Master the extensive capabilities of SQL Sentry
Overview This virtual instructor-led, three day class for up to 12 students provides the knowledge and skills needed to master the extensive performance monitoring and optimization capabilities of SQL Sentry Event Manager and Performance Advisor. Using our practical, real-world approach to SQL Server performance analysis and tuning, students learn how to use this powerful toolset to find and correct the SQL Server performance problems prevalent in organizations today. MODULE ONE SQL Sentry Software Architecture and Deployment Best Practices Before we start delving into details, it s important we understand the fundamentals. In this module we cover the role played by each SQL Sentry component, the Windows and SQL Server features used to enable data collection, and your deployment options that ensure an efficient and reliable monitoring solution. We also discuss factors impacting the size and responsiveness of the SQL Sentry database, and how to ensure maximum performance. Topics covered include: Product Components SQL Sentry Monitoring Service SQL Sentry Database SQL Sentry Client Cloud.SQLSentry.net Event Connector Architecture Data Collection Deployment Options and Considerations Managing and Maintaining the SQL Sentry database MODULE TWO Key Concepts Performance Advisor and Event Manager are built on some foundational concepts of what we should expect from monitoring and performance software and how it should work. It is important we understand what they are and how they have been implemented. Topics covered include: SQL Sentry Product Component Integration The Monitoring and Response System Hierarchy Data Retention and Dashboard Resolutions Monitoring vs. Performance Tuning
MODULE THREE Product Security Management Security is an essential element of any software product. In this module we discuss permissions required by SQL Sentry to monitor your systems, user access privileges necessary to use the SQL Sentry client effectively, and options available to limit user access. Topics covered include: SQL Sentry components permissions requirements Managing User Permissions Managing Monitored Server Visibility Advanced Security Considerations MODULE FOUR The SQL Sentry Client Interface The SQL Sentry Client provides a seamless experience for SQL Server and Windows monitoring and optimization, query tuning, alerting and job scheduling. This module discusses the elements of the SQL Sentry Client and their basic usage. Topics covered include: Navigator and Event View Panes Conditions and Settings Panes Workspace Event Manager Calendar & Performance Advisor Dashboard Status and Progress Indicators User Preferences Monitoring Service Settings and Site Management MODULE FIVE Creating an Effective Event Monitoring and Response System SQL Sentry enables you to create a comprehensive Monitoring and Response System using Conditions, Actions and Settings. This module explores each of these concepts in depth, and discusses how to implement them effectively. Topics covered include: Effective Event Monitoring and Response Systems Plan and Implement a Structured Event Monitoring and Response System Creating and Managing Contacts Settings, Conditions, and Actions Advanced Event Monitoring
MODULE SIX Monitoring SQL Server and Windows Performance Beyond monitoring and alerting on scheduled and unscheduled events such as job failures and deadlocks is performance monitoring. At this level we want our monitoring solution to be on the lookout for high resource utilization, combinations of performance metrics exceeding defined thresholds, and deviations from established baselines. In this module we examine how to realize this level of monitoring, and more. Topics covered include: SQL Server and Windows KPMs the Performance Advisor Dashboard Implement Custom Performance Conditions Baselines Index Management using Performance Advisor s Indexes Tab Monitor SQL Server AlwaysOn Availability Group MODULE SEVEN A Performance Troubleshooting Methodology Troubleshooting SQL Server performance issues does not lend itself to formulaic approaches. Individual metrics provide clues, but combinations of the right metrics, along with an understanding of normal behavior usually leads down the correct path to resolution. SQL Sentry excels at showing you combinations and correlations of metrics that, when combined with an understanding of how SQL Server works, makes finding the right path much easier. In this module we will explore methods for uncovering the root cause of common SQL Server performance issues. Topics covered include: SQL Server Configuration Issues Using Waits and Queues CPU, Memory, and Disk I/O Where s the Bottleneck? Long running T-SQL, Blocking and Deadlocks Using Performance Advisor and Event Manager to Identify Performance Issues
MODULE EIGHT Query Tuning using Plan Explorer Plan Explorer helps you quickly get to the root of query tuning issues by making it obvious where issues exist in your execution plans. Performance Advisor continuously captures deep plan information for slow, poorly performing T-SQL. In this module we discuss the basics of query plan analysis and query tuning using Plan Explorer. Topics covered include: What plans are (and are not) captured Settings that affect query and plan capture The enhanced Plan Diagram, and other PE tabs Query Plan Analysis using selected examples Sharing Query Plans Integration with other Performance Advisor features and SQL Server Management Studio MODULE NINE Reporting Services SQL Sentry offers an expansive list of reporting options, generated using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) technology. All reports can be viewed directly from the SQL Sentry Client, or deployed to a Reporting Services 2005 and above server for distribution. In this module we examine these reports, the process for deploying them, and how to create custom versions. We also discuss the role of reports in your monitoring and performance tuning solution. Topics covered include: SQL Sentry Reports Deploying Reports to SSRS Creating Custom Reports Reports as part of a complete Monitoring and Performance Tuning Solution