The primary naming convention to put in place is the Database Naming standard. By default, SharePoint puts a GUID at the end of every database.
This is to ensure that two SharePoint farms can use the same database server without conflict. However the GUIDs make memorizing a database name practically impossible.
Here are some basic naming conventions to consider adopting:
- Avoid GUIDs at all costs
- Avoid blanks
- Avoid underscores
- Leave “DB” and “database” out of the name
- Use Capital Letters to highlight the start of words (CamelCase)
- Consistent description to allow a database to be clearly associated with a specific Web App and Service App
- References to Production vs. Development are not necessary
- References to SharePoint version are not necessary
- References to “SharePoint” are unnecessary, especially for a dedicated SQL Server
- Leave the obscure “WSS” SharePoint convention for content databases, instead use “Content” at the start of the database name. That’s clearer for DBAs who are not versed in the mysterious acronyms of SharePoint.
Here’s a proposed syntax for structuring database names:
[Major Application][Type] [Minor Application] [Specific]
| Component | Description | Sample Values |
|---|---|---|
| [Major Application] | Major category of Application | [left blank for SharePoint] MSPS (for MS Project Server) |
| [Type] | Category or type of database, based on primary system using the database | Content ServiceApp |
| [Minor Application] | Can be Service Application | PerformancePoint ManagedMetadata |
| [Specific] | Can describe each of multiple service app DBs. Description of use of Content DB for Web App | CentralAdmin |
Examples
Default: Search_Connector_CrawlStoreDB_4040b7300e9e42779edb3e6b926be5a7
New: ServiceApp_SearchConnectorCrawlStoreDB
Default: SharePoint_AdminContent_ff35d171-482c-4f9d-8305-a4a259ec1a15
New: Content_CentralAdmin
Default: wss_content_eaee9d8f-ed75-4a56-bad3-5abf232b4f66
New: Content_ DIV_HR
Default: StateService_0f2a42e8b90d4c60830ca442e753de13
New: ServiceApp_State
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