Notice: Dell Technologies announced the availability of new PowerStore models in July 2022. The new PowerStore models offer greater performance, more features, and capacity compared to previous storage arrays. In this paper we optimized Microsoft SQL Server on the PowerStore 1000T. All the recommendations and best practices in this paper also apply to the new PowerStore arrays

As the number of applications and databases increase within businesses, infrastructure also increases. This creates database silos, management complexities, and increased costs, which can hinder businesses from accelerating their Microsoft SQL Server and IT modernization strategies.

Consolidation has historically answered many of the challenges that accompany database sprawl and data storage silos. Consolidation strategies must ensure the availability and performance of business-critical applications. The introduction of faster, more powerful systems and new storage technology has made it possible for businesses to consolidate databases with greater confidence.

However, IT staff may be unable to implement a consolidation strategy as quickly as management requires, as it can take months to plan, procure, deploy, integrate, test, and fine-tune the new consolidated architecture. A 2022 ESG study, Accelerate IT Modernization with Dell Technologies Validated Designs, revealed that 90% of the surveyed IT decision makers reported that their organizations must move faster when deploying applications, infrastructure, and services compared to three years ago. 

A solution that is pre-designed and tested to optimize SQL Server performance deployments and supports consolidation and upgrade modernization strategies can help reduce the burden on staff and strained budgets.