Optimizing Storage Performance, Provisioning, and Manageability for Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server has become very popular as a database environment driving a broad range of mid-level business applications, ranging from CRM to eCommerce and from ERP to supply chain integration. The combination of affordability, performance, ease of deployment, and sophisticated analytical features has led to a significant proliferation of SQL Server databases in many organizations. To optimize storage performance for SQL Server, organizations need a consolidated networked storage environment, well-matched to the price and performance characteristics of the database servers, that can meet the demanding service level requirements of the business and that can simplify the management of the distributed SQL Server database environment dramatically. This paper describes the SQL Server benefits that are available from storage consolidation using best-in-class IP SAN (iSCSI) storage.