SQL Server 2012 Infrastructure Best Practice

Hi,
I would welcome some pointers (direct advice or pointers to good web sites) on setting up a hosted infrastructure for SQL Server 2012. I am limited to using VMs on a hosted site. I currently have a single 2012 instance with DB, SSIS, SSAS on the same server.
I currently RDP onto another server which holds the BI Tools (VS2012, SSMS, TFS etc), and from here I can create projects and connect to SQL Server.
Up to now, I have been heavily restricted by the (shared tenancy) host environment due to security issues, and have had to use various local accounts on each server. I need to put forward a preferred environment that we can strive towards, which is relatively
scalable and allows me to separate Dev/Test/Live operations and utilise Windows Authentication throughout.
Any help in creating a straw man would be appreciated.
Some of the things I have been thinking through are:
1. Separate server for Live Database, and another server for Dev/Test databases
2. Separate server for SSIS (for all 3 environments)
3. Separate server for SSAS (not currently using cubes, but this is a future requirement. Perhaps do not need dedicated server?)
4. Separate server for Development (holding VS2012, TFS2012,SSMS etc). Is it worth having local SQL Server DB on this machine. I was unsure where SQL Server Agent Jobs are best run from i.e. from Live Db only, from another SQL Server Instance, or to
utilise SQL ServerAgent on all (Live, Test and Dev) SQL Server DB instances. Running from one place would allow me to have everything executable from one place, with centralised package reporting etc. I would also benefit from some license cost
reductions (Kingsway tools)
5. Separate server to hold SSRS, Tableau Server and SharePoint?
6. Separate Terminal Server or integrated onto Development Server?
7. I need server to hold file (import and extract) folders for use by SSIS packages which will be accessible by different users
I know (and apologise that) I have given little info about the requirement. I have an opportunity to put forward my requirement for x months into the future, and there is a mass of info out there which is not distilled in a way I can utilise. It would
be helpful to know what I should aim for, in terms of separate servers for the different services and/or environments (Live/Test/Live), and specifically best practice for where SQL Server Agent jobs should be run from , and perhaps a little info on how to
best control deployment/change control . (Note my main interest is not in application development, it is in setting up packages to load/refresh data marts fro reporting purposes).
Many thanks,
Ken

Hello,
On all cases, consider that having a separate server may increase licensing or hosting costs.
Please allow to recommend you Windows Azure for cloud services.
Answers.
This is always a best practice.
Having SSIS on a separate server allows you isolate import/export packages, but may increase network traffic between servers. I don’t know if your provider charges
money for incoming traffic or outgoing traffic.
SSAS on a separate server certainly a best practice too.
It contributes to better performance and scalability.
SQL Server Developer Edition cost about $50 dollars only. Are you talking about centralizing job scheduling on an on-premises computer than having jobs enable on a
cloud service? Consider PowerShell to automate tasks.
If you will use Reporting Services on SharePoint integrated mode you should install Reporting Services on the same server where SharePoint is located.
SQL Server can coexist with Terminal Services with the exception of clustered environments.
SSIS packages may be competing with users for accessing to files. Maybe copying them to a disk resource available for the SSIS server may be a better solution.
A few more things to consider:
Performance storage subsystem on the cloud service.
How Many cores? How much RAM?
Creating a Domain Controller or using active directory services.
These resources may be useful.
http://www.iis.net/learn/web-hosting/configuring-servers-in-the-windows-web-platform/sql-2008-for-hosters
http://azure.microsoft.com/blog/2013/02/14/choosing-between-sql-server-in-windows-azure-vm-windows-azure-sql-database/
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Alberto Morillo
SQLCoffee.com

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SQL Server installation paths best practices

