Over the years I've always been told (both by Microsoft reps and internal IT
staff) to not install SQL Server on a machine configured as a PDC. This
makes sense from a performance standpoint.

My question is: other than performance issues, are there any technical
issues with installing and running a SQL instance on a PDC? How about a
Backup Domain Controller (BDC)?

Thanks - any input is appreciated!

Hi,

Direct answer is Yes. You can install SQL server in a BDC or PDC.
Only thing is both PCD/BDC take more hardware resources for user
authentication as well as there are few security issues
So this may affect your database performance as well as security/
Have a look into the below link.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...microsoft.com:
80/support/kb/articles/q159/7/92.asp&NoWebContent=1

Thanks
Hari
MCDBA


"Joe Montana" <jj (AT) nowhere (DOT) com> wrote

Its also a security issue, SQL vastly increases the attack surface of a
server and if its a DC, its not just the server itself that's at risk but
the entire domain. This in my mind is higher up the "why not to do it" list
than performance. Having said all that, it can make sense in smaller shops
without the luxury or budget for separate dedicated servers, to host SQL
Server on a DC and I'm not aware of any technical stumbing blocks. I often
install this configuration in VMWare especially when demonstrating clusters
as it means I can get away with 2 VM's rather than 3 (which my laptop
struggles to cope with). So its certainly possible (if not advisable) and
you shouldn't hit any major obstacles. Hope this makes sense :-)

--
HTH

Jasper Smith (SQL Server MVP)

I support PASS - the definitive, global
community for SQL Server professionals -
http://www.sqlpass.org


"Joe Montana" <jj (AT) nowhere (DOT) com> wrote