[sims] SQL Server Migration Tool

[TomHD]

Hello All,

 

I have been tasked with installing SQL Server 2012 and migrating our SIMS/FMS databases. I have never done this so please bare with me.

 

I am about to install SQL Server 2012 on our SIMS VM. Do I want SQL Server 2012 Enterprise Edition with SP2? And will I use "Per Core" or "Server/CAL"?

 

I have seen mention of a migration tool, is this a Capita tool or a MS tool?

 

Thanks, TomHD

Edited November 9, 2015 by TomHD

[matt40k]

So your upgrading from SQL 2008 to SQL2012? Same server? If so Capita do a tool to migrate it. Are your primary or a secondary? If your a primary you can use the SQL Express version. If your a secondary you'll mostly want to buy a SQL Server 2012 standard license. Not enterprise - you won't use the features and you'll be throwing away ~£20k

 

Core vs Server\CAL - depends on cost and the number of clients your have, break even point is generally around 30, still your mileage may vary so check it out with your MS licensing rep.

 

You'll also be better off going to SQL 2014, as 1/ its supported by Capita, 2/ its got a longer life then SQL2012, especially as SQL2016 is on its way and Microsoft are reducing life of its products to reflex the faster release cycles (Win7 has already had its life reduced). There was a problem with SQL2014 with the indexes and the fact Capita hasn't written them correctly to support SQL2014 new indexing engine - their workaround is to set the database mode to SQL2012 - don't worry, the lovely Capita migration tool will do it all for you. Its just worth know in case you hear some out-of-date info about not going SQL2014.

[TomHD]

Thanks @matt40k,

 

Yes I will be upgrading from 2008 R2 to 2014 on the same server, where do I get the migration tool from please? [i had seen the mention of that index error and was aware of the 2012 mode fix ]

 

We have an Open Value Subscription and will heed your warning about the Enterprise version and will install the Standard version of 2014.

 

When you mention clients in regard to Per Core vs Server/CAL, is this the number of clients that will use SIMS/FMS and therefore clients connecting to the db? We have ~40 clients that access SIMS/FMS? What would you suggest?

 

Thanks, TomHD

[matt40k]

You can get the SQL 2014 migration tool from LA\Capita\MyAccount (formally supportnet) - any idea of KB @Ghostgame?

 

Last time I looked I would say processor - I think its by cores now - but again, check with your licensing rep, quick look on: Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Standard | Microsoft | Products | - discounted software for education establishments - processor\core is cheaper (plus its less of a headache - you don't have to manage\count licenses\users)

[timbo343]

I have some guides somewhere on how to do this but if i were you i would test, test and test again to make sure you have it right in your head. I tested for about a week and then bit the bullet over summer. I was a little bit nervous but its all working . I recommend you use run as administrator throughout the process too, oh and document it all.