SQL Server and Virtualization - can we help?

 

Just discovered whilst at TechEd that Microsoft policies for SQL Server products that are running in a hardware virtualization environment are not much known as yet to the majority of the public.

 

Therefore the PFE in me :-) wants to be sure that when you opt for virtualization you are in a safe position to receive support from myself, my PFE colleagues or from GTSCs when things go wrong.

 

So, here's the deal:

 

Microsoft provides technical support for SQL Server 2005 and for SQL Server 2008 that are running in the following hardware virtualization environments:

 

Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V

Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008

Configurations that are certified through the Server Virtualization Validation Program (SVVP).

 

KB article https://support.microsoft.com/?id=956893 has been updated as the single resource to obtain information on support policies for SQL Server running in a hardware virtualization environment.

 

If you are looking to take advantage of virtualization, here are some must read articles you should look at:

 

WHITEPAPER: Running SQL Server 2008 in a Hyper-V Environment - Best Practices and Performance Recommendations

https://sqlcat.com/whitepapers/archive/2008/10/03/running-sql-server-2008-in-a-hyper-v-environment-best-practices-and-performance-recommendations.aspx

 

By the way, this is the blog from the SQL Cat team. One of my favorite RSS feeds on SQL ever!

 

Licencing - Virtualization and Multi-Instancing

https://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2005/en/us/special-considerations.aspx#Virtualization

 

Migrating a virtual machine from Virtual PC to Hyper-V

https://blogs.technet.com/andrew/archive/2008/06/30/migrating-a-virtual-machine-from-virtual-pc-to-hyper-v.aspx

 

- Beatrice Nicolini -