In today's newletter, he posted my answer that I sent in. Read it at http://www.sswug.org/nlarchive.asp?odate=11/11/2008.(excerpt from the SSWUG newsletter 11/10/2008)
What, Exactly, Makes "Enterprise" Software?
The next version of SQL Server takes more steps toward supporting enterprise-class installations and BI solutions. Great!
What is "enterprise" - what does that mean? I'm curious because since even the 7.0 days, and certainly 2000 and beyond, I've seen huge installations of SQL Server - and I know our teams at SQL on Call have worked with large installations and I'm sure you know of them as well. Is it size? Complexity? Type of application?
What exactly is this "Enterprise" thing that is being chased? If someone talks to you about SQL Server being Enterprise-ready... what does that mean to you?
"Enterprise Software" Seems that the definition is pretty varied from those that have had a chance to write in about what, exactly, is "Enterprise" software. Specifically, I was curious what this target was that keeps coming up when describing SQL Server - getting it "Enterprise-Ready."
Ben: "Thanks, for the thought-provoking questions. Here are my three cents on this one. Being "Enterprise" ready means scalability, flexibility and integration.
(1) Scalability - To support the load generated by an entire enterprise, an application must be scalable. This means it is a robust platform which can be scaled through hardware upgrades to support the continued growth of the business. The whole infrastructure needs to be manageable (not sprawling) and secure to ensure the long-term strategic goals are achievable.
(2) Flexibility - To service the diverse needs of each business division, an application has to flexible. The exact solution which works in one division may need tweaking to service the needs of another. This agility is also needed to support the ever-changing business landscape. In order to keep pace with its industry, a business needs to make short-term, tactical adjustments which must be implemented quickly.
(3) Integration - Because no single product can meet every need, it must readily integrate with other standard products to deliver a complete solution. This would also include being reverse-compatible with prior versions to provide an easy upgrade path. "
It's interesting that this last point, integration, has come up several times in describing what enterprise-ready software refers to. On the other hand, it seems like enterprise-ready typically refers to scalability, reliability and availability in these two areas in the official descriptions I've seen typically.
No comments:
Post a Comment