Microsoft® SQL Server 2012 Unleashed

Central Management Servers

In large enterprises, organizations most likely have more than one SQL Server system they want to effectively manage from a Policy-Based Management perspective. Therefore, if DBAs want to implement policies on multiple servers, they have two options. The first option includes exporting the policy and then importing it into different SQL Server systems. After the policy is imported, it must be configured to be evaluated on demand, on schedule, or on change.

The second option includes creating one or more Central Management Servers in SQL Server 2012. Basically, by registering one or more SQL Servers with a Central Management Server, a DBA can deploy multiserver policies and administration from a central system.

For example, ...