is it good idea to have azure AD connect and SQL installed on the same server?

Whether it's a good idea to have Azure AD Connect and SQL Server on the same server depends on various factors, including the size of your environment, resource availability, and your organization's specific requirements. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

1. Resource Utilization:

   • Both Azure AD Connect and SQL Server can be resource-intensive applications. Ensure that the server has sufficient CPU, memory, and disk resources to handle the load generated by both services. If the server is adequately provisioned, co-locating them may be reasonable.

2. Simplicity vs. Scalability:

   • Co-locating services simplifies management and reduces the overall server footprint. However, if your organization is growing rapidly, or if you have a large number of users and objects to synchronize, it might be more scalable to separate Azure AD Connect and SQL Server onto dedicated servers.

3. Backup and Recovery:

   • Consider the backup and recovery strategy for the SQL Server database used by Azure AD Connect. Ensure that your backup plan is robust and can quickly restore data in case of a failure.

4. Security Considerations:

   • Evaluate security requirements for both Azure AD Connect and SQL Server. Ensure that the appropriate security measures, such as firewall configurations and permissions, are in place to protect each service.

5. High Availability:

   • If high availability is a critical requirement for your environment, co-locating may not be the best option. In a high-availability scenario, you might want to distribute services across multiple servers to reduce the risk of a single point of failure.

6. Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

   • Implement monitoring solutions to track the performance and health of both Azure AD Connect and SQL Server. This will aid in troubleshooting issues and optimizing the performance of each service.

7. Future Growth:

   • Consider your organization's growth plans. If you anticipate significant growth in terms of users, objects, or complexity, you might want to design your infrastructure to accommodate future scalability requirements.

8. Best Practices:

   • Follow best practices recommended by Microsoft for both Azure AD Connect and SQL Server installations. This includes reviewing system requirements, configuration settings, and security considerations.

Ultimately, the decision to co-locate Azure AD Connect and SQL Server depends on your organization's specific needs, available resources, and future plans. It's a trade-off between simplicity and scalability, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. If in doubt, consulting with your IT team or seeking advice from Microsoft support can provide tailored guidance based on your unique environment.