Few things are as frustrating for database professionals as the inability to track down the root cause of a performance issue. And when you’re under pressure to keep everything running smoothly, manually and inefficiently struggling to understand the problem can get stressful quickly.
Roadblocks
This was the case for a database team at a global transportation and logistics company. Their databases power critical supply chain management, warehousing, distribution and freight systems. Optimal database performance is critical to help ensure the smooth flow of goods around the globe.
Flying blind
But the database team was having trouble identifying which SQL Server queries were being impacted by blocking. It didn’t help that there were many different SQL statements tied together in a single transaction. Sure, the database team could view blocked process reports, but only after the fact. And that still didn’t distinguish the actual source of the block. A lack of information and blocking history made root-cause analysis nearly impossible, forcing the database team into reactive mode. Without visibility, they couldn’t create a long-term fix.
Shining a light on the root cause
Having heard about Foglight® by Quest® for SQL Server, the database team manager recommended that solution. Shortly after installation, database performance improved. The team finally had a fast and easy way to review blocking history and identify the root cause of performance problems.
Finding the “smoking guns”
From drill-down capabilities provided by its Performance Investigator (PI) module, to the ability to look back in time and quickly see the cause of an issue, Foglight for SQL Server provided the database team with the visibility and data they needed to become far more productive and effective. By reducing the number of steps needed to identify and diagnose SQL Server issues, the team now saves 30 minutes or more on root-cause analysis.
“We use Foglight now to find the smoking guns and the PI feature to go back in time and find root causes. We also watch performance in real time; if it seems like things are getting out of acceptable range, we can quickly drill down and see what's causing the issues.”
-Database Team Lead
A smooth road ahead
If their challenges sound all too familiar and you’re ready for a faster, easier way to identify and resolve database performance problems, check out the full case study. You’ll learn how they achieved a number of database goals, saved time and improved their credibility – and how you can, too. As you face ever-increasing responsibilities, you don’t have time to fight fires. Discover a better approach that’s helping companies of all sizes easily ensure peak database performance.
