Key Storage Considerations to Keep in Mind during a SQL Server Setup

In this article we look at certain storage considerations (disk drives) that one needs to keep in mind while implement a SQL Server instance

It is difficult to reach to a decision when it comes to how many disk drives are to be purchased for installing a new SQL Server instance. The need is often dictated by business requirements along with the need for redundancy and business continuity.  This is also an issue of storage space and capacity. One would also have to keep in mind the processing power available and system memory too. So if you are looking to make a judicious storage decision, read on.

For Mid sized firms

1. One should first determine as to what is the amount of data that one is supposed to store. And accordingly, we can buy a set of disk drives. Whether you need 1, 2, 3 or 4, all depends upon your requirements.

2. Generally, the data is stored in more than one disk drive which ensures data security. It also promotes recovery of data in case of any loss or hardware malfunction.

3. It is advised that the disk must have adequate redundancy. This ensures to the user that the disk has some amount of tolerance for faults. It should be supportive. In other words, these disks must allow the SQL Server component of the framework to fulfill the business needs, in an appropriate manner.

4. Implement a RAID system in place. RAID stands for redundant array of inexpensive disks; it is a technology developed for maintaining records of data. It varies according to storage capacities. It is a single unit. It constitutes of a collection of multiple single disk drives. It helps in improving capacity building and also uplifts performance levels.

5. There are different RAID configurations one can opt for. The ideal scenario involves RAID 5 implementation which allows for distributed parity. It largely can arrest data loss and also improves read performance. At the very minimum three hard disks are needed for implementation and is ideally advised for most implementations where business data is stored regularly.

For Small Businesses

In case of small business, one need to consider that procuring several hard disks at one go may not be a viable option. One can however still opt for a RAID 1 implementation using 2 hard disks which will go a long way in mitigating the chances of a failed server.

Even after implementing a RAID solution, you should keep a SQL recovery application handy

While there is no doubt that a RAID solution reduces the chances of data loss and allows for business continuity, it is not completely foolproof. To absolutely ensure zero data loss keep a sql server recovery tool like DataNumen SQL Recovery application handy. This tool can extract all the records from a compromised SQL file while maintaining complete data integrity. Moreover it has the knack of handling an array of different storage media type and can also handles humungous SQL files running into several terra bytes.

Author Introduction:

Alan Chen is President & Chairman of DataNumen, Inc., which is the world leader in data recovery technologies, including access recovery and sql recovery software products. For more information visit https://www.datanumen.com/