We have a proof of concept project we would like to begin with the use of SQL Server AlwaysOn Availability groups. We currently have a datacenter that contains a SQL 2012 Enterprise Edition Failover Active Active Passive Cluster on OS Windows 2008 R2 with Service Pack 1. We would like to implement a Disaster Recovery plan for SQL with the use of AlwaysOn Availability Groups that includes setup and testing in our DR site. In order to do this, we would like to understand the requirements from an O/S standpoint for setting this up.
Can this be a stand alone server in the DR site or does this require a WSFC? Secondly, my understanding from the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn Solution Guide is that the DR site doesn't not have to utilize the same shared disk as the SQL failover cluster. My questions are the following.
a) Can the AlwaysOn group(s) be on a stand-alone server outside of a WSFC?
b) Can the AlwaysOn group(s) be on a sepearate WSFC if WSFC is a requirement?
c) Are there any limitations to having Windows 2008 R2 SP1?
d) Can the DR site utilze different disk?
Note: My basis for the forum question is so that I can provide the propper infromation for the Hardware setup over in the DR site so that we can begin installing SQL 2012 Enterprise and setup the Availability group over in DR.
-Thank you
Don Baker