Hi.
We've recently installed a SQL server 2008R2 in our VMware vSphere 5.1 environment.
Some facts
All the data is stored in an Equallogic PS4100XV SAN array
The Windows 2008R2 OS is stored on a separate VMDK HD
The SQL data is stored on another VMDK HD
The SQL-server and its VMDKs is stored on a separate SAN volume
We've installed DELL Equallogic Virtual Storage Manager (VSM) into our vSphere environment
The SQL server contains approximently 450 databases, with relatively low-transcation rate
We have a secondary Equallogic PS4100E SAN array at a secondary site that we want to replicate the SQL-volume to for disaster recovery. We do not have any physical or virtual servers at the recovery site at the moment
Based on the facts above, I was wondering if anyone has any experience/knowledge with Equallogic volume replication and/or the Smart Copy functionality in VSM.
1. Question 1
Will it be possible to restore the entire Windows Server with its installed SQL-server and its data at the recovery site by only replicating the Equallogic volume? The virtual SQL-server will be powered ON when the replication is being done.
2. Question 2
Is it best to use the VSM and its Smart Copy functionality combined with replication to preserve the state of the VM or isn't it nessecary?
3. Question 3
Any other thoughts/suggestions?
Feel free to ask for more information if you need.
Thanks, in advance!
Is it OK if I ask you about your experience with this?