This topic describes how to change the specifications of a standard ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance, such as the performance level (PL) of its storage type (for example, from ESSD PL1 to ESSD PL2), its instance type, and its storage capacity. You can change specifications to improve instance performance and resolve storage bottlenecks caused by business growth. After you change the specifications, you do not need to manually restart the instance. Additionally, some instances support seamless storage capacity expansion without interrupting database access.
For information about how to change the specifications of a serverless ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instance, see Change the scaling range of RCUs and Increase storage capacity.
Changes
Changing the following specifications does not change the endpoint of the instance. To scale out the read capacity of your database, you can create a read-only instance and configure read/write splitting to offload the primary instance. The primary instance must be a Cluster Edition instance.
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Version |
You can upgrade the database engine version to a later version. |
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Edition |
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Instance type |
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Storage type |
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Storage capacity |
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Prerequisites
Your Alibaba Cloud account has no unpaid renewal orders.
Usage notes
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A specification change, such as a major version upgrade, may involve a cross-host migration. This process deletes host accounts and any programs or files, such as SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), or SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), that are deployed on the original host. Make sure you migrate or back up your data in advance.
ImportantApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server is built on the native Microsoft SQL Server kernel and focuses on providing stable and efficient managed database services. If your business requires features such as SSIS, SSAS, or SSRS, you are expected to have professional O&M skills to ensure business continuity.
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Changing specifications may trigger data migration. After the migration is complete, the system performs a switchover at your selected switchover time. Incremental data is synchronized during this period. The switchover causes a brief interruption that lasts for about 30 seconds. During this period, you cannot perform most operations related to the database, accounts, or network. We recommend that you perform the operation during off-peak hours and make sure that your application has an automatic reconnection mechanism.
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Basic Edition provides only a single database node with no secondary node for hot backup. Therefore, the node may be unavailable for an extended period if it unexpectedly fails or undergoes tasks such as a specification change or version upgrade. If your business requires high database availability, we recommend that you do not use Basic Edition. Instead, select another edition, such as High-availability Edition.
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If a primary instance has read-only instances, you must ensure that the storage capacity of each read-only instance is greater than or equal to that of the primary instance before you expand the storage of the primary instance. We recommend expanding the storage capacity of all read-only instances before expanding that of the primary instance.
Billing
For more information, see Billing for specification changes.
Procedure
Go to the Instances page. In the top navigation bar, select the region in which the RDS instance resides. Then, find the RDS instance and click the ID of the instance.
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In the Basic Information section of the Configuration Information page, click Change Specifications.
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(This step is required only for subscription instances.) In the dialog box that appears, select a change method (Upgrade or Downgrade: The new specifications take effect immediately) and click Next.
After the change task is submitted, the system synchronizes data to a new instance. Then, at the scheduled switchover time, the system assigns the original instance ID and endpoint to the new instance. The instance ID and endpoint remain unchanged.
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Modify the specifications of the instance. For more information, see Changes.
Important-
Some ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server instances support seamless storage capacity expansion. When you only change the PL of the storage type (for example, from ESSD PL1 to ESSD PL2) or expand the storage capacity, your database access is not interrupted. Therefore, you do not need to set a switchover time. However, if you also change the instance type, you must configure a switchover time.
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If you have not changed any specifications but the Change Specifications page still displays the Switchover time option, your RDS instance does not support seamless storage capacity expansion. You can upgrade the major or minor engine version of your instance and then change specifications to enable seamless storage capacity expansion.
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Select when to apply the new specifications.
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Switch Immediately After Data Migration: The switchover occurs as soon as data migration finishes.
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Switch Within Maintenance Window: The switchover occurs during your configured maintenance window to minimize disruption.
Note-
Some instances support seamless storage capacity expansion. For these instances, this setting is not displayed, and you do not need to configure a switchover time.
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If you select Switch Within Maintenance Window, regular backups for the instance are disabled during the specification change process.
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On the Change Specifications page, confirm the instance information before and after the change, click Pay Now, and then complete the payment.
Warning-
You cannot cancel a configuration change order once it is submitted. Evaluate your business requirements carefully before you proceed.
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To ensure a stable change, avoid Data Definition Language (DDL) operations from the time you submit the order until the change is complete.
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