SQL Named Instances are always accessed via [VirtualServerName]\[SQL Instance Name]. You "may" be able to do something clever with a DNS PTR record but I've not tried it. I'm also not sure what effect this would have on the Cluster Service (don't do your testing in a production environment).

Assuming that you don't wish to configure a client alias (cliconfg.exe) you could use a DNS CNAME alias record. For more info look up the CNAME in the windows DNS documentation.

You cannot change the SQL cluster name. You will need to uninstall and
reinstall to actually cchange the name. The methods suggested will allow
users to connect uisng the name you want but will not change the actual
name.

Rand
This posting is provided "as is" with no warranties and confers no rights.

Actually, you need a SRV record in the DNS server. SRV records point to IP
and port numbers.

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Geoff N. Hiten
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
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"Stephen Strong" <anonymous (AT) discussions (DOT) microsoft.com> wrote

the windows DNS documentation.