The goal of this solution is to demonstrate the advantages of using SQL Server 2019 Big Data Cluster with PolyBase to connect data from around the data sphere. The proposed platform design can easily support petabytes of data in the cluster with the additional capability to seamlessly access other data sources to improve analytics reporting scope.

We chose a Dell EMC VxRail platform for our development and testing lab environment. The VxRail HCI incorporates compute, storage, virtualization, and management in one platform offering. The key feature of the VxRail HCI is the integration of vSphere, vSAN, and VxRail HCI System Software for an efficient and reliable deployment and operations experience. For additional automation in our use case, we embedded Kubernetes management into the control plane of vSphere. The overall solution provides unified access to compute, storage, and networking resources. Hosting VMs and containers on an HCI platform using native pods provides end users and administrators with resources that are high-performing, secure, and easy to consume.

For design and component details, see Appendix A: Design architecture and component specifications.