Microsoft SQL Server/Using Instances
On one machine, there can be more editions, as defined in the SQL Server Installation Center.
Default Instance: Only one. Please note some of the MS products using the SQL Server request the default instance (For instance the Team Foundation Server).
Determining Multiple or Single Instances
[edit | edit source]Multiple Instances mean more administration overhead. Additional Instances require additional resources: Memory and processor capacity-
Advantages of multiple instances
- testing multiple versions
- testing service packs, dev databases and applications
- different customers require their own system and user databases with full administrative control or their instance
- desktop engine is embedded in the applications, because every application can install each own instance