A common topic for questions on SQL Server forums is how to plan and implement upgrades to SQL Server. Moving from old to new hardware or moving from one version of SQL Server to another. There are other circumstances where upgrades of other systems affect SQL Server DBAs.  Read more...

Having finally got around to upgrading my custom components to SQL Server 2012, I thought I’d share some notes on the process. One of the goals was minimal duplication, so the same code files are used to build the 2008 and 2012 components, I just have a separate project file.   Read more...

This article describes my experience in upgrading a four node cluster with three active instances to SQL 2008  Read more...

This article describes my experience in upgrading a four node cluster with three active instances to SQL 2008  Read more...

If you make the decision to upgrade to 2008, there are a number of tools that make the process easier, but you still need to understand what things you should consider. We have a new article from Arshad Ali to help you understand the process and what you should consider.  Read more...

You're faced with the task of doing a SQL Server Upgrade? Do you know all the steps, and the right order to do them? You do? Even with interruptions and distractions? Maybe, but it is wise to be able to refer to the Mission-Critical Task checklist.  Read more...

Performing an upgrade is a complex and often risky project. A successful upgrade can provide an organization with a modern platform for development and production. An unsuccessful upgrade can cause lost time and money, and it can create a bad perception for the future. This paper documents approaches and tools that can help DBAs and developers to achieve successful and mostly painless upgrade of SQL Server databases from Microsoft® SQL Server® 2000 or SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 (or SQL Server 2008 R2).  Read more...

New author Nigel Maneffa brings us a look at SQL Server 2008 and its new features, trying to decide if it's worth the upgrade.  Read more...

Preparation for upgrading SQL Server 2005 production database servers to SQL Server 2008, I tested upgrade in dev/test env.  Read more...

When you upgrade to a new server, there's more than just making sure that everything is ready to move, but do you clean house? Do you ever go back and ensure you're not moving things that you don't need?  Read more...

When you upgrade to a new server, there's more than just making sure that everything is ready to move, but do you clean house? Do you ever go back and ensure you're not moving things that you don't need?  Read more...

When you upgrade to a new server, there's more than just making sure that everything is ready to move, but do you clean house? Do you ever go back and ensure you're not moving things that you don't need?  Read more...

When you upgrade to a new server, there's more than just making sure that everything is ready to move, but do you clean house? Do you ever go back and ensure you're not moving things that you don't need?  Read more...

Use these resources as aids in upgrading to SQL Server 2008. These references are from the downloadable white paper:  Read more...

Learn how to minimize downtime while moving databases using Backup/Restore in SQL Server.  Read more...

This article enables DBAs to efficiently upgrade servers by assembling an upgrade team, using an upgrade template, and communicating effectively.  Read more...

Learn how application and full regression testing can ensure a successful SQL Server upgrade – and save on money and performance headaches.  Read more...

While SQL Server 2008 offers several new benefits for organizations, the trick is figuring out if those performance and availability advantages are truly worth the upgrade.  Read more...

If you make the decision to upgrade to 2008, there are a number of tools that make the process easier, but you still need to understand what things you should consider. We have a new article from Arshad Ali to help you understand the process and what you should consider.  Read more...

After you complete an upgrade to SQL Server 2008, Brian Knight goes over some things you might want to do first.  Read more...