Last month Dell sponsored a webcast titled, “Essential Tips for Managing SQL Server,” hosted by Jason Strate, a solution architect for Pragmatic Works, and Dell Software Product Manager Peter O’Connell. The webcast asks DBA to take a moment of self-reflection – Are you managing your SQL Server or is it managing you? If there’s even a second of hesitation to answer the question, then the six essential tips Jason provided will help. In a past post we summarize those tips, but here’s a quick refresh: Be Proactive, Not Reactive : Use native tools to collect, monitor and analyze performance metrics Know Your SQL Servers Environment : Get a comprehensive look by taking an inventory, scanning the network and capturing the current configuration. Configure your environment : Spend time up front mapping what needs to happen and what database resources are required. Tune to “Good Enough”: Stop tinkering. If a configuration works, let it be and move on to fixing problems. The time spend making something run slightly better isn’t worth it. Plan for the worst: Create a recovery strategy and backup often. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Be the Guardian : Efficient management means being able to let go. Set appropriate permission and monitor those to provide access without risk. Download the webcast titled “Essential Tips for Managing SQL Server” here . With these recommendations in mind, let’s think about what’s next. How do you put management tips into practice in order to make day-to-day SQL Server management easier, quicker and more effective? While good ol’ fashion brain power and a practical knowledge set are all important, technology solutions exist to streamline and improve processes in practically every IT role within an organization. Such is the case here – SQL Server management tools will enable execution of these essential management tips. Before deploying any tool; however, it’s important to evaluate your current SQL Server environment with an eye toward how existing resources are used in order to pinpoint where you might need some management assistant. With so many tools available, DBAs could fall into a trap of deploying too much and actually overlooking all the functionality included in the tools used. To simplify, we’ll group SQL Server management tools in four categories: Monitor – An effective SQL Server monitoring solution will give you the functionality you need to take the pulse of your entire database infrastructure, including mobile deployments. Bonus points for tools that display metrics visually for a quick look. Manage – Supplement native SQL Server management tools with solutions that can help manage instances, compare data and suggest configuration fixes. Protect – Backup solutions are critical to SQL Server management. Avoid the drama that absolutely will ensue in the event of a server crash. Look for data protection tools that deliver rapid restoration time while compressing backups to improve efficiency. Improve – While solutions to monitor SQL Servers provide a baseline, take management to the next level with a tool to evaluate long term trends by reviewing analytics. While we discussed tuning to ‘good enough,’ an optimization solution can identify areas where a configuration or sequencing change could deliver the most bang for your buck. Smart use of SQL Server management tools can dramatically cut time and resources used to oversee the database environment. Think about all that free time you’ll have. Write your memoires, go visit every MLB ballpark, take your kid to Disney. Or, just move on to the next big project that you’ve put on the back burner… For an overview of specific SQL Server management tools available, a quick demo of how they work, download Dell Software’s complimentary webcast “Essential Tips for Managing SQL Server” here .
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