Using SQL Server 2005 in a Virtual Environment

This paper discusses the advantages of using SQL Server 2005 in a virtual environment and the factors an organization must consider when determining whether to virtualize SQL Server 2005. To determine if virtualization can benefit the organization, one must consider all aspects of the overall environment, including hardware performance, licensing costs, deployment, administration, maintenance, and more. As most applications use an underlying database, virtualizing SQL Server is a compelling scenario. SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition has favorable licensing policies over other editions of SQL Server 2005; these are discussed later in this paper. This paper also discusses the overall concept of virtualization and factors to consider when deciding whether to use SQL Server in a virtual environment.