Great read: Virtualizing SQL Server with VMware: doing IT right

A couple of months back I received an email from Jeff Szastak. He asked me if I wanted to write a foreword for the book he was authoring with Michael Corey an Michael Webster. When he mentioned the book was on the topic of virtualizing SQL Server I knew it would be an instant classic, and I did not hesitate one second and said I would be honoured to write the foreword. All three have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to virtualizing SQL Server (and tier 1 apps in general) and my expectations were set extremely high.

I can honestly say that they did not disappoint me, even with the extremely high expectations I had. The book is indeed an instant classic, and one which I wished I had when I went through the exercise of virtualizing SQL myself… Don’t get me wrong, this book is not just a must read for people looking to virtualize SQL Server, I would argue that it is a must read for everyone who does something with virtualization. There are countless of tips, tricks and design considerations in this book making it invaluable to every virtualization admin. Michael, Michael and Jeff have done a tremendous job if you ask me and the book is definitely high up on my favourite VMware related books list!

By virtualizing business-critical databases, enterprises can drive far more value from existing IT infrastructure. But squeezing maximum performance out of a virtualized database instance is an art as much as a science. This indispensable start-to-finish guide brings together all the techniques, tips, and insights you need to succeed.

Drawing on unsurpassed personal experience, three leading experts share complete best practices for deploying business-critical database servers in virtualized vSphere 5 environments. They cover the entire project lifecycle, bridging technical and communications gaps between SQL Server and VMware professionals that often make database virtualization more difficult than it needs to be.

You’ll find specific guidance for architects and administrators responsible for systems, storage, databases, applications, or VMware virtualization. The authors also present detailed, start-to-finish coverage of performance baselining and testing: all you need to make your virtualized databases as fast as they are cost effective. Although this book focuses on SQL, the authors’ proven guidance for enhancing performance can be leveraged by any IT professional virtualizing a demanding Tier 1 application.

Just pick it up!