Types of Indexes and When to Use Them

26/09/2024

From Clustered to Specialized: Types of SQL Indexes and When to Use Them

Considering the sheer volume of data slugging through the digital pipelines, knowing your indexes shou be your bread and butter. Here, we’re slicing through the thick crust of complexity to expose clustered and non-clustered indexes and their cousins.

Why bother? Because we live at the age of instant grafitication. The speed at which you can retrieve data can be the difference between leading and trailing behind. That’s why we will be going through the ins and outs of clustered and non-clustered indexes and their specialized kin. On they way, keep in mind that each type has a role. For every one there is a specific scenario where its purpose becomes the most obvious.

It’s about knowing who to tap for the performance you crave, at precisely the right moment.

Performance Monitor Changes in Version 2024.2—Part III: OS Stat Page

19/09/2024

Performance Monitor Changes in Version 2024.2—Part III: OS Stat Page

In the high-tech tangle of our time, more cores usually mean a slower tick-tock in the CPU clock. The sage database administrators find themselves revisiting the old battleground of processor usage. The latest update to DBPLUS Performance Monitor (Version 2024.2) includes significant enhancements that aid in this monitoring. Particularly through its dedicated page for OS statistics—OS Stat Page.

Performance Monitor Changes in Version 2024.2—Part I: Online Monitor

22/08/2024

Performance Monitor Changes in Version 2024.2—Part I: Online Monitor

Statistics can lie—” The only statistics you can trust are those you falsified yourself” This old adage attributed to Sir Winston Churchill rings especially true if you’re dealing with daily database monitoring. When data is only captured in 15-minute intervals, transient issues that can severely impact performance might slip through the cracks, unnoticed and unaddressed until they’ve already caused significant problems.

In the newest release of the DBPLUS PERFORMANCE MONITOR, we’re extremely excited to show you the solution that the new functionality brings to the table.

The Toughest Performance Challenges of SQL Server

08/08/2024

The Toughest Performance Challenges of SQL Server

SQL Server has a stellar reputation among the suits in the boardroom—lauded for its architecture and the ability to juggle massive datasets with the grace of someone who can juggle quite well. Yet, those who actually wrestle with the data, know a different story. They understand that SQL Server, like any towering giant, has its own set of quirks and foibles that can keep database professionals on their toes. Welcome to the performance challenges of SQL Server.

That's How Effective Query Monitoring Can Prevent Locks

01/08/2024

That’s How Effective Query Monitoring Can Prevent Locks

In the complex ecosystem of SQL Server, performance issues can sometimes feel like detective work, especially when tracking down the elusive culprits behind system locks. This time, we’re exploring how ineffective queries (and poorly executed query monitoring) can grind operations to a halt, and how to identify the “how” and “why” behind the halt. 

From scrutinizing load trends to dissecting lock histories and refining execution plans, we’re making sure that no stone—or should we say, no data block—remains unturned in our quest to keep SQL Server zipping along like a sports car rather than trudging like a pack mule.

Execution plan changes in SQL server

04/07/2024

Execution Plan Changes in SQL Server: Reasons and Solutions

Executions plan—complex maps charted by the SQL Server optimizer, dictate the most efficient route for data retrieval. However, the plans are not static. They morph and adapt, influenced by a host of factors ranging from data volume changes to system upgrades. Each of the execution plan changes in SQL Server has the potential to sway performance dramatically.

Understanding the reasons behind these shifts, and more importantly, how to effectively manage them translates to maintaining optimal performance in SQL Server environments.