Database Reference
In-Depth Information
We have been on many database virtualization initiatives over the years.
We have seen plenty of DBAs start the process kicking and screaming,
hugging their physical servers not wanting to let them go. However, when
management states the direction is to virtualize SQL and they are part of a
successful project, it is fun to watch their attitudes change. (We
might
need
to get out more often.)
Mutual Understanding
For the VMware administrators out there, please take off your shoes and hand them to
the DBAs. DBAs, please take off your shoes and hand them to the VMware admins.
Now, let's walk a bit in each other's shoes. Based on our combined years of experience
working with VMware administrators and DBAs (and, yes, this is a generalization), we
have found it is not always the fear of virtualization that prevents database
virtualization; instead, it is the unknown, a lack of knowledge by both sides of each
other's world that stalls this initiative. In addition, most vSphere administrators do not
understand what it takes to manage and maintain a production database that holds more
than application configuration information.
When we look at virtualization through the eyes of a DBA, their view can be summed up
in one word:
shared
. DBAs have spent hours designing, sizing, and optimizing a
database for a dedicated environment, and now the virtualization team is asking them to
move it from their dedicated environment to a shared environment. The fact that their
SQL virtual machine will be sharing the resources of the physical host with other guest
operating systems causes grave concerns and raises anxiety to unprecedented levels.
So how do we lower these anxiety levels and address these concerns? In a word,
education
. Education of both the DBA and the vSphere administrator is a necessity. The
DBAs need to be educated as to the benefits of virtualization, how virtualization works,
and the best practices, management, and troubleshooting of a virtualized database
environment. Once DBAs better understand the virtual environment, they are able to
communicate with their coworkers in an effective manner.
We have spoken with many DBAs, and many of them understand that virtualization is a
train that is coming and that they are staring down the tracks at its headlamp. They want
to get on board and begin the process of virtualizing their databases, but they just don't
know how or where to get started. They do not know what they do not know. Lack of
knowledge creates fear, and it is this fear that causes angst and opposition in meetings.
It is through education that we are able to reduce this angst and make progress on
providing the best infrastructure on which to run a database.
For the VMware administrators, it is all about taking a breath and understanding that
although the virtualization journey has been successful so far (let's face it, you are
