Selecting Database Locations
During System Center Essentials setup, you have the option of installing the database that contains monitoring and management data on a local instance of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 SP1 or later, or on a remote instance. You can also install Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services, which is included with System Center Essentials.
In addition, you must make sure that the local computer (the one on which you are installing Essentials 2007) is correctly configured to support the Essentials 2007 Report Server, if you want to use the local database instance.
Note
The Install SQL Server 2005 Express check box is not available if an SQL instance with the name 'SCE' already exists on the computer. Before uninstalling the SQL instance named 'SCE,' make sure that the data in that instance is not needed or is backed up.
Selecting the Essentials 2007 Database Location
Essentials 2007 runs more quickly and efficiently if you place the Essentials 2007 Management Server database on a remote instance of SQL Server—that is, install SQL Server 2005 SP1 or later on a computer other than the one on which you are installing Essentials 2007, but one that is in the same domain or a trusted domain. However, a remote version of the database can be hosted only on an instance of Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition or SQL Server Enterprise Edition.
On high-performance computers running SQL Server—specifically, multiprocessor servers with 2 GB or more of RAM—placing the Essentials 2007 database locally does not affect performance. You can use any SQL Server edition as an instance of a local Essentials 2007 database.
Essentials 2007 Reporting Server Requirements
If you are planning to select an existing database instance during Essentials 2007 installation, you must make sure that SQL Server 2005 SP1 Reporting Services (SRS) is installed and configured on the server where you plan to install Essentials 2007. You can use the SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services Configuration tool to verify that the local SRS instance is running and that the following are successfully configured:
Report Server Virtual Directory
Report Manager Virtual Directory
Windows Service Identity
Web Service Identity
Database Setup
If you are planning to select the option of installing SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services when installing Essentials 2007, you are not required to install SRS.
See Also
Tasks
How to Install a Remote Essentials 2007 Console
Concepts
Administration Account
Local Policy vs. Group Policy
Storing Updates
Supported Deployment Topologies
System Requirements and Supported Platforms