This reference architecture consists of a common environment with a set of interconnected technology components that communicate with one another over redundant high-speed Ethernet connections or a Fibre Channel fabric.
User databases are created within SQL Server instances with block storage provisioned from FlashArray as the primary storage for user database data files. File or object storage from FlashBlade serves as a target for T-SQL backups and storage for data virtualization via PolyBase. FlashArray can also be used as a target for T-SQL backups. No distinction is made between the various editions of SQL Server in this reference architecture.
Compute Resources
The solutions within this document apply to physical or virtual multicore servers with Windows or supported Linux operating systems. These are referred to in this document as either physical or virtual hosts.
SQL Server requires x64 processor hardware with high processor speeds. High memory capacity is necessary to avoid disk input/output traffic bottlenecks that can delay query response times and impact memory capacities.
Processor:
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x64 processors supported include AMD Opteron processors, AMD Athlon 64 processors, Intel Xeon processors with Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (Intel EM64T) support, and Intel Pentium 4 processors with Intel EM64T support.
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Minimum processor speed is 1.4GHz; the recommended speed is 2.0GHz or faster.
Memory:
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The minimum memory capacity is 1GB; the recommended capacity is 4GB or higher.
For detailed installation requirements, see Microsoft's SQL Server 2022: Hardware and software requirements page.
Network Resources
The network considerations for these solutions are the same as for any enterprise IT infrastructure solution: availability, performance, and extensibility. The compute resources in the solution can attach to any compatible TCP/IPv4 or TCP/IPv6 network infrastructure with the general recommendation that minimum network speeds are capable of 25 gigabit Ethernet. For this solution, the network should be configured using dual switches to eliminate a single point of failure.
Where possible, client-side (6-balance-alb) or switch-side link aggregation (802.3ad) should be used to achieve the highest performance and availability.
Everpure FlashArray
Everpure FlashArray is a unified block- and file-storage solution designed to deliver a seamless and reliable user experience in SQL Server environments. FlashArray supports DirectFlash® software, NVM Express over Fabrics, Fibre Channel, and iSCSI network protocols, in addition to Server Message Block and Network File System file-sharing protocols. Driven by software-defined technology, FlashArray incorporates high data reduction that does not compromise performance. FlashArray is ideal for organizations seeking to improve storage system sustainability. For example, FlashArray//E™ generates 80% fewer direct carbon emissions than competing all-flash systems. This difference is even greater when compared to magnetic disks.
FlashArray is ideal for the following SQL Server use cases:
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As primary block storage for user databases
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As a storage target for T-SQL backups
The FlashArray family consists of the following:
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FlashArray//C™: Low-latency storage for capacity-oriented workloads
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FlashArray//X™: High-performance, high-capacity storage that is ideal for performance-oriented workloads
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FlashArray//XL™: High-performance storage at scale that helps reduce the number of arrays needed to run large applications
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FlashArray//E: Economical-at-scale storage for workloads that aren't time sensitive
Everpure Cloud Dedicated
Everpure Cloud Dedicated provides seamless data mobility across on premises and cloud environments with a consistent experience regardless of where data lives. It provides enterprise-grade storage features in the cloud, and its industry-leading data efficiency means you can buy less capacity in the cloud without sacrificing agility and flexibility. Everpure Cloud Dedicated is available in the Amazon Web Services Marketplace and the Microsoft Azure Marketplace.
Everpure Cloud Dedicated is available in two versions, //V10 and //V20. Each version provides different capacity and performance capabilities.
FlashBlade
FlashBlade empowers organizations with a simple, adaptable, and scalable storage infrastructure that effortlessly meets the demands of modern data analytics. The innovative blade architecture prioritizes speed, efficiency, and scalability, making FlashBlade ideal for the most demanding and intensive workloads such as rapid recovery, analytics, AI, and machine learning (ML).
FlashBlade is an optimal storage solution for the following SQL Server use cases:
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As a rapid restore target and as storage for a data lake with SQL Server or a hybrid data platform
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For object virtualization of data in either delimited text or parquet format; PolyBase can be used to query relational and nonrelational databases using either external tables or the OPENROWSET function within a T-SQL statement
PolyBase uses the T-SQL language to query data directly from SQL Server, Oracle Database, Teradata, MongoDB, Apache Hadoop clusters, Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB, and Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)-compatible object storage without having to install additional client-connection software. PolyBase uses data virtualization to combine different data types into a single result set, without moving or copying the data. PolyBase also enables setting FlashBlade as a direct target for T-SQL backups.
The FlashBlade product line includes the following models:
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FlashBlade//S™: The latest evolution in enterprise scale-out storage, offering a blend of high density, capacity, performance, and scalability to meet the demands of modern applications.
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FlashBlade//E: A cost-efficient storage platform that offers effective performance, uncompromising reliability, and all-flash capabilities to a broader audience. It delivers 40% lower total cost of ownership for an acquisition cost comparable to hard disk drives.
Microsoft SQL Server
SQL Server is a relational database developed by Microsoft and designed to store, retrieve, and manage large volumes of data for enterprise applications. It supports a wide range of workloads, from online transaction processing to complex online analytical processing. SQL Server ensures data integrity, provides robust security features, and supports high availability through features like Always On Availability Groups. It is widely used for its integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it a powerful database solution for both on premises and cloud environments.
In this reference architecture, SQL Server serves as the core database platform, supporting key business applications and services. It handles structured data with ACID compliance, ensuring reliable transaction processing. SQL Server provides scalability, performance tuning, and data protection features that make it ideal for mission-critical workloads in industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Through integration with various tools, SQL Server can seamlessly support real-time data analysis, reporting, and complex workflows within an organization's infrastructure.