In my company we're planning to setup a new (consolidated) SQL Server 2012 server (on Windows 2012 R2, VMWare). Current situation is there is a SQL Server 2000, a few SQL Server 2008 Express and a lot of Access databases. For the installation I'm wondering
what the best selections for the various installation paths are. Our infra colleagues (offshore) have the following standard partition setup for SQL Server servers:
C:\ OS
E:\ Application
L:\ Logs
S:\ DB
T:\ TEMPDB
And during the installation I have to make a choice for the following
Shared feature directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\
Shared feature directory (x86): x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\
Instance root directory (SQL Server, Analysis Services, Reporting Services): x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\
Database Engine Configuration Data Directories:
Data root directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\
User database directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.x\MSSQL\...
User database log directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.x\MSSQL\...
Temp DB directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.x\MSSQL\...
Temp DB log directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.x\MSSQL\...
Backup directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.x\MSSQL\...
Analysis Services Configuration Data Directories:
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User database log directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.x\MSSQL\...
Temp DB directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.x\MSSQL\...
Temp DB log directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.x\MSSQL\...
Backup directory: x:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.x\MSSQL\...
Distributed Replay Client:
Working Directory: x:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\DReplayClient\WorkingDir\
Result Directory: x:\Program Files (86)\Microsoft SQL Server\DReplayClient\ResultDir\
So I'd like some on assistance on the filling in the x drive letters. I understand it's best practice to seperate the data files and the logs files. But should that also be the case for TempDB? And should both the database and tempdb log files go to the
same log paritition then? What about the backup directories? Any input is very much appreciated!
Btw, I followed the http://www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/basits-sql-server-tips/2012/06/23/sql-server-2012-installation-guide/ guide for the installation (Test server now).

You can place all installation libraries on E:\ Drive.
>>So I'd like some on assistance on the filling in the x drive letters. I understand it's best practice
to seperate the data files and the logs files. But should that also be the case for TempDB? And should both the database and tempdb log files go to the same log paritition then? What about the backup directories? Any input is very much appreciated!
You can place tempdb data files on T drive and I prefer to place tempdb log and user database log file
on the same drive i.e is L:\ Drive.
>>Backup directories
If you are not using any third party tool then i would prefer to create separate drive for backup.
Refer the below link for further reading
http://www.brentozar.com/archive/2009/02/when-should-you-put-data-and-logs-on-the-same-drive/
--Prashanth

SQL Server 2012 - Wat Is The Best Solution For Creating a Read Only Replicated/AlwaysOn Database

Hi there I was wondering if someone may have a best recommendation for the following requirement I have with regards setting up a third database server for reporting?
Current Setup
SQL Server 2012 Enterprise setup at two sites (Site A & Site B).
Configured to use AlwaysOn Availability groups for HA and DR.
Installed on Windows 2012 Servers.
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C reporting database should be as up-to-date to the Site A or Site B database as possible – preferably within a few seconds anyway….
Solution - What I believe are available to me
I believe I can use AlwaysOn and create a ReadOnly replica for the Site C. If so do I assume Site C needs to have the Enterprise version of SQL server i.e. to match Site A & Site B?
Using log shipping which if I am correct means the Site C does not need to be an Enterprise version.
Any help on the best solution for this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Steve

for always on - all nodes should be part of one windows cluster..if there site C is on different domain - I do not think it works.
Logshipping works --as long as the sql on site C is is same or higher version(sql 2012 or above). you can only do read only.
IMHo, if you can make site C in the same domain then, Always is better solution else log shipping
also, if your database has enterprise level features such as - partitonin, data compression -- you cannot restore the database on lower editions- so you need to have enterprise edition.
Hope it Helps!!

In sql server 2012 or 2014 which one is best for production enviornment

Dear All,
right now we are using sql server 2008 r2 we want to upgrade our production servers to latest versions.
i wnat to know which one is best in sql server 2012 & 2014.
Thanks in Advance!!!

Dear All,
right now we are using sql server 2008 r2 we want to upgrade our production servers to latest versions.
i wnat to know which one is best in sql server 2012 & 2014.
Thanks in Advance!!!
I will not qualify it as best. Best depends on your requirement. 2008 r2 is much cheaper than SS2012 and SS2014. First make sure what all features you need in your new environment. Please read below link for features supported by various editions of SQL
server
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc645993.aspx
If you think 2012/2014 fits in your requirement well then go ahead.
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My TechNet Wiki Articles

Which version of sql server 2012 or 2014 is best for sharepoint 2013.. Any excellent comparision available please let me know..

Which version of sql server 2012 or 2014 is best for sharepoint 2013.. Any excellent comparision available please let me know..i mean enterprise version BI version or standard version.. i just need a detailed comparison if available please thank you

As of right this very second, SQL Server 2014 is not supported. SharePoint 2013 supports:
One of the following:
The 64-bit edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2012.
The 64-bit edition of SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1
Hardware and software requirements for SharePoint 2013
Edit: I may be mistaken. It looks like the April 2014 CU adds support for SQL Server 2014. If this is the case generally going with the latest SQL Edition provides you with the latest SQL functionality. I'm not aware of any SharePoint features that would
make use of functionality that is new to SQL Server 2014 but this could change with a future service pack.
Jason Warren
@jaspnwarren
jasonwarren.ca
habaneroconsulting.com/Insights

