I have a number of 2 node SQL Server 2012 (Enterprise) Active-Passive clusters running with FCI (Shared Storage). I am looking to convert to Availability Groups (mirrored replicas) as the HA solution. At a high level here are the steps I believe I would need to perform:
1. Remove the shared storage from the passive node
2. Present new storage for AG replica's to passive node
3. Somehow convert the cluster installation of SQL Server into a standard installation of SQL Server on both nodes?
4. Follow steps required to configure Availability Groups
My question specifically is pertaining to what would be needed in order to accomplish step 3. I suspect the answer would involve a reinstallation of SQL Server 2012 as a standalone installation, but I am hoping that there is a shortcut that is less painful.
Ultimately the active node would need to see what was previously shared storage as standalone storage and not as a resource on the cluster. Also I would want to configure synchronous mirroring of the AGs with automatic failover.
Is there a way to convert a clustered SQL Server install into a standalone install without reinstalling?