Getting started - SQL Storage Compress

SQL Storage Compress enables you to run SQL Server databases from compressed database files, saving you disk space and improving transaction throughput with reduced I/O.

You can work with compressed SQL Server databases using the same tools and scripts you already use with standard SQL Server databases.

To create compressed SQL Server databases, use the SQL Storage Compress wizard or normal T-SQL scripts to restore from native SQL Server, SQL HyperBac, or SQL Backup Pro backups. Backup files created by other tools (for example, Quest LiteSpeed™) are also supported, as long as the required 3rd-party backup software components are also installed.

New to SQL Storage Compress? Get started with the Guide for Evaluators.

Technical requirements

Microsoft SQL Server support

SQL Storage Compress supports Microsoft SQL Server 2000 (Service Pack 3 or later), 2005, 2008, 2008 R2 and 2012. The following editions of each version are supported:

Developer Edition (32-bit)
Standard Edition (32-bit)
Enterprise Edition (32-bit)
Developer Edition (64-bit)
Standard Edition (64-bit)
Enterprise Edition (64-bit)

Microsoft Windows support

SQL Storage Compress supports the following Microsoft Windows operating systems:

Windows Server 2003 Standard and Enterprise Editions
- For 32-bit versions, Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2 are supported but not required.
- For 64-bit versions, Service Pack 1 is required. Service Pack 2 is supported but not required.
Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit)
Windows Server 2008 Standard and Enterprise Editions (32-bit and 64-bit)
Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard and Enterprise Editions (32-bit and 64-bit)
Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)

Operating system requirements

SQL Storage Compress requires approximately 1 GB of RAM. When configuring the maximum server memory for SQL Server, leave at least 1 GB of your total memory free for SQL Storage Compress.

Performance testing

SQL Storage Compress does more than just save disk space. By reducing the amount of data reaching disk, increased I/O performance can speed up your database applications. See Performance Testing for SQL Storage Compress to learn how to measure and compare your systems' I/O performance for standard and compressed databases.