Chapter 1: SQL Server 2008 R2 Editions and Enhancements

This chapter introduces the new SQL Server 2008 R2 features, capabilities, and editions from a DBA's perspective. It also discusses why Windows Server 2008 R2 is recommended as the underlying operating system for deploying SQL Server 2008 R2. Last, SQL Server 2008 R2 hardware and software requirements and installation strategies are also identified.

Hardware and Software Requirements

The recommended hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2008 R2 vary depending on the component you want to install, the load anticipated on the servers, and the type of processor class that you will use. Tables 1-1 and 1-2 describe the hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2008 R2.

Because SQL Server 2008 R2 supports many processor types and operating systems, Table 1-1 strictly covers the hardware requirements for a typical SQL Server 2008 R2 installation. Typical installations include SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard and Enterprise running on Windows Server operating systems. If you need information for Itanium-based systems or compatible desktop operating systems, see "Hardware and Software Requirements for Installing SQL Server 2008 R2" at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506(SQL.105).aspx.

TABLE 1-1 Hardware Requirements

HARDWARE COMPONENT	REQUIREMENTS
Processor	Processor type: (64-bit) x64 Minimum: AMD Opteron, AMD Athlon 64, Intel Xeon with Intel EM64T support, Intel Pentium IV with EM64T support Processor speed: minimum 1.4 GHz; 2.0 GHz or faster recommended Processor type: (32-bit) Intel Pentium III-compatible processor or faster Processor speed: minimum 1.0 GHz; 2.0 GHz or faster recommended
Memory (RAM)	Minimum: 1 GB Recommended: 4 GB or more Maximum: Operating system maximum
Disk Space	Database Engine: 280 MB Analysis Services: 90 MB Reporting Services: 120 MB Integration Services: 120 MB Client components: 850 MB SQL Server Books Online: 240 MB

TABLE 1-2 Software Requirements

SOFTWARE COMPONENT	REQUIREMENTS
Operating system	Windows Server 2003 SP2 x64 Datacenter, Enterprise, or Standard edition or The 64-bit editions of Windows Server 2008 SP2 Datacenter, Datacenter without Hyper-V, Enterprise, Enterprise without Hyper-V, Standard, Standard without Hyper-V, or Windows Web Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter, Enterprise, Standard, or Windows Web Server
.NET Framework	Minimum: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
SQL Server support tools and software	SQL Server 2008 R2 - SQL Server Native Client SQL Server 2008 R2 - SQL Server Setup Support Files Minimum: Windows Installer 4.5
Internet Explorer	Minimum: Windows Internet Explorer 6 SP1
Virtualization	Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2008 or Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 or Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2

NOTE Server hardware has offered both 32-bit and 64-bit processors for several years, however, Windows Server 2008 R2 is 64-bit only. Please take this into consideration when planning SQL Server 2008 R2 deployments on Windows Server 2008 R2.