Configuration best practices for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 with HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Array 4000 and HP blade servers is a best practices paper that leverages HP servers, storage, and management software by providing the recommended best practices for configuration of an HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA) storage subsystem deployed into a Microsoft® SQL Server 2005 environment with HP servers. Additionally, sizing and performance data based on the tested reference configuration is presented. The paper covers guidelines for a total end-to-end deployment of Microsoft SQL Server, encompassing servers, storage, management software, and offline full database backup practices.

This solution is targeted at the entry-level and mid-range or small and medium business (SMB) market. The test configuration and equipment used for best practices in this paper is meant to represent what a typical SMB would run in its IT environment.

This paper includes:
• Detailed description of the test environment
• Overall best practice recommendations for storage layout based on real performance results
• Offline database backup and restore methods and performance results using SYMANTEC NetBackup and HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools Utility.

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