2025 is just around the corner, and it's shaping up to be an exciting year for DBAs.  With Windows Server 2025 already here and SQL Server 2025 on the horizon, there's no better time to sharpen your skills and prepare for what's ahead.

This year, I've focused on solving a common challenge for DBAs: how to quickly and consistently build test environments for learning and experimentation.

In mid-2023, I created the Automated Sandbox Framework, a tool to fundamentally change how DBAs build sandbox environments.  Over the past year, I've refined it to make it even more powerful and user-friendly.

Here's what it addresses:

Eliminating Manual Setup:

Problem: Setting up Windows Server and SQL Server environments manually is time-consuming and tedious.

Solution: The framework automates the installation and configuration of Windows Server 2025, drastically reducing setup time.  Build your VM guests and jump into installing SQL Server right away.  With HashiCorp Packer templates, and Vagrantfiles, your sandbox is ready in minutes.

Consistent Sandboxes, Every Time:

Problem: Consistency across environments is hard to achieve when building multiple VMs manually.

Solution: The framework packages environments into a reusable Vagrant .box file, ensuring all machines are sysprepped, upon first boot, and identical.  

Ready for Advanced Testing:

Problem: Testing SQL Server features like high availability, replication, and performance tuning often requires multiple servers and configurations.

Solutions: The framework includes preconfigured roles (e.g., Domain Controller, SQL Servers) and supports secondary disks for realistic scenarios like tempdb, data, and log file placement.  This flexibility enables DBAs to test complex setups with minimal effort.

Flexible for Future Releases

Problem: DBAs need a framework that evolves with new releases.

Solution: Fully customizable variables and scripts ensure the framework is ready for the latest versions of Windows Server and SQL Server.  

Where can I get it?

You can download the Automated Sandbox Framework today on GitHub. It’s free, and all you need is a Windows PC meeting the requirements listed in the repository. During 2025, I plan to add configurations for Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu to expand its capabilities.

Thank You

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to thank you for following along this year. I hope you’ve learned something new and found value in these newsletters. With 2025 just ahead, I’m excited to bring you even more content focused on SQL Server and automation.

If you’ve found this newsletter valuable, I’d be grateful if you shared it with a colleague or friend who might benefit too!

Feel free to reply to this email with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future DBA Challenges.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

- Luke