M55614A - Implementing Microsoft SQL AlwaysOn and High Availability (In development - due Mar 2025)

Duration

3 Days

Level

300 - Advanced

Vendor

Microsoft, SQL Server

Legacy MOC Code

M55246

Course
Overview

This three-day hands-on course is designed to equip IT professionals, database administrators, and solution architects with the knowledge and skills to implement, manage, and optimize high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions using Microsoft SQL Server AlwaysOn Availability Groups. Participants will learn how to design robust database architectures that ensure business continuity, improve data accessibility, and minimize downtime for mission-critical applications.

The course begins with an introduction to high availability concepts, including the key components and prerequisites for SQL AlwaysOn, such as Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC). Participants will explore how to deploy and configure SQL Server, create availability groups, and add databases for high availability and disaster recovery scenarios.

Advanced topics include multi-site and hybrid configurations, integrating SQL AlwaysOn with Azure, and optimizing security and performance. The course also covers essential backup and recovery strategies tailored for AlwaysOn environments. Throughout the course, participants will gain hands-on experience through guided labs that reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical application.

By the end of this course, attendees will have a deep understanding of SQL Server AlwaysOn and its role in ensuring high availability and disaster recovery for enterprise-level workloads. They will be prepared to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot AlwaysOn solutions, as well as implement best practices for long-term success. 

Audience
Profile

This course is tailored for IT professionals, database administrators (DBAs), and solution architects who are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions in SQL Server environments. It is designed to meet the needs of individuals and teams working in organizations where minimizing downtime, ensuring data availability, and maintaining business continuity are critical.

Prerequisites: Participants should have:

  • A strong understanding of SQL Server, including database management and maintenance.
  • Basic knowledge of Windows Server environments and networking concepts.
  • Familiarity with virtualization and storage technologies.
  • Experience with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and related tools is recommended.


This course is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in high availability and disaster recovery, enabling them to support critical database systems and ensure organizational resilience.

Course
Outline

Module 1: Overview of High Availability in SQL Server

  • Understanding High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR)
  • SQL Server HA Technologies Overview
  • Benefits of SQL AlwaysOn Availability Groups
  • Key Terminologies and Concepts


Module 2: Planning and Prerequisites

  • Requirements for AlwaysOn Availability Groups
    • Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC)
    • SQL Server Editions and Features
  • Network and Storage Considerations
  • Best Practices for HA/DR Planning
  • Hands-On Lab: Preparing the Environment for SQL AlwaysOn


Module 3: Configuring Windows Server Failover Clustering

  • Introduction to WSFC and Its Role in SQL AlwaysOn
  • Setting Up a Cluster for SQL Server
  • Validating Cluster Configuration
  • Hands-On Lab: Configuring and Testing a Windows Server Failover Cluster


Module 4: Installing and Configuring SQL Server

  • Installing SQL Server for AlwaysOn Availability Groups
  • Enabling AlwaysOn Features in SQL Server
  • Hands-On Lab: Installing SQL Server and Enabling AlwaysOn


Module 5: Creating and Configuring Availability Groups

  • Defining Primary and Secondary Replicas
  • Configuring Synchronous and Asynchronous Commit Modes
  • Setting Up Automatic and Manual Failover
  • Hands-On Lab: Creating an AlwaysOn Availability Group


Module 6: Adding Databases to Availability Groups

  • Preparing Databases for AlwaysOn
  • Adding Databases to Availability Groups
  • Monitoring Synchronization States
  • Hands-On Lab: Adding Databases and Monitoring Synchronization


Module 7: Managing High Availability

  • Configuring Read-Only Routing for Secondary Replicas
  • Managing Failovers (Planned vs. Unplanned)
  • Testing Backup Strategies with AlwaysOn
  • Hands-On Lab: Configuring Read-Only Routing and Performing Failovers


Module 8: Monitoring and Troubleshooting

  • Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for Monitoring
  • Using Extended Events and DMVs for Troubleshooting
  • Common Issues and Resolution Techniques
  • Hands-On Lab: Monitoring and Troubleshooting AlwaysOn Availability Groups

 

Module 9: Multi-Site and Hybrid Configurations

  • Implementing Distributed Availability Groups
  • Setting Up AlwaysOn for Multi-Site Deployments
  • Integrating SQL AlwaysOn with Azure VMs
  • Hands-On Lab: Configuring a Distributed Availability Group


Module 10: Security and Performance Optimization

  • Securing AlwaysOn Availability Groups
    • Encryption and Certificates
    • Restricting Access to Secondary Replicas
  • Optimizing Performance for HA Workloads
  • Hands-On Lab: Implementing Security and Performance Tuning


Module 11: Backup and Recovery in AlwaysOn

  • Backup Strategies in AlwaysOn Environments
    • Full, Differential, and Log Backups
    • Backups from Secondary Replicas
  • Restoring Databases in AlwaysOn Availability Groups
  • Hands-On Lab: Configuring Backups and Performing Restores


Module 12: Best Practices and Future Considerations

  • Best Practices for AlwaysOn Deployment
  • Planning for Growth and Scalability
  • Future Trends in SQL Server High Availability
 
 
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Other
Information

  • Labs available