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Cluster Software Requirements

Hi, We are setting up a SQL Cluster (2 Nodes, Active/Passive) to test our application suite. I found lot of information about the hardware requirements online but couldnt figure out the software requirements. Following are my assumptions for the software – The 2 nodes will be identical boxes and will be on MS HCL. Software –
1) Windows 2003 Datacentre or Enterprise Edition for both Nodes, i.e. require 2 licences
2) SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition – 1 Licence as the SQL Server will be installed on the cluster. Another question – Which OS is recommended for SQL Failover Cluster, Datacentre or Enterprise edition? Thanks.

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189910.aspx fyi and corresponding links too. SQL 2005 standard will only support 2 node and OS edition is depends upon your application requirement and its load. Also you can look at the updated books online about the features that are supported by various SQL editions from ms-help://MS.SQLCC.v9/MS.SQLSVR.v9.en/instsql9/html/81f3e917-884a-4cc8-aca2-0a5fea89f355.htm Satya SKJ
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Writer, Contributing Editor & Moderator
http://www.SQL-Server-Performance.Com
This posting is provided AS IS with no rights for the sake of knowledge sharing. Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves or we know where we can find information on it.
Thanks Satya! I had went through that article already. I guess, didnt ask the right question here,
I wanted to know the minimum software requirements in terms of OS and SQL Server Edition Licences (per server) to get a 2 Node SQL Cluster up and running.
Licensing per processor is desirable and as far as operating system is concerned for the maximum advantage you can go with Windows datacenter edition, if not Win2k3 would be sufficient.
Satya SKJ
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Writer, Contributing Editor & Moderator
http://www.SQL-Server-Performance.Com
This posting is provided AS IS with no rights for the sake of knowledge sharing. Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves or we know where we can find information on it.
Thanks again Satya! I am new to clustering and dont kow much about it. What I have read in the past couple of days is that Windows Enterprise or DataCenter are the only 2 versions that support clustering and if I understand correctly you meant Windows 2003 Server Standard edition by Win2K3; little confused??
You might consider that and further info:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsserver/evaluate/family.mspx Satya SKJ
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Writer, Contributing Editor & Moderator
http://www.SQL-Server-Performance.Com
This posting is provided AS IS with no rights for the sake of knowledge sharing. Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves or we know where we can find information on it.
Based on your requirements the minimum software requirements will be SQL Server 2005 "Standard Edition" on Windows 2003 Server "Enterprise Edition" for a Two Node Cluster. Keep in mind that you will be limited to only two nodes so if you are thinkin of expanding you will need to purchase SQL Server 2005 Enterprise which can support up to 8 nodes. Raulie
Thanks Rauile! Another novice question, as I have to submit a price estimate for it. Assuming, my 2 nodes have 2 x Dual Code Xeons processors. I will need MS SQL Server 2005 "Standard" licences for 4 processors, is that correct?
1 Dual Core processor equals 1 SQL Server license in your case you will need to purchase only One 2 processor SQL Server License, keep in mind that the SQL Server can be failed over to the secondary node up to 30 days, after that technically you will need to purchase additional licenses. Raulie
"Multicore processors, which consist of multiple processing execution units or “cores” on one chip, are seen as a promising way to boost computing power. Microsoft has been driving thought leadership in this area by charging the same amount per processor, regardless of how many cores are in the processor. In contrast, Oracle asks customers to multiply each “core” by different factors depending on processor type. IBM has a dual policy where customers with x86 platforms are charged per processor and customers on IBM#%92s POWER5-based systems are charged per core." All the answers you needhttp://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/sqlserverlicensing.mspx Raulie
Thanks a lot Raulie!!
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