High Availability for the MS SQL Server Database

This section looks at database administration for the Microsoft SQL Server database and makes specific recommendations on improving availability.

You can find more information about MS SQL Server with the SAP system at:

You work out your approach to backing up your database. You must do this before you start production with the database. When using the database for production, you must back up the database as regularly as possible.
See Backup with MS SQL Server.
You manage the space in your database. You do this both before you start production with the database and later as the database grows.
See Space Management with MS SQL Server.
You recover your database if a failure occurs with data loss.
See Recovery with MS SQL Server.
You upgrade your database when required.
See Upgrade with MS SQL Server.
You consider using various tools and services offered as standard by SAP to increase the availability of your database:
You consider using advanced products and services to increase the availability of your database:
- Microsoft Cluster Service on Windows
- Microsoft SQL Server Standby Database
- Microsoft SQL Server Database Mirroring
- Comprehensive Microsoft SQL Server High Availability Solution
  
  Caution
  
  Do not consider log shipping, as used in the SQL Server standby database, to be a replacement for a robust, thoroughly validated disaster recovery plan. It is merely another high availability solution for large enterprise systems.
  
  End of the caution.
You review your procedures to increase the availability of your database. See Procedures at Your Site for High Availability.