After installing the WAN optimization appliances on all of our main sites, we have liked what we’ve seen thus far. However, there are thing to note on the SQL database side where the appliances cannot optimize the network traffic. Here are some of the things to keep in mind that we’ve encountered:

1) Database Mirroring – Encryption and compressed log stream will increase WAN traffic so these options must be turned off to utilize the WAN appliances

2) SQL Backups (Logs, Differential, Full) – Compression must be turned off if they’re being copied to the DR site

3) SAN Disk Space – Since SQL Backups are not compressed, disk space must be tightly monitored and must adjust to the increased disk space consumed (both primary and DR site)

I’ll be back to report the results after I make these changes. If you have any questions, let me know!