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A
guide to SQL Server hosting
SQL
Server is an industry standard database solution for running business and enterprise
class web applications. A SQL Server hosting server also known as a ‘dedicated
database server’ is a server devoted solely to running a version of Microsoft SQL
Server and processing incoming database transactions. There are several equivalents
to SQL Server available which include Oracle, PostgreSQL
and MySQL. The latter two often being
chosen as database management solutions when running on a Linux based server
platform. All options make the use of SQL (Standard Query Language) their
core language. But include their own distinctive
extensions to make up a complete SQL Language.
SQL Server working as
a ‘database server’
SQL
Server as a database server is considered an industry leader within web hosting
environments. Although Oracle still has an edge over SQL Server in large
database environments, usage of SQL Server is growing in the client/server
environment. One feature that makes SQL Server popular as a choice of database
is its ability at managing a large number of simultaneous connections from users
over a LAN or connected through the internet.
Ensuring high uptime
for SQL Server
In
order to ensure your SQL Server database enjoys a high degree of uptime you
should consider employing some of the following features where possible: Failover
clustering, remote mirroring, log shipping, database mirroring and peer-to-peer
replication. ‘Failover Clustering’ is considered the best method for preventing
site downtime and providing a high level of uptime for your SQL Server database.
However, it cannot protect against disk failure and therefore solutions such as
placing your database on SAN (Storage Area Network) storage can be adopted to compensate
for this drawback. In addition, database mirroring can also prove an excellent feature
to implement if you want to ensure data remains accessible even in the event of
one of the server disks failing.
Selecting a SQL
Server hosting company
Although
much of the above will apply to those that opt for a dedicated server solution,
there are many good SQL Server hosting firms to be found in the web hosting
market that offer low priced shared SQL Server hosting. This is often the
choice for those getting started with SQL Server. Or who require a SQL Server database
as the backend of a small web site. Anyone considering a SQL Server hosting provider
should start by researching companies on the internet. Check for database size
that can be provided, cost plus if the host allows remote connections to SQL
Server as this feature is often a key one those developing with Microsoft technologies.
It goes without saying that it is as always advisable to research customer
reviews of any suitable hosting companies you find. Particularly with the level
of choice that is now present. As with any service, this is always a good indication
of how good a SQL Server hosting company is, in terms of price, features and
support. It is also worth considering a SQL Server hosting company that can provide
a high degree of uptime and who can also back their claims. Uptime is always an
important factor. However likely to be even more so when running a SQL Server
database as your site is likely to be more business focused and database
dependant. Some time spent on research will pay dividends later on and will
help ensure you site runs smoothly and that you retain happy and satisfied customers.
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