How to implement high availability solution using Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Standard Edition

Question

I want to use SQL Server 2014 standard version to implement the always on high availability solution, but I'm not sure if it supports it. I have learned from Microsoft technical support website that SQL Server 2014 standard version support AlwaysOn cluster instance (two nodes), but I don't know how to configure it. Is there any corresponding technical support document?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to Q&A!

Always On Failover Cluster instances (ie SQL Server Failover Cluster(FCI)) is a technology based on Windows Server failover cluster(WSFC). It deploys SQL Server on multiple nodes in the Windows failover cluster, and then forms a virtual SQL Server instance . When installing SQL Server, install it in cluster mode.

Yes, according to official document--Features Supported by the Editions of SQL Server 2014, the SQL Server 2014 Standard supports Always On Failover Cluster Instances((two nodes)). Using SQL Server 2014 Standard edition to set up an Always On failover cluster instance is the same operation as the Enterprise edition, except that the Standard Edition only supports two nodes in a WSFC.

The first link below is an TechNet article about how to setup an Always On Failover cluster instance step by step, but you can also refer to the successful configuration experience shared by others on the network. as follows:

SQL Server 2014: Step by Step Guide to Setup a Failover Cluster Virtual Lab

Step-by-step Installation of SQL Server 2016 on a Windows Server 2016 Failover Cluster -- Part 1 & Part 2 & Part 3

Hope this could help you.

Best Regards,
Cris

Answer 2

Based on the article "Features Supported by the Editions of SQL Server 2014", AlwaysOn Availability Groups (AGs) are only available in the SQL Server 2014 Enterprise edition.

Answer 3

Hey,

As mentioned, you can deploy Failover Cluster Instances with SQL Server 2014. You will need shared storage to create a Failover Cluster. It can be either a SAN or a Software-Defined Storage of your choice. StarWind VSAN can be used as a shared storage for a Failover Cluster. VSAN creates replicated shared storage pool to use in the Failover Cluster. The following guide will walk you through the configuration process:
https://www.starwindsoftware.com/resource-library/starwind-virtual-san-installing-and-configuring-sql-server-2014-failover-cluster-instance-on-windows-server-2012-r2/

Cheers,

Alex Bykovskyi

StarWind Software

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