Migrate SIMS database to SQL 2008

[speckytecky]

Re SIMS and SQL 2005 I see that we are going to need to move to SQL 2008 by Oct 2010. I have not been involved with SIMS work to any extent before, the school having bought in CAPITA Tech time to do the task.

I presume that the first job is to download and deploy SQL 2008 (when to do it too being another question) and then migrate the SIMS database to it? Is this right and if so how easy / difficult is it to do - without borfing it

[timzim]

No doubt Capita will have/already have lengthy documentation on how to do this. Have a look on their SupportNet for more info.

[Sivadam]

It is available, with the migration tool/documentation, on the Autumn Release.

[vikpaw]

I take it you have a SupportNet account, if not go get signed up.
Resource number 14865 has some info.
Looks like the installation / migration tool is available from October 17th.

When we needed to migrate to SQL 2005, our local support offered a migration service (paid for of course!), however it was pretty straight forward and if you push for it, you should always be able to do the migration yourself, if you dare

It looks relatively straight forward, and your old system will stay intact, so there's always a fall back option if things go wrong.

As it's a year off, i'd be tempted to hold back for a while and maybe run a virtual version and see how it fares, try running an update on it etc.

[Sivadam]

If you want to take advantage of the new NT4 style reporting using SQL Server 2008 then you will have to have upgraded for then. These are due in March - providing they make the deadline. The NT4 Reports have been made a priority in the new Reporting System.

[vikpaw]

ooh sounds promising

[speckytecky]

Thanks Vikpaw, Been on there but Resource number 14865 doesn't seem to be available, is that definately the right number?

[Sivadam]

It looks like we will be going ahead with SQL Server 2008 on to a new Server during Half Term - providing that the Autumn Upgrade appears in time.
It would be crazy trying to move before that happens and before Capita support it.
Also - the documentation will undoubtedly come with the release! It may well be that the Support Document has been withdrawn to be updated inline with the Autumn Release.

[vikpaw]

Thanks Vikpaw, Been on there but Resource number 14865 doesn't seem to be available, is that definately the right number?

yeah log in to SupportNet,
click on documentation on the right hand side,
enter the number in the resource number box and search.
it appears, i just downloaded it.

i'll try to attach just in case you can't do it.