Best procedure to downgrade a SQL Server 2012 SP2 installation from Enterprise edition to Standard edition

Hi,
following a purpose change for a database server, I need to downgrade the SQL Server 2012 SP 2 installation from Enterprise to Standard edition.
Does it exist the best procedure to do it in a secure manner with a low impact?
Many thanks

Please note that while you are downgrading by uninstalling and reinstalling and then restoring backup taken from 2012 enterprise to standard , if backup contains data about used enterprise features you would not be able to restore the backup so BE
CAREFUL.
You should , if possible, get a new box install SQL Server standard and try restoring backup if it fails disable enterprise features and again take backup and then you would be able to restore.
Please mark this reply as answer if it solved your issue or vote as helpful if it helped so that other forum members can benefit from it
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MVP

SQL Server 2012 Multi-Site clustering with 2 nodes for HA and DR

Usually we setup 2 Node Prod cluster for Local HA and 1 or 2 Nodes in other data centre for DR
Given that we have an option to setup multi-site / multi-subnet clustering from SQL 2008 R2/2012. I am planning to use just 2 nodes, 1 in prod data centre and 1 in DR data centre with 2 or 3 instances. This will act as both HA and DR solution.
I would like to know if this solution is good, and any disadvantages, any best practices, etc.? By implementing this I can save some cost on physical servers.
Following will be configured:
* Will be using different subnets, quorum on different server with "Node and File Share Majority"
* All virtual IPs will be registered for virtual name, and Subnetdelay, Subnet threshold will be modified accordingly
* All nodes on same domain
* Use SAN Disk with replication to DR site

SQL 2008 R2 doesn't support multi-subnet clustering. You would still need 3rd party component like VLAN and Disk Replication. SQL 2012 is the first version to support multi-subnet clustering without using VLAN. you would still need disk replication hardware/software.
Taken from my book
Since nodes are often located in two different data centers at geographically dispersed locations, there is no shared storage between the nodes in a multi-site cluster. Clustering across two different data centers provides a higher level of availability and
protection at the storage level as we have more than a single copy of the data.
For SAN replication technology implemented in such clusters, the main activity is to keep data replicated between the sites. Typically, if we have nodes on two different sites, we would have two different network infrastructures and the nodes would be in
different subnets. In such cases, if we are on a SQL Server version before 2012, we need to use third party VLAN (Virtual LAN) technology so that one IP address travels between two sites. This is called wide-IP. Companies hesitate with this solution because
of the need to buy a third party solution to deploy the VLAN. Using VLAN technology means the same IP address would failover to the remote site in case of a local site disaster. Network administration might consider this as an overhead to maintenance and an
extra piece of the networking component that needs to be secure.
With SQL Server 2012 we do not need to use stretch VLAN technology but SAN replication is still needed for multi-site clustering. The OS version for this can be from Windows Server 2008 R2 and above. In this deployment, we can have a SQL virtual network
name having an “OR” dependency on two different IP addresses. One address would be representing each subnet. With the “OR” dependency, if IP1 or IP2 is online we just use the network name. This is one of the Enterprise Editions only features.
Other option which you can think of, without using 3rd party solutions would be AlwaysOn Availability Group. I have written details about it in my book.
Balmukund Lakhani | Please mark solved if I've answered your question, vote for it as helpful to help other users find a solution quicker
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
My Blog |
Team Blog | @Twitter
Author: SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn -
Paperback, Kindle

SQL Server 2012 SP2 NTService Accounts Access Denied starting services

We have an SQL Server 2012 SP1 which was running perfectly until we applied the SQL Server 2012 SP2.
After SP2 was installed and the server rebooted all the associated SQL services that uses NTService\xxxxxxx accounts failed to start with Error 5: Access Denied.
We were able to change the services to Local System account but I just want to understand why this occurred and is this ok?
Has anyone had a similar issue or can anyone assist with an explanation?

