Optimal databse with Microsoft
Microsoft SQL Cluster project’s purpose is to implement a two-node SQL Cluster to increase the availability of SQL databases. SQL Databases use Microsoft SQL Cluster systems for data, storage, and management to ensure smooth operation of business processes. High-availability clusters use sophisticated technology that allows databases to operate continuously, even in extraordinary situations. Whether it’s a simple Failover Cluster Instance or the benefits of Always On Availability Groups, our solutions prepare the SQL Service for continuous operation, even if a SQL Database is running in a virtual machine on a Hyper-V cluster, in which case the operation of the database service is guaranteed during a server upgrade or reboot.
Microsoft SQL Cluster project implementation approach:
Already in the analysis phase, we select the necessary functional and cluster type (Always-On Availability Groups, Big Data Clusters, SQL Server Failover Cluster Instances (FCI), SQL Server on Kubernetes, or even SQL Server / Database in Azure). Based on the chosen, the detailed prerequisites and required licenses will be assessed during the project’s analysis phase. Our plan is to build the SQL cluster on two virtual servers running on a Hyper-V Cluster and use Hyper-V storage to store SQL Cluster data.
The first step is to design and build RAID arrays on the existing data storage that will host the SQL Databases (RAID 6 and RAID 10 are recommended for databases). We build and configure Windows Cluster Manager, install SQL Servers, and build the cluster. As a test, we create a database with several clients and test the entire cluster operation. During the project, we create/build one database the business application needs and test the cluster’s functionality.
We set the Microsoft SQL Server witness feature if the selected feature is Always On Availability Groups. The function of the witness server is to monitor votes between servers participating in the system, and it plays a crucial role in the system’s stability. When there is a problem between the primary and secondary replicas, the witness server plays a critical role in failover operations. Typically, the witness server communicates with the primary and secondary servers over the network connections included in the configuration and monitors their status. The witness server is required only if there are paired master and secondary replicas in the Always On Availability Groups configuration. If only one secondary replica is present, then the witness server is not required for the system.
If you need cluster nodes in different sites/data centers, see the Global SQL Server Klaster Implementation project, as this project aims to create a global, redundant, and highly available Microsoft SQL Server cluster.
Microsoft SQL Cluster project implementation in-scope activities:
Preparation the design: type of cluster, choosen functions, network connections
Configuring RAID arrays and LUNs
Set up a Windows Server cluster manager and create a cluster
Install SQL Servers
Feature enablement and configuration
Testing
Creation of one database for business application
Microsoft SQL Cluster project needed hardware and software:
- Depending on the requirements, 2 Microsoft SQL Server Standard or Enterprise licenses.
Microsoft SQL Cluster project pre-requirements:
- Providing two virtual servers running Windows Server 2022 activated and AD joined (in the analysis phase, we will define exactly what servers are needed)
- Network configuration for both LAN and cluster connectivity
- Free storage space on Hyper-V data storage where databases will be stored
- Permission to install and configure the cluster
- AD User accounts for the SQL Service account (will be detailed during the analysis phase of the project)