End-to-End SQL Server Performance Troubleshooting

When attempting to diagnose a problem in a SQL Server application, there’s no right or wrong way to go about troubleshooting. However, certain techniques yield much better results when used for end-to-end troubleshooting.

This presentation will teach you the best practices for finding the root cause of a problem in a SQL Server application, correlating that root cause to a specific set of activities being performed on the server, and tuning the problem activity for maximum performance—all using the native SQL Server tools. We will then compare and contrast those techniques to Quest Software's performance management and query tuning tools. All examples and syntax are verified for Microsoft SQL Server 2005.

Specifically, after attending this presentation, you should have a good understanding of:

·         How to begin a troubleshooting project, including where to start and what to look at inside of SQL Server

·         How to use the query tuning tools and techniques available with the Microsoft tool kit, including the SQL Server Error Log, Windows Performance Monitor (PerfMon), SQL Server DMVs (and system tables in older versions of SQL Server), SQL Profiler, and SQL Server Management Studio’s Graphic Explain Plan

·         How to use basic Transact-SQL statements to troubleshoot the performance of a SQL statement or Transact-SQL batch

Presenter: Iain Kick

Bio: Iain Kick is SQL Server systems consultant with more than eight years of experience working with complex database environments starting with Microsoft SQL Server version 6.5. He is currently the lead consultant for Quest Software’s SQL Server business in the United Kingdom and in this role is responsible for pre- and post sales support and technical guidance including understanding the business drivers of Quest’s customers and delivering effective solutions and expertise, technical guidance and implementation support to address customer requirements. Prior to joining Quest in 2005, Iain was a production DBA for Framlington Group and ITouch PLC. He is involved in and supports the SQL Server community as an author and speaker, and has presented at various industry events including SQLBits, regional user groups, to Microsoft TS teams and at Quest product launches and customer events all over Europe. Iain specialises SQL Server performance, tuning and backup/recovery. He graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 1999 with a degree in computer studies.

The SQL Consultants Challenge

As a SQL consultancy DataTech is often faced with many different dilemmas and questions by our clients all of which they expect the best solution and usually instantaneous answers.

·         “What’s wrong with the existing system its slow”

·         “Can we or should we use virtualisation on our SQL Platform“

·         “We need to save money on our Off-site Backup Solution”

When attempting to provide solutions to these and many other varied questions DataTech required a fast efficient toolset which would facilitate a cost effective solution to provide metrics which would allow us to diagnose a problem in a SQL Server application, as there’s no right or wrong way to go about troubleshooting. Analyse the capacity requirements of the existing database infrastructure. Provide a reliable efficient mechanism to reduce and manage the size of the backups stored Off-site.  

This presentation aims to discuss our resolve and findings to the real-world case scenarios above, the tools which we find invaluable in the everyday consultancy market place. DataTech use Quest Software’s Performance Tools, Capacity Manager and Litespeed products in addition to Native tools.

Specifically, after attending this presentation, you should have a good understanding of:

·         The various day-to-day common consultancy requests.

·         The trials and pitfalls of virtualisation and options available to the consultant to guarantee success on consolidation

·         Backup Management a differential compressed approach

Presenter: Chris Burns

Bio: Chris Burns is a SQL Server Consultant and Microsoft Certified Trainer with more than 15 years experience with SQL database systems and environments from version 4.2. Chris has worked with all aspects of the Microsoft SQL Server platform from Database Administration, Development and OLAP technologies. Chris is technical director of Data Technology Consultants Ltd based near Leeds in West Yorkshire. DataTech are a Microsoft Certified partner and Specialise in SQL Server solutions providing Managed Database Administration services (Full& Partial), Hosted SQL, Performance Tuning and Database Development Services to a wide range of clients throughout the UK and Europe. DataTech also provide Freelance SQL training Services to the UK’s Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centres and are Quest Software resellers providing consultancy services for the Quest Database toolset. Prior to joining DataTech Chris worked as a Freelance SQL Contractor and prior to this was Principal SQL Trainer for Azlan training in the UK and Sweden for 5years. Chris graduated from Staffordshire University with degree in Process Control and SCADA, he also holds a PGCE from the University of Surrey in Secondary and Further Education.

Location:

Remarc,
3rd Floor,
Westminster House,
Minshull Street,
off Portland Street,
Manchester,
M1 3HU