To Migrate or Not to Migrate? That is the Database Question

Presumably, the purpose of progress is to improve upon a product and/or process. In the world of data storage and processing, what does 64-bit computing combined with SQL Server 2005 bring to the table?

In a nutshell, MicroSoft SQL Server 2005 in conjunction with Windows-based 64-bit architecture can dramatically improve processing and pave the way for greater growth in today’s business environment. Straight from the horse’s mouth, MicroSoft states on its website (emphasis added), “In supportability, manageability, scalability, performance, interoperability, and business intelligence, SQL Server 2005 provides far richer 64-bit support than its predecessor.”

NEAR LIMITLESS MEMORY CAPACITY

SQL Server 2005 (64-bit) does not share the same 4GB memory limitation as that of the 32-bit system, which in actuality only affords about 2GB for processing and storage after allocating 2GB to the operating system by default. In contrast, a SQL server using 64-bit technology can potentially address up to 1 terabyte of memory while still making memory available to all database operations and processes. The additional memory allows for the performance of complex queries and the support of critical database operations. Per Teratrax, a developer of SQL Server management tools, “Applications using SQL Server 2005 (64-bit) databases can benefit from massive in-memory data caching as well as larger data structures for multiple parallel workloads, concurrent user connections, plan cache, sort space, and lock memory.” (http://www.teratrax.com/articles/sql_server_64_bit.html)

The vast memory capacity opens up the opportunity for an organization’s system to tolerate more concurrent users. Each user on a system occupies a certain amount of memory on an organization’s server. More users, of course, consume more memory. A server with limited memory -- in the case of a 32-bit system that means maxing out at less than 4 gig -- therefore has limited capacity for multiple users to work at the same time. With a SQL 2005 64-bit system, a business whose daily processes and applications require more than one user at any given time has the luxury of doing so without fear of a decline in performance in those applications.

MIGRATION

The 64- bit platform has actually been in place for some time, but to date, has failed to become more “mainstream” because the necessary partner components were not up to the task. As these other components have caught up, such as the applications businesses run and the operating systems used, 64-bit computing is becoming the standard. Future hardware upgrades should come out of the box equipped with 64-bit capability.

Application code does not have to come into play in order to migrate to 64-bit SQL Server 2005. Migrating your current databases to 64-bit can be accomplished with a database backup from the existing 32-bit server that is then restored on the 64-bit server, while also achieving new levels of application scalability.

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE

Before taking the leap, do the research and preparation necessary to make the transition a smooth one. Review the advantages of 64-bit environments for SQL Server, and reduce your upgrading risks.