I have heard that SQL servers could benefit if they are virtualized say
using VMWare or Virtual Server in production when setting up clusters on 4
way nodes such that in the event that 3 nodes fail, then the 4th node could
run those 3 virtual instances on the 4th node.

Is that worth thinking about ?

No, there is no benefit and there is no way I would configure a production
environment this way. In order to get either VMWare or Virtual Server up
and running, you need to install an OS on the host machine and then install
an OS within the VM. You now have a second OS running and consuming
hardware resources that is unnecessary. Then, you are not going to get any
failover whatsoever. The entire VM is running inside 1 or more files and
these files do not get copied anywhere or maintained up to date. So you are
introducing a lot more overhead as well as a configuration that has no
possibility of working the way you are wanting.

--
Mike
http://www.solidqualitylearning.com
Disclaimer: This communication is an original work and represents my sole
views on the subject. It does not represent the views of any other person
or entity either by inference or direct reference.


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