The Top Five Features of SQL Diagnostic Manager for SQL Server

by Feb 24, 2021

SQL Server database teams around the world benefit from the features of SQL Diagnostic Manager for SQL Server.

A well-established and mature application, SQL Diagnostic Manager for SQL Server has evolved from a basic monitoring tool to one that addresses the specific needs of modern SQL Server Database Administrators (DBAs). 

DBAs should be comfortable and confident with their software tools. Acting as the custodian of enterprise data assets is hard enough without being forced to perform the job using unreliable or overly complex technical resources. Database teams need software that is easy to use and does its job.

 

A database monitoring application is a very valuable component of a DBAs software toolbox. Maintaining high performance is one of the primary tasks of a database team, and a reliable monitoring tool is indispensable for identifying areas of concern in the SQL Server environment. The feature set of a monitoring solution is what distinguishes it from the competition.

 

Part of IDERA’s Virtual Education Series is a video that looks at five key features of SQL Diagnostic Manager for SQL Server. This post will outline the features profiled in the video. It’s an hour-long discussion well worth the time spent for DBAs working with SQL Server systems. The presentation provides detailed information useful to DBAs who have experience with the tool as well as those new to the product.

 

Spoiler alert! The DBAs come out on top in the end. 

 

Five Features DBAs Will Love

Though the monitoring solution is packed with features, the following top five features of SQL Diagnostic Manager for SQL Server are sure to stand out for database teams in search of better performance.

 

 

Prescriptive and predictive analysis

SQL Diagnostic Manager enables database metrics to be used for prescriptive and predictive analysis. Based on the metrics you choose to monitor, trends are highlighted to predict potential problems so DBAs can proactively address them before they impact system performance. 

 

Multiple baselines can be defined to look for specific issues on SQL Server instances. Teams can fine-tune metrics to eliminate noisy and unnecessary alerts. Alert responses can be defined when thresholds are met, and tuning recommendations are linked to informative third-party materials.

 

History browser

The history browser in SQL Diagnostic Manager is essentially a time machine with which teams can conduct forensic research on their database instances. It enables DBAs to compare snapshots of SQL Server instances to identify the root causes of issues after the fact. Information is presented in customizable dashboards highlighting the most relevant details in an easily understandable format. Instances can be organized so subsets of the environment can quickly be checked by the team.

 

TempDB monitoring and analysis

The condition of SQL Server’s TempDB can have a substantial impact on system performance. SQL Diagnostic Manager provides insight into many TempDB metrics including how much space it is currently using. Teams can use this information to tune their systems and avoid problems related to TempDB usage. 

 

Custom counters and dashboards

The ability to customize the tremendous amount of information available from SQL Diagnostic Manager makes the tool much easier to use and contributes to the productivity of the database team. Custom dashboards let the team visually display the data that is important to them for quick identification of potential problems. Multiple dashboards can be defined to fully cover large environments. 

 

Counters are used to trigger responses or alerts. Custom-defined counters can be used to monitor systems granularly to address specific business requirements. An intuitive wizard helps the team customize dashboards and counters with a few clicks. Cycling among dashboards gives a DBA a graphical representation of the SQL Server environment. 

 

Query analysis

Problem queries can seriously degrade SQL Server performance. SQL Diagnostic Manager allows DBAs to search for high-impact queries that slow down system response time. Different viewing modes can be used to pinpoint the specific queries and users affecting databases. Once identified, the rogue queries can be tuned to avoid repeat offenses. 

These five features give SQL Server database teams the right tools to identify the issues affecting the performance of their databases. You can try SQL Diagnostic Manager for SQL Server risk-free with a 14-day trial that provides full access to all its features. It's a great way to see how a comprehensive monitoring tool can improve your SQL Server environment.