SQL server in virtual server

  • Is there any permance issue running a sql server in virtual server rather than physical server if both the server have same configurations?

    Ryan
    //All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them//

  • There will always be an overhead of some kind. How much depends on the setup of the VM infrastructure and whether it's running on virtualisation-aware hardware or not.

    There are some other considerations for running SQL Servers on virtual infrastructure including how backups are managed (VM snapshots/hot backups do not count as backups of the SQL Server databases) and how performance issues are investigated - as a DBA, you can't just investigate within the VM's silo, you have to have co-operation with the infrastructure team that manages the VM's as well.

  • HowardW (5/4/2011)


    There will always be an overhead of some kind. How much depends on the setup of the VM infrastructure and whether it's running on virtualisation-aware hardware or not.

    There are some other considerations for running SQL Servers on virtual infrastructure including how backups are managed (VM snapshots/hot backups do not count as backups of the SQL Server databases) and how performance issues are investigated - as a DBA, you can't just investigate within the VM's silo, you have to have co-operation with the infrastructure team that manages the VM's as well.

    Howard is quite right.

    Just like when you run SQL on physical hardware, you need to consider what external factors will impact how it operates. Also, how is the storage going to be configured, etc.

    Keep in mind that when running in a Virtual Environment that you are typically sharing your hardware with multiple other VM Guests. Make sure that your Database Server's Priority is set at the correct level and that the Host resources have not been over dedicated.

    Performance lags on a database running on virtual hardware can be caused by many factors, but many are going to be quick to simply blame the fact that it is virtual. While that is a major part of it, it is not the only factor.

    Best of luck to you!

    Regards, Irish 

  • This is slightly off-topic, but you may also want to consider simply using instancing if you're unsure of going with a VM environment. Lately I've come across many clients who have a VM host that is running multiple VM's on it that are all different database servers. Similar (not the same) functionality can be handled this way by just creating instances on one powerful machine.

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