# MSFTPERF03-BP02 Consider Amazon EBS io2 Block Express volumes for high-intense I/O workloads
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 Amazon EBS io2 Block Express volumes are based on an updated storage server architecture. They are designed to handle high I/O requirements for applications running on Nitro System-based instances. These volumes offer improved durability and lower latency. As a result, they are suitable for resource-intensive applications that require consistent performance, such as certain database systems (For example, Oracle, SAP HANA, and Microsoft SQL Server) and SAS Analytics. 

 **Desired outcome:** Achieve maximum I/O performance and lowest latency for demanding Microsoft workloads, particularly SQL Server databases and other I/O-intensive applications, through io2 Block Express volumes that provide consistent high-performance storage with enhanced durability and reliability. 

 **Common anti-patterns:** 
+  Using general-purpose storage for high-performance Microsoft SQL Server databases without evaluating io2 Block Express benefits, potentially limiting application performance and user experience. 
+  Implementing io2 Block Express for workloads that don't require extreme I/O performance, leading to unnecessary costs without proportional performance benefits. 
+  Choosing io2 Block Express without ensuring compatibility with Nitro System-based instances, missing the full performance potential of the storage technology. 

 **Benefits of establishing this best practice:** 
+  Maximum I/O performance through io2 Block Express architecture designed specifically for high-intensity workloads, enabling optimal performance for demanding Microsoft applications. 
+  Enhanced reliability and durability through improved storage architecture that provides consistent performance and reduced latency for mission-critical workloads. 
+  Improved application responsiveness for I/O-intensive Microsoft workloads including SQL Server databases, analytics applications, and high-performance computing scenarios. 

 **Level of risk exposed if this best practice is not established:** Medium 

## Implementation guidance
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 Implementing io2 Block Express volumes requires careful evaluation of I/O requirements and cost considerations. Focus on workloads that genuinely require extreme I/O performance and can justify the additional costs through improved application performance and business outcomes. 

### Implementation steps
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1.  Identify Microsoft workloads with high I/O requirements that would benefit from io2 Block Express performance characteristics, particularly SQL Server databases and analytics applications. 

1.  Analyze current I/O patterns including IOPS requirements, throughput needs, and latency sensitivity to determine if io2 Block Express is appropriate. 

1.  Ensure compatibility with Nitro System-based instances that can fully utilize io2 Block Express performance capabilities. 

1.  Configure io2 Block Express volumes with appropriate IOPS provisioning based on workload requirements and performance testing results. 

1.  Implement performance testing in non-production environments to validate expected performance improvements and cost justification. 

1.  Monitor storage performance metrics including IOPS utilization, throughput, and latency to ensure optimal configuration and utilization. 

1.  Establish cost monitoring and optimization procedures to ensure io2 Block Express usage remains cost-effective for the performance benefits provided. 

1.  Document io2 Block Express configuration standards and use cases for consistent implementation across high-performance Microsoft workloads. 

## Resources
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 **Related documents:** 
+  [Provisioned IOPS SSD (io2 Block Express) volumes](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/ebs/latest/userguide/provisioned-iops.html#io2-block-express) 
+  [Best practices for Amazon RDS for SQL Server with Amazon EBS io2 Block Express volumes up to 64 TiB](https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/database/best-practices-for-amazon-rds-for-sql-server-with-amazon-ebs-io2-block-express-volumes-up-to-64-tib/) 

 **Related tools:** 
+  [io2 Block Express considerations](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/ebs/latest/userguide/provisioned-iops.html#io2-bx-considerations)