SQL Server 2008 R2 High Availability Poster (Microsoft, 2009)

The SQL Server 2008 R2 High Availability Poster, created for Microsoft in 2009, visually communicated critical database reliability features through a large-format printed poster prominently displayed at Microsoft’s Redmond campus. Designed using Adobe Illustrator and closely following SQL Server branding guidelines (red, black, white, and grayscale), the poster clearly presented the three pillars of database high availability: Increasing Availability, Enabling Data Protection, and Improving Manageability. Each pillar was represented by an illustrated server tower containing detailed visual scenarios—such as database mirroring setups, redundancy configurations, and IT management activities. A vertical red gradient background transitioned from darker at the top to lighter near the bottom, guiding viewers through the informational hierarchy. Strategic pops of red were used on clothing, signs, and critical numeric indicators (e.g., "99.99%" availability).

An innovative feature was the integration of humorous references, such as "24/7 like 7/11 but always open" and "Department of Redundancy Department," making complex technical concepts approachable without compromising accuracy. Numeric indicators reinforced SQL Server’s reliability claims explicitly. This visual storytelling style reflected Microsoft’s evolving communication practices around 2009, emphasizing clarity and direct engagement with both technical and less-technical audiences, anticipating broader industry shifts toward simplified, user-friendly enterprise explanations.

Related Project: SQL Server 2008 Poster