SQL Server 2005 Upgrade Planning Consulting Engagements
We've been spending quite a bit of time lately helping customers plan for their SQL Server 2005 upgrades. I've had a few people ask what sorts of things we do in those engagements. I've listed the basic topics in those reviews. Hope it helps someone. The basic topics are:
1. Provide an overview of the most significant changes and enhancements in SQL 2k5.
2. Discuss and review the client's reasons and expectations for an upgrade to SQL 2k5.
3. Review existing database structures to identify any opportunities for improvement in SQL 2k5.
4. Review existing T-SQL coding (samples of stored procedures, etc.) to identify any opportunities for improvement in SQL 2k5.
5. Discuss version 90 database compatability mode requirements to investigate any possible impacts.
6. Review existing backup/restore strategies to identify any opportunities for improvement in SQL 2k5.
7. Review existing index maintenance strategies to identify any opportunities for improvement in SQL 2k5.
8. Review existing DTS packages, specifically deciding if they should be migrated to SSIS or kept running via the legacy DTS runtime support.
9. Discuss any existing significant problems with the current system (performance, faults, application timeouts, etc.) to identify strategies for improvement using SQL 2k5 or actions that might be taken in conjunction with the upgrade.
10. Discuss SQL Server 2005 license SKU's to identify any possible savings or alternately, any increased licensing requirements.
11. Review existing management procedures to identify any candidates for automation via SMO.
12. Discuss existing disaster recovery strategies to identify any opportunities for improvement in SQL 2k5.
13. Review usage of add-on products (reporting services, analysis services, full-text indexing, notification services, etc) to identify any issues or opportunities for improvement in SQL 2k5.
14. Review the customer's hardware platform and operating system plans for the upgraded system.
15. Work with the customer to define an upgrade strategy that achieves the goal in a short time but is sufficiently risk-averse for the customer's profile.