Separate SQL Server

K2 installations can leverage existing infrastructure, for example installing the K2 databases on an existing SQL server. Alternatively, it is common to install the K2 databases on a dedicated SQL server machine. This topology is suitable for smaller environments, such as Development, Test, Training or small-scale Production environments. If scaling for data availability is required, a SQL cluster would be best as this provides a redundant system for data availability.

The following topology does not include integration with SharePoint. If you require SharePoint integration see the appropriate SharePoint section: SharePoint 2013, 2016 and Online.

Single Install with separate SQL Server
User Machine

N/A
Single Application Server Internet Information Server (IIS) K2 Site:
  • K2 smartforms runtime site
  • K2 designer site
  • K2 Workspace (Deskop)
  • K2 Management site

Application Server:
  • K2 server

Package and Deployment
K2 Setup Manager
K2 Core
SQL
  • K2 database

Considerations

  • Although all components on a single machine are simple to install and maintain, and reduce the possibility of additional security requirements to support impersonation between machines, the processing capabilities of one physical machine may introduce performance issues.
  • Additional RAM, a faster processor or improved disk and network throughput on the Application server(s) may be required to maintain an acceptable level of performance.
  • Network connection speed between the Application Server and the SQL server must be as fast as possible with as little latency as possible (physical servers should preferably be on the same Gigabit-backbone.)
  • K2 recommends you do not geographically separate the SQL Server from the application servers since this can introduce performance issues due to low bandwidth or latency between the K2 application servers and the SQL server.
  • The SQL Server can share physical resources with other SQL databases or SQL Server Instances on the same SQL server, or be located on a dedicated SQL server/instance, or be located on an Azure SQL DB.
    • K2 recommends that SQL administrators track performance of the SQL server and address performance issues through standard Microsoft SQL Server scaling approaches.
  • The SmartForms Design Time and Runtime sites are hosted on the same IIS Server as separate Sites.