MSFTCOST03-BP05 Evaluate SQL Server on Linux
Beginning on SQL Server 2017, Microsoft offers the option to run SQL Server on Linux operating systems. SQL Server on Linux is enterprise ready and offers flexibility, high performance, security features, reduced TCO, HA/DR features, and a great user experience. You can switch from SQL Server on Windows Server to SQL Server on Linux to save on Windows Server licensing costs.
Desired outcome: Successfully migrate compatible SQL Server workloads from Windows Server to Linux, resulting in reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through elimination of Windows Server licensing costs. This migration would maintain enterprise-level performance, security, and high availability features while leveraging the flexibility of SQL Server on Linux, ultimately optimizing costs for Microsoft workloads in the organization's IT infrastructure.
Common anti-patterns:
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Automatic Migration Without Compatibility Assessment: Organizations hastily migrating SQL Server workloads to Linux without first evaluating compatibility, resulting in application failures, performance issues, and potential data loss due to unsupported features or incompatible dependencies.
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Ignoring Total Cost of Operation: Companies focusing solely on the potential licensing cost savings of moving to SQL Server on Linux, while overlooking other operational costs such as retraining staff, modifying existing scripts and tools, and potential performance tuning needed in the new environment. This narrow focus may lead to unexpected expenses and operational challenges that offset the intended cost savings.
Benefits of establishing this best practice:
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Cost Optimization: Elimination of Windows Server licensing fees significantly reduces Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), enabling better resource allocation across the organization.
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Simplified Cross-Platform Management: Standardization of database management across Windows and Linux platforms reduces complexity and streamlines operational processes.
Level of risk exposed if this best practice is not established: Low
Implementation guidance
To implement SQL Server on Linux evaluation, start with a comprehensive workload compatibility assessment. Create a detailed migration plan including testing and rollback procedures. Conduct a pilot migration on a non-critical workload. Train IT staff on Linux and SQL Server on Linux management. Implement the full migration in stages, closely monitoring performance and functionality throughout to ensure a smooth transition and achieve cost savings and management simplification.
Implementation steps
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Conduct workload compatibility assessment to identify SQL Server instances suitable for Linux migration, reviewing feature requirements and dependencies
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Develop migration plan with testing procedures, success metrics, and rollback strategy, including pilot test selection
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Implement pilot migration on selected non-critical workload while providing Linux administration training to IT staff
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Implement phased migration of remaining workloads following successful pilot, with continuous monitoring of performance and costs
Resources
Related documents:
Related tools: Windows to Linux replatforming assistant for Microsoft SQL Server Databases
