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Database Maintenance and Monitoring for SQL Server Database Administrators (DBAs)

Introduction

Effective database maintenance and proactive monitoring are crucial for ensuring optimal performance, data integrity, and availability. As a SQL Server DBA, understanding these tasks is essential. In this whitepaper, we’ll explore key areas related to database maintenance and monitoring.

1. Database Consistency Checks

DBCC CHECKDB

  • Detects and repairs physical and logical inconsistencies.
  • Run regularly to ensure data integrity.
  • Monitor the results and address any issues promptly.

2. Fragmentation Management

Index Fragmentation

  • Regularly defragment indexes to improve query performance.
  • Use ALTER INDEX REORGANIZE or ALTER INDEX REBUILD.
  • Monitor fragmentation levels and schedule maintenance accordingly.

3. Maintenance Plans

Scheduled Tasks

  • Create maintenance plans to automate routine tasks.
  • Include backups, index maintenance, and statistics updates.
  • Set up schedules based on workload and business hours.

4. Server Health Monitoring

Performance Counters

  • Monitor key performance counters (e.g., CPU, memory, disk I/O).
  • Use tools like Performance Monitor (PerfMon) or SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
  • Set thresholds and alerts for abnormal behavior.

5. Resource Usage Monitoring

SQL Server Activity Monitor

  • View active sessions, queries, and resource usage.
  • Identify blocking, long-running queries, and memory bottlenecks.
  • Investigate and optimize as needed.

6. Query Execution Monitoring

Query Store

  • Enable Query Store to capture query performance data.
  • Analyze execution plans, query runtime, and resource usage.
  • Use historical data for optimization.

Conclusion

By implementing these best practices, SQL Server DBAs can maintain healthy databases, proactively address issues, and ensure optimal performance. Remember that regular monitoring and timely maintenance contribute to a stable and efficient SQL Server environment.

Background

A large automotive plant operator has been using a custom application framework to build an application integral to their operations. Originally built using JDK8 and JBoss4 against an Oracle database, the application received periodic updates, with the last major update in 2020/2021. In 2024, the client and Performance One Data Solutions, a division of Ross Group Inc., embarked on a joint effort to upgrade the technology stack to enhance performance, security, and maintainability.

Objectives

The primary goals of the project were:

  1. Upgrade the Custom Application Framework