Monitoring tools

  • Hi there,

    I'm in the process of looking into implementing a monitoring solution for a few SQL instances we have (2005/2008). I was wondering if I could get some feedback regarding the ones that people are using and like the most. I know this place is redgate-friendly (I myself am a user of SQLCompare) but I'm wondering if there are other things people use. Otherwise, sql alert does look like a really good tool from what I've seen.

    Basically, I want to be able to monitor the servers, whether it be resources, disk space, job running status, etc. and have a notification system that can send out emails and log information on a regular basis. This would be used by our tech support staff to have an easy glance at our servers. Some of these are clusters, others are going to be using mirroring, so there's quite a mix of setups used.

    Any feedback regarding the tools you use and why, others that have been evaluated, deployment concerns etc. would be greatly appreciated 🙂

    Regards,

    Greg

  • DBArtisan,Rapid SQL,AquaStudio and several third party tools can be used to administer sql servers of all editions.

    I believe that TOAD, from Quest software, can be used to administer multiple version of SQL Server as well as other DBMS's.

    Try RedGate SQL ToolBelt, Idera SQL Diagnostics Manager.

  • I belive Redgates tool can do it.

    Idera can do it as well.

    Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
    _______________________________________________
    I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
    SQL RNNR
    Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
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  • We decided to go with Idera's SQL Diagnostic Manager[/url]. It is pretty similar in functionality as Spotlight from Quest[/url]. It didn't require any module or service installed on the DB server, which was a requirement for us when we purchased it. I believe current version of Spotlight does not have anything installed either on the DB server.

    Both provide a wealth of information for monitoring and plenty of alerting possibilities.

    I guess it comes down to testing them and seeing which one is better for your company's needs....

    _______________________________________________________________________
    For better assistance in answering your questions, click here[/url]

  • Sounds good, I'll take a look at those as well thanks.

    Regarding the other answers, I'm really looking at something dedicated to monitoring SQL, like a console from which I can easily check server statuses, have alerts setup etc. Basically I want to be able to log in the console and very quickly be able to get a picture of how those 5 or 10 servers are doing.

    I also checked since then and the redgate product is called SQL Response sorry.

    Greg

  • Both SQL Diagnostic Manager and Spotlight offer that functionality you are looking for. There might be some other tools, maybe from Red-gate that have simplified functionality for that.

    _______________________________________________________________________
    For better assistance in answering your questions, click here[/url]

  • I've used Diagnostic Manager and Spotlight and of the two, I definitely prefer Diagnostic Manager.

  • A friend and former colleague of mine wrote a review of Quest and Idera's products, it is a few years old now and you find his review here

    http://www.gre-sqlserver-solutions.com/MonitoringTools.html

    Personally, I have never used the Quest product but seen it demo'd at some conferences, it looked good from what I have seen. Idera's product I have used in production and found it very good.

    I have looked very briefly at Redgate's offering and from I have seen that could be quite useful too.

    Gethyn Elliswww.gethynellis.com

  • If you don't have a lot of time to dedicate to monitoring, logicmonitor might help. It's pre-configured to monitor the critical metrics out of the box so you don't have to know what needs to be monitored or how to configure. http://www.logicmonitor.com/"> http://www.logicmonitor.com/

  • I'll give it a look, thanks!

  • I'd prefer Idera's SQL Diagnostic Manager.

    Thank You,

    Best Regards,

    SQLBuddy

  • It is my hope that the SQL Monitor Webinar on 12/14 can answer those questions....

  • Can System Center Operations Manager be used for this type of monitoring?

  • Very quick question for you. Do you have any research on pro's / con's of both products. I was listening to the presentation yesterday and it was very helpful. It would seem for our organization, we are looking not only for monitoring, but potentially some level of remedial approaches when monitoring indicates a challenge. While most of the DBA's that attend SQL Server Central are adept, I'm not certain our small organization (that is growing) has the same level of expertise as people like you. The presenter did a very good job of framing the 'four areas' to watch. It would appear that there are multiple solutions that will help you 'watch' your DB's. Do you find any of these tools that provide remedial approaches to problems or is it 'every man for himself'. Thanks for the insight.

  • bwieland said: I'm not certain our small organization (that is growing) has the same level of expertise as people like you. "Do you find any of these tools that provide remedial approaches to problems or is it 'every man for himself'?

    One helpful aspect of LogicMonitor[/url] is that its alerts don't just tell you a host is down. It gives you suggestions for resolution.

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