This technical note describes the consolidation options, considerations, and best practices for Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Analysis Services that the SQL CAT team has derived from working with Analysis Services customers. In this technical note, we also discuss an Analysis Services load balancer solution that one of our internal customers uses to load balance queries from Microsoft Excel® and SQL Server Reporting Services clients across multiple query servers to increase query performance and provide availability.  Read more...

Virtualization is touted as a great way to save money, but it's a one time event. Once you've consolidated a server, you can't do it again. However consolidation isn't necessarily the same and Steve Jones tells us why.  Read more...

Virtualization is touted as a great way to save money, but it's a one time event. Once you've consolidated a server, you can't do it again. However consolidation isn't necessarily the same and Steve Jones tells us why.  Read more...

Virtualization is touted as a great way to save money, but it's a one time event. Once you've consolidated a server, you can't do it again. However consolidation isn't necessarily the same and Steve Jones tells us why.  Read more...

Virtualization is touted as a great way to save money, but it's a one time event. Once you've consolidated a server, you can't do it again. However consolidation isn't necessarily the same and Steve Jones tells us why.  Read more...

In the crusade to cut expenses, Data Centres (and IT Infrastructure) are now coming under scrutiny as a possible source of savings. Half-informed executives now rally behind the cry of "Virtualization!", but virtualization is only part of the story - The tip of the consolidation iceberg - and it might not actually save you as much as you think. Thomas LaRock takes us deeper.  Read more...

Learn about the advantages available for SQL Server consolidation and virtualization when running SQL Server 2008 on Microsoft Hyper-V for Windows 2008.  Read more...

Despite the benefits of SQL Server consolidation, some IT pros are still reluctant to make the move. Learn which scenarios could pose a challenge to those looking to consolidate.  Read more...

Learn about the benefits of SQL Server 2008 consolidation on Windows 2008, with details on the different consolidation strategies available to organizations.  Read more...

SQL Server consolidation benefits are high availability and lower licensing costs. Here's what to expect for hardware needs, system monitoring and SQL licensing.  Read more...