a true 24/7 system. Some of the pitfalls and issues in getting a system of this size running. Pretty much would like to see what others have had to do in the past. Maybe some insight on topics I may not have thought of ... yet.


Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[SQLBill]

I have a failover active/passive 2-node cluster. My largest database is 160+ GB, but we don't get the amount of users you do...I have about a 100 users total and only get around 20 using the database at one time.

I do 'native' SQL backups to hard drive and then use Veritas Backup Exec 8.6 to back those files to tape. I do a Full Backup once a day, a Differential backup every four hours (except for when the Full Backup is done), and Transaction Log backups every hour (except for when Differentials or the Full Backup is being done).

I ran tests (Profiler, etc) for a couple of weeks to find my slow period. That's when I schedule maintenance and heavy stored-procedures.

Unfortunately for me, I don't have a development/test set-up, so everything I do is on the production cluster (not good, but I'm not in control of the dollars).

I HIGHLY suggest testing taking the system down and rebuilding it before it goes operational. We had a crash last year and because we hadn't set the system up and hadn't been allowed to test it...it took us six days to get it up and running again.

Also, if management wants to put test/pilot stuff on the live system; put it in writing that you feel it's not a good idea. We found that a pilot project's software tied in tightly with the operating system and the database. We had real problems with removing it when management decided they didn't want it. Guess who management tried to blame when we told them we would have to take the cluster down and rebuild SQL Server because of the pilot project's software. Luckily we had it in writing that it was managements idea in the first place and that we advised against it.

-SQLBill

 

[JayKusch]

Great Info! I shall take note on your points provided.

I am also still looking for more or less, some info in maybe a whitepaper format from larger companies.

Do you know off hand of any Fortune 500, per say, companies that are rolling out SS2K projects?


Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[SQLBill]

No I don't. Best of luck...you might try some other sites like SQLSERVERCENTRAL.COM.

-SQLBill