Hi Giulio,
Based on your description, I tested the scenario as yours. After applying SQL Server 2012 SP2, I reboot the server , then restart all the associated SQL Server services that use NT SERVICE\<SERVICENAME> accounts successfully.
According to the error message, it might be caused by that NT SERVICE\<SERVICENAME> accounts don’t have sufficient permissions to access the SQL Server services installation folders. You can post detailed information in the SQL Server Errorlog file
for analysis.
In addition, Local System is a very high-privileged built-in account. It has extensive privileges on the local system and acts as the computer on the network. And it is not recommend to use local system account for running SQL Server services. For more details
about configuring SQL Server Service accounts, you can review the following links.
Configure Windows Service Accounts and Permissions:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/EN-US/library/ms143504.aspx#Windows
Best Practices For Using SQL Server Service Accounts:
http://blogs.technet.com/b/canitpro/archive/2012/02/08/the-sql-guy-post-15-best-practices-for-using-sql-server-service-accounts.aspx
Thanks,
Lydia Zhang

Using SQL Server 2012 SSIS to Extract Data From SAP

Hi
What is the current best practice for using SQL Server 2012 SSIS to extract data from SAP R3? Please note we are looking for a solution that does not use SAP BW or SAP OHS.
Ideally we would like to build our ETL SSIS process to make a .NET call to an SAP RFC procedure and avoid using web services.
With SS2012 can we use any of these without using SAP BW:
- SAP .NET Connector
- MS ADO .NET
- BizTalk .NET 3.0 Adapter
Thanks and take care,
Shayne

Hi Shayne,
You can use the .NET Framework Data Provider for mySAP Business Suite along with SQL Server Integration Service (SSIS) to import data from an SAP system into SQL Server database tables, flat files, or other compatible destination types. You can create an SSIS
package that can be executed to import data from an SAP system.
You must use the SQL Server Import and Export wizard to import data into the SQL Server database. You must provide a select query to specify data to be imported. The query must confirm to the semantics supported by the Data Provider for SAP. You can start the
SQL Server Import Export Wizard either from the SQL Server Management Studio or from an Integration Service project in Visual Studio. Detail steps please see:
Importing SAP Data Using SQL Server Management Studio:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc185161(v=bts.10).aspx
Importing SAP Data Using Visual Studio:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc185254(v=bts.10).aspx
Please feel free to ask if you have any question.
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Eileen
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Sql Server 2012 Clustering ?

Dear Friends, I want to configure clustering for SQL Server 2012 on windows 2008 R2 Sp2. I have two big questions:
1) Domain controller configuration is mandatory for SQL Server clustering?
2) Please share any link "if possible share best one"
Hopes you will support.
Regards
Irfan Ahmad

Hi Irfan_Lhr,
You post same question 3 times.Please avoid this practice on Forum, I have merged the same threads .
When you setup VM/host for cluster, you require installing Windows Operating System in nodes and Domain Controller. And domain controller is necessary because of domain environment. About SQL Server clustering, for setting up domain environment, you should
do the following things.
•Installing Active Directory on Domain Controller;
•Setting up DNS Server;
•Joining Cluster Nodes in Domain Environment.
You also need to note if there are no pre-existing Active Directory when you can deploy cluster nodes in an environment, there is detail about
how to configure at least one of the cluster nodes as a domain controller.
There is videos about setting up SQL Server 2008 cluster on Windows 2008, you can review them.
http://www.sqlserver-training.com/sql-server-2008-clustering-on-windows-2008-video-2/-
Regards,
Sofiya Li
Sofiya Li
TechNet Community Support

SQL Server 2012- Memory Leak Issue

Team,
We are running a Mission Critical Application on SQL Server 2012 SP2(11.0.5058) which is configured on Always ON Synchronous mode. Offlate due to heavy development work, Application team have come up with stating memory issues. I have analysed all the areas
and everything looks normal. Please suggest if we have to patch the latest CU4 for SQL Server 2012 SP2.
The checks were performed on the below areas:
- Errorlog, System Logs - No errors reported.
- There are close to 8 Databases hosted on the instances which are all configured for AlwaysON. SQL Server is running on VM Infrastructure and the total physical memory allocated is 96GB out of which SQL is capped for 92GB.
-The Page Life Expectancy is healthy and is showing a greater number. There are no Signal waits either or pending memory grants.
- The writes are more than reads for one of the databases which is flagged with application team. There are no blockings & Deadlocks.
Please suggest me the future course of action and your inputs are much appreciated.
Best Regards,
Sharath

Actual issue is- Application team have reported a memory leak and their builds have significantly slowed down. They suspect that its Database memory leak. However I have verified from database end and gave the above inputs.
The AOAGs are good. I was looking for any pointers whether there are any bugs which is related to memory leaks in SQL Server 2012. I know all of them are addressed with SQL Server 2012 SP2.
Application team has NO idea about SQL Server do they ? And to say SQL Server has memory leak you have to actually prove it did they showed any proof. Its common for application team to say SQL Server is leaking memory because they are unaware about fact
by default SQL Server would take as much memory as possible and would release when SQLOS asks it to do so. This might give sign that it is leaking memory BUT IT IS NOT.
As you already said AOAG is working fine so I am presuming there is nothing much to worry. To monitor memory usage in SQL Server 2012 you can use below counters
SQL Server: Memory Manager-- Target Server Memory (KB)
SQL Server: Memory Manager--Total Server Memory (KB)
SQL Server: Memory Manager- Free Memory (KB)
SQL Server: Memory Manager--Database Cache Memory (KB)
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MVP

Sql server 2012 evaluation edition expired

Hi Gurus,
sql server 2012 evaluation edition expired,
Here i don't have any backups and when i browsed few blogs suggest to upgrade to another edition from Evaluation edition.
1)Do upgrading the edition keeps all the user databases the same and how about the logins and jobs and other data in system databases.
2) Am having a developer edition 2012 can i attach the data files ( .mdf ) to the instance using attach database method from Evaluation Edition Instance 2012 to Developer Edition 2012.
3)If i uninstall the Evaluation edition 2012 can i have any loss of data.
4)Please suggest me the best practice if any thing available.
Thanks in advance..

Hi Gurus,
sql server 2012 evaluation edition expired,
Here i don't have any backups and when i browsed few blogs suggest to upgrade to another edition from Evaluation edition.
1)Do upgrading the edition keeps all the user databases the same and how about the logins and jobs and other data in system databases.
2) Am having a developer edition 2012 can i attach the data files ( .mdf ) to the instance using attach database method from Evaluation Edition Instance 2012 to Developer Edition 2012.
3)If i uninstall the Evaluation edition 2012 can i have any loss of data.
4)Please suggest me the best practice if any thing available.
Thanks in advance..
Lets take your question point wise
1. In place upgrade will take care of all Logins,jobs and other objects. But before running inplace upgrade its advisable to run SQL Server upgrade advisor
2. Yes you can do it perfectly. As Erland said this will not transfer logins and you might have
orphaned users
3. Since Eval edition has expired and if you uninstall it you might loose all data. This is not a correct approach please either do an in place upgrade to licensed version( like developer edition) or first install developer edition and move database by backup
restore or attach detach method. I would say to use inplace upgrade.
4 Best practice would be to do an inplace upgrade. Since Developer edition is same as enterprise and Evaluation edition you dont need to worry about features. Just run the Developer edition setup by running setup.exe file and then select maintenance on window
which pops up in maintenance select edition upgrade and then follow the process to upgrade evaluation to developer edition. Below link would help
http://www.sqlcoffee.com/Troubleshooting073.htm
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SQL Server 2012 SP2

Hi,
What is the best practice to install SQL Server 2012 SP2. Do I have to shutdown db for this?
Regards

Hi,
What is the best practice to install SQL Server 2012 SP2. Do I have to shutdown db for this?
Regards
Please read below article. Please note below article is for standalone instance of SQL Server. You dont need to shutdown SQL Server instance before applying SP2
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/25632.how-to-install-sql-server-2012-sp2-on-standalone-sql-server-instance.aspx
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MVP

Do we need to format data and log files with 64k cluster size for sql server 2012?

Do we need to format data and log files with 64k cluster size for sql server 2012?
Does this best practice still applies to sql server 2012 & 2014?

Yes. The extent size of SQL Server data files, and the max log block size have not changed with the new versions, so the guidance should remain the same.
Microsoft SQL Server Storage Engine PM

How to install sp2 for sql server 2012 , where sql server 2012 instnce is installed in cluster mode

Hi Everyone,
I want to install sp2 for sql server 2012, My sql server 2012 instance is installed in cluster mode.
Please suggest the best practice to install sp2 , what are prerequisite and recommendation.
Please share installation guide for sp2 in cluster instance, if any one have.
Thanks All
Aditya

Did you searched a bit before posting question.
Please read
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/958734?wa=wsignin1.0
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/john_daskalakis/archive/2014/09/05/how-to-install-a-service-pack-at-a-sql-server-2012-failover-instance-best-practices.aspx
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/jason_howell/archive/2012/08/28/how-to-patch-sql-server-2012-setup-with-an-updated-setup-package-using-updatesource-to-get-a-smart-setup.aspx
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SQL Server 2012 Infrastructure Best Practice

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