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A server
instance is a collection of SQL Server databases which are run by a solitary SQL
Server service or instance. The details of each server instance can be viewed
on the service console which can be web-based or command-line based. The
instances are not linked with each other and can be controlled or managed
separately.
Techopedia Explains Server Instance
Each SQL Server instance has its own ports, databases and logins. The instances can be
further categorized as named and primary instances. While the user can access
the named instances by using a backslash and the name of the instance, the
primary instances can be accessed by their IP addresses or server names. For
example, if the user wants to connect to an instance called XYZ on the local
server, the following command or syntax can be used: 145.0.0.1XYZ.
Multiple
server instances provide multiple advantages such as stability and backup for
the computing systems. Such computing systems can transfer the load in case of
unprecedented issues such as data loss or system crashes. In such cases, the
other instances can take up the work of the affected instances. Starting with SQL Server
2005, the user can run up to 50 instances, all of which can run at the same
time.
