Pro SQL Server 2008 Mirroring

Pro SQL Server 2008 Mirroring is your complete guide to planning, using, deploying, and maintaining database mirroring as a high-availability option. Mirroring protects you by maintaining one or more duplicate copies of your database for use in the event the primary copy is damaged. It is a key component of any production-level, high-availability solution. This book covers the full spectrum of database mirroring, taking you from the planning phase through the implementation to the maintenance phase and beyond.

• Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for beginner and intermediate users
• In-depth, detailed information for advanced and expert users
• Covers all phases of database mirroring from planning to sustained maintenance

• Plan effectively for database mirroring. Learn what questions to ask and what problems to anticipate
• Get step-by-step instructions on how to set up database mirroring
• Automate the initial setup and the ongoing maintenance of mirrored databases
• Monitor database mirroring, detect failures, and generate automated alerts
• Build a system that automatically responds to and fixes common problems
• Build in support for the missing facets of database mirroring, such as support for cross-database dependencies
• Define groups of databases that all fail over together to their mirrors when just one of those databases fails
• Create operational processes so that even nontechnical staff can manage mirrored databases

General audience: Pro SQL Server 2008 Database Mirroring is aimed at SQL Server 2008 database administrators, and especially those who desire to mirror their databases in support of high availability. System administrators and operational engineers who manage Windows Server systems that support mirrored database environments will also find much in the book of interest.

Table of Contents

1. High Availability Options
2. Database Mirroring Overview
3. Planning and Best Practices
4. Database Mirroring Setup
5. Automating Setup
6. Maintenance Simplified
7. Monitoring and Alerting
8. Upgrading to SQL Server 2008
9. Reporting Considerations
10. Planning for Failure

Pro SQL Server 2008 Mirroring is part of Apress’ two-pronged approach to high-availability in the SQL Server space. It is a focused and deep book on mirroring that perfectly complements Apress’ upcoming book no failover clustering. Taken together, the combination of Pro SQL Server 2008 Mirroring and Pro SQL Server 2008 Failover Clustering deliver the deepest and most authoritative content for those charged with the stressful and demanding task of ensuring that their SQL Server databases are up and running all of the time, no matter what.

Ken Simmons is a database administrator/developer specializing in MSSQL Server and .NET. He is currently working with a global electronic payment service provider in Columbus, Georgia. He has been working in the IT industry since 2000 and currently holds certifications for MCP, MCAD, MCSD, MCDBA, and MCTS for SQL 2005.

Ken is highly active in the online community and often participates in the SQL forums on MSDN and SQLServerCentral. He enjoys sharing tips that he discovers by writing articles for SQLServerCentral and MSSQLTips.com. He has also formed a SQL Server Users Group in Columbus, Georgia, for SQL Server professionals to come together to share knowledge and resources. When he is not working, Ken enjoys traveling with his wife, Susan, and 3-year-old son, Nathan, and can often be found on a cruise ship, at a Disney resort, or at the beach in his hometown of Pensacola, FL.

Robert L. Davis is a database administrator and data architect consulting at Microsoft who has worked extensively in setting up and creating automated processes to manage database mirroring for many internal Microsoft applications. He additionally consults with various internal Microsoft IT groups to assist them with their database mirroring needs. Robert is currently working on the Architecture & Performance Engineering team of the CAP application program group. CAP is the internal software used by support personnel for all of Microsoft's customer facing products such as Xbox, Zune, MSN, Microsoft Live, and HotMail. He has over eight years of SQL Server administration experience, much of that in high-availability environments. Rob writes frequently about mirroring and related topics in his blog: www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/robert_davis/default.aspx