Multiple Databases and the SQL Server
When using storage arrays with SQL Server, it is recommended to use the VSS
Requestor/Provider to take full advantage of highly efficient snapshots and replication.
The VSS Requestor/Provider works with Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to
coordinate snapshots with applications writing to the volumes. This allows the VSS
Services to take consistent snapshots of any VSS-aware application, such as SQL Server.
NOTE: Microsoft recommends
less than 35 databases involved in a VSS snapshot on x64 systems.
Also see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 943471.