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Virtual Volumes (vVols) is a new VMware technology that is supported starting in vSphere 6.0. This best practice validates that using VMware vVols for SQL Server 2019 optimizes database performance and management.
Table 11. Best practice category
Category | VMware vSphere |
Product | VMware vSphere 7.3 |
Type of best practice | Performance Optimization |
Day and value | Day 1, Highly recommended |
Overview
vVols are VMDK granular storage entities exported by storage arrays. vVols are exported to the ESXi host through a small set of protocol end-points (PE). Protocol Endpoints are part of the physical storage fabric, and they establish a data path from virtual machines to their respective vVols on demand. Storage systems enable data services on vVols.
One of the key features of vVols is that it allows administrators to use storage policy-based management (SPBM) for their environment. This enables you to align application needs with the appropriate storage resources in an automated manner.
Recommendation
Using vVols for simplified storage management automates storage provisioning and space reclamation. vVols performance should be on par with VMFS. However, vVols provides better performance over VMFS when it comes to snapshotting because it uses the array snapshot functionality. In a SQL Server environment, snapshot is frequently used, therefore, vVols should be considered over VMFS.
Based on our results, this practice is considered as a Day 1, Highly Recommended best practice.
Additional resources
Understanding Virtual Volumes (vVols) in VMware vSphere 6.7/7.0