SQL Server 2012 Passes Another Benchmarking Test for Utility Application

The mission-critical reliability concerns of utilities require them to seek continuing assurance that any changes to standard operating procedures will work as advertised and continue to work correctly once implemented.

In view of utilities concerns about trying anything new – out of their overriding reliability worry – we’ve written about OpenText successfully testing SQL Server 2012 for its ability to manage and retain incredible amounts of email traffic, for regulatory compliance. We’ve written about Itron testing SQL Server 2008 R2 for its ability to handle meter data quantities. And we’ve noted how various utilities in the United States and China are satisfied with these tests and use SQL Server for various functions.

Now we have Siemens PLM Software confirming today that SQL Server 2012 and Windows Server 2008 RS Enterprise operating system can support 10,000 concurrent user sessions on its Teamcenter solution. Utilities use Teamcenter to improve energy and utility equipment design and manufacturing, including engineer-to-order, assemble-to-order, configure-to-order, and long-term support processes for those assets. In the Utility context we refer to this as asset life-cycle management (ALM) rather than PLM since utilities are focused on the engineering aspect of assets from managing descriptions and properties of an asset through its deployment and useful life.

The tests validate that Teamcenter and SQL Server 2012 are ultimately scalable to support virtually any size implementation and provide a high performance PLM system with a low total cost of ownership.

Just so you know some specifics, both Siemens PLM Software and Microsoft shared equal responsibility in arranging and conducting the performance testing utilizing the latest software offerings. Teamcenter was deployed on SQL Server 2012 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Using Intel® Xeon® processors, 10,000 concurrent Teamcenter users were simulated using a standard Siemens PLM Software testing methodology executing common PLM actions.

For utilities (and their vendors) scattered across hundreds of miles that seek to operate as a single unit, this sort of verification reduces second-guessing that can occur around process development and implementation. Utilities apply Siemens Teamcenter for virtual equipment design and engineering, digital manufacturing for energy equipment, and utility maintenance, repair and overhaul. Considering the incredible amount of equipment, parts and processes that run today’s utility there must be an exceptional level of trust in the system to be successful in those activities. We continue to see verifications of this capability using SQL Server with our partners in a wide range of utility applications. – Jon C. Arnold