Unlocking the future: FlexPod converged infrastructure for SQL Server and hybrid cloud

In the fast-paced world of IT architecture, constant evolution is the norm. Businesses are now embracing data-driven strategies for the future, and the combination of FlexPod^® infrastructure and Microsoft SQL Server 2022 in the hybrid cloud realm is a groundbreaking innovation. This synergy promises a revolutionary approach to data management that goes beyond traditional methods.

A powerful reference architecture with Cisco and NetApp partnerships offers a plethora of advantages, including enhanced efficiency, reduced operational costs, simplified management, and the flexibility to scale resources as needed. Imagine a landscape where computing, storage, and networking seamlessly work together as a unified infrastructure—that's FlexPod converged infrastructure. Now, enhance it with the transformative capabilities of SQL Server 2022, a cutting-edge database platform designed for future demands. The result is a dynamic and future-ready environment that can handle complex data ecosystems with ease.

But there's more. Enter the world of hybrid cloud, where the power of on-premises infrastructure combines with the limitless scalability of cloud resources, particularly in platforms like Microsoft Azure. The convergence of these technologies is not just a shift in thinking; it's a significant leap toward unmatched data management capabilities.

Structured Query Language (SQL) is the backbone of data management. It's the language that enables organizations to interact with and manipulate their relational databases efficiently. In the modern IT landscape, SQL databases underpin numerous critical applications and services, making them indispensable. But although SQL is essential, it comes with its own set of challenges. Managing SQL workloads can be complex, particularly as data volumes continue to grow exponentially. Ensuring high availability, security, and scalability while optimizing performance is a delicate balancing act.

The synergy between FlexPod and SQL is evident in the way FlexPod optimizes SQL workloads. The integrated architecture minimizes latency and maximizes throughput, resulting in faster data processing and improved application performance. Running SQL server on FlexPod simplifies infrastructure management, reduces hardware costs, and maintains high availability. It's a match made in IT heaven that empowers organizations to get more from their SQL server investments. Scalability is a cornerstone of FlexPod, allowing organizations to expand their resources as data requirements grow. SQL databases can scale in tandem with the FlexPod infrastructure, maintaining smooth operations even as workloads increase.

The ability of FlexPod to integrate with hybrid clouds opens up new possibilities for SQL deployment. Organizations can take advantage of cloud resources while maintaining control over their data through on-premises infrastructure. With NetApp^® AFF systems and NetApp ONTAP^® software, you can accelerate applications and leverage all-flash technology to improve data processing and data access times. NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP offers a seamless way to drive data to the cloud for operations like disaster recovery, analytics, data mining, and other applications in the cloud. SQL in a hybrid cloud environment offers the flexibility to run SQL workloads where they perform optimally, whether on premises or in the cloud. This hybrid approach optimizes cost, performance, and data governance.

Using NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP for Azure in a hybrid cloud for SQL Server backup and recovery offers several advantages, enabling you to minimize downtime and maintain high availability. By using Cloud Volumes ONTAP for Azure, you can smoothly and securely back up your SQL Server data to the cloud, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming traditional backup methods. With the ability to quickly restore data from Azure, you can significantly reduce downtime if a disaster or data loss occurs. Additionally, Cloud Volumes ONTAP for Azure provides features like data deduplication and compression, optimizing storage efficiency and reducing costs. By using this solution, you can achieve robust backup and recovery capabilities so that your SQL Server environment remains highly available and resilient.

With FlexPod converged infrastructure and SQL in a hybrid cloud, we’ve discovered the remarkable synergy that exists between these technologies. Check out the latest Cisco Validated Design, FlexPod Datacenter for Microsoft SQL Server 2022 and VMware vSphere 8.0, where we delve into various details, including deployment, management, optimization, and future readiness for deploying SQL Server 2022 in FlexPod.

To learn more, visit:

• Flexpod.com
• Netapp.com/FlexPod
• Cisco.com/go/FlexPod
• FlexPod Design Guides
• Cisco Intersight