VM /ETC

Posts Tagged ‘sql 2005 express’

Every once in a while I end up installing a standalone instance of SQL 2005 Express. It could be for the back end database of a virtualized vCenter or a separated instance of VMware Update Manager (VUM). In the past I have wasted time waiting to download the .NET Framework, SQL 2005 Express, and the SQL Native Client from the web, but I recently explored the vCenter 4 install DVD and discovered those components are all already there on the media! I knew all of these were automatically called by the vCenter installer, but I had no idea I could easily invoke these pieces independently and therefore eliminate the downloads.

Here is an overview for installing a standalone instance of SQL 2005 Express using the vCenter media with some screen shots. I also briefly mention using the free SQL Server Management Studio Express edition to easily create multiple databases, logins, and permissions. Finally I skim through enabling remote connections and creating ODBC connections for the vCenter and / or VUM installation. Read the rest of this entry »

My recent post Why not VirtualCenter with SQL 2005 Express? explored the possible reasons for and against small and medium businesses (SMB) using the default, free database with VirtualCenter. But what happens if your virtual infrastructure implementation grows beyond 5 hosts and 50 virtual machines (VM), or what if you are close to the SQL 2005 Express database size limit of 4 GB? When it’s time to upgrade to a licensed version of SQL 2005 you can upgrade your VirtualCenter SQL 2005 Express database instance in place.

What happens when I outgrow SQL Express for Virtual Center? is a post from the VMGuy Blog by Dave Lawrence that provides the simple instructions to perform the upgrade in place. Read dave’s entire post, but here is a cut and paste of the VMGuy’s recommended upgrade steps. Read the rest of this entry »

As of VirtualCenter 2.5 (VC) MSDE was replaced by SQL 2005 Express as the default installation database. This post explores the idea of running small and medium business (SMB) VMware virtual infrastructure (VI) environments with the free SQL 2005 Express version instead of  a fully licensed instance of SQL 2005/2000.

To start with VMware’s VI3.5 and VC2.5 Installation Guide states:

The Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express database package is installed and configured when you select Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express as your database during VirtualCenter installation or upgrade. This is shown in Installing VMware Infrastructure Management Software. No additional configuration is required.

If Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express is already installed, review the required database patches specified in Table 2-1. If you do not prepare your database correctly, the VirtualCenter installer might display error and warning messages.See www.microsoft.com/sql/editions/express/default.mspx.

Note: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express is intended to be used for small deployments of up to 5 hosts and 50 virtual machines.

5 ESX hosts and 50 VMs is definitely enough support for most small business deployments. Frankly, with modern hardware pricing the 50 VM limit will be reached before ever deploying 5 ESX hosts. 16 guests on a host is a common scenario these days which, if you do the math, creates a 3 host ESX Cluster.

So why would a company that does not expect to grow it’s number of VMs beyond 50 not use SQL 2005 Express? Here’s the 2 best reasons I could think of, and then a counter argument for each. Read the rest of this entry »