SQL Defrag Manager

SQL Server defragmentation product that automates the time-consuming process of pinpointing fragmentation hot spots and enables automatic or on demand defragmentation.

SQL defrag manager is a SQL Server index defragmentation solution that automates the time-consuming process of finding fragmented indexes based on parameters that you define within a policy for the targeted database. It gives you the flexibility to run the defragmentation utility immediately or during off-peak hours, all through an easy-to-use graphical user interface. There are no manual scripts required. SQL defrag manager improves server performance by ensuring that indexes are defragmented, which helps SQL server applications run faster and frees DBAs to perform other tasks.

Key Features:

• Identify Index Fragmentation: As index fragmentation increases over time, performance degrades, response times slow and I/O suffers. SQL defrag manager performs an automated analysis of key metrics related to fragmentation to quickly pinpoint those areas where fragmentation is severely hindering performance, then triggers corrective measures.
  
• Schedule Jobs: Manage the defragmentation process through scheduling of jobs at the most optimal time and based on the size of the index. Automate remediation and run the defragmentation utility immediately or during off-peak hours.
  
• Avoid Contention: Check the utilisation of key system indicators prior to executing the defragmentation. This ensures that the policy is able to run as scheduled and avoid any potential system problems or application bottlenecks.
  
• Manage Fill Factor: Most solutions dont pay attention to the fill factor of tables, this can be a big drawback. With SQL defrag manager, users can manage index fill-factor settings and reduce splitting and shifting of pages as well as defrag job frequency.
  
• Centralised Management: The global dashboard displays all the SQL servers in your environment from one console, each database is color coded to reflect how much impact fragmentation is having on it, its databases, tables and indexes. You can easily sort to bring the items most in need of your attention to the forefront and take corrective action.

SQL Defrag Manager - Features

WHY SQL defrag manager?

SQL Server index fragmentation is a problem for every SQL Server enterprise. Index fragmentation is similar to file fragmentation at the OS level. When deletes and inserts are performed on a database over time, pages become fragmented as the physical sequence of data pages no longer matches their logical order. As fragmentation increases over time, performance degrades and more resources are consumed (disk, processor, I/O, etc.) to handle the same workload. If left unchecked, performance can degrade to the point where SQL Server discards its indexes and uses slower, more resource intensive table scans to retrieve data.

Diligent DBAs often employ a “one size fits all” approach to defragementation, defragmenting all databases on the same schedule using the same method via home grown scripts or maintenance plans. Unfortunately, this approach falls short of the optimal solution. Different defragmentation methods are often required for different indexes, based on the type of activity and load experienced by the database. Using the most lightweight approach across the board may not actually solve the issue for some databases, while using more aggressive “brute force” methods can result in unnecessary table and index locks.

Experienced DBAs understand that performing effective index defragmentation is time consuming, risky, and requires complex analysis and a customized approach to do the job right. SQL defrag manager does this for you – performing regularly scheduled analysis of fragmentation levels, and employing a customized, proactive defragmentation strategy across all SQL Servers in your environment.

KEY BENEFITS

Improve SQL Server Performance – As index fragmentation increases over time, performance degrades, response times slow, and I/O suffers. SQL defrag manager continuously monitors fragmentation levels and takes automated action to resolve fragmentation issues, resulting in better, more consistent server performance.

Automated Analysis – SQL defrag manager performs automated analysis of key fragmentation metrics to quickly pinpoint fragmentation hot spots, those areas where fragmentation is severely hindering performance.

Customizable Remediation – SQL defrag manager provides three levels of automation for performing defragmentation:

• Automated: SQL defrag manager automatically takes action according to user-specified parameters and fragmentation levels.
• Semi-automated: SQL defrag manager generates to-do list items to highlight fragmentation problem areas. You can then address the issues how and when you want with the click of a button.
• Ad-hoc: You can initiate fragmentation analysis manually, and initiate remediation actions at your own discretion.

Centralized Management – The SQL defrag manager management console provides a real-time window into fragmentation levels, and the ability to view and manage defragmentation activity across hundreds of servers and thousands of databases.

Comprehensive Reporting – SQL defrag manager provides comprehensive reporting of analysis and defragmentation activity, giving DBAs and managers the information they need to ensure that database performance is continuously optimized.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

• Automatically Finds “Worst” Fragmentation Areas – allows you to simply and easily view from the server level down detailed metrics on individual indexes, providing simple and automated methods for detecting, prioritizing and fixing your “worst” fragmentation problems.
• Detailed Metrics – includes information such as fragmentation percentage, index and table size, free bytes, page density, rate of fragmentation increase, defragmentation methods and post-run results, and time to execute.
• Lightweight Collection – fragmentation details are intelligently collected based on a customizable schedule, keeping overhead on your monitored servers low.
• Intelligent Scheduling – SQL defrag manager’s Management Service controls collection of fragmentation information and executes defragmentation during low activity time or during windows that you specify.
• Automatic, Semi-Automatic or Ad-hoc – provides DBAs the flexibility to run in ”no hands” mode, approve suggested defragmentation actions, or define exactly how to perform defragmentation.
• Central Enterprise Management Console – enables rapid configuration as well as real-time monitoring of activity. This makes it easy to manage and track fragmentation over a large number of servers.
• Agent-less Architecture – includes a Management Console, Centralized Collection Service/Engine and Repository, and an Agent-less Management Service.
• Supports Multiple Levels of Operations – takes actions at the server level or at a more fine grained level for tables and all attached indexes, specific indexes, or indexed views.
• Reporting – built-in reports geared to technical or managerial audiences show worst fragmented servers, databases, or tables/indexes.
• Easy Installation and Use – installs quickly and supports a mixed environment of Windows integrated security and SQL Server native security. A typical installation and configuration will take less than 30 minutes.

SQL Defrag Manager - System Requirements

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Management Console

• Windows 2000 SP3+, Windows XP SP2+ or Windows Server 2003 SP1+, Windows Vista
• Microsoft .NET 2.0

Management Server and Data Repository

• Windows 2000 SP3+, Windows XP SP2+ or Windows Server 2003 SP1+, Windows Vista
• Microsoft .NET 2.0
• Repository: SQL Server 2000 (all versions/service packs) (32- & 64-bit), SQL Server 2005 (all versions/service packs) (32- and 64-bit)

Supported SQL Server Environments (for defragmentation)

• SQL Server 2000 or SQL Server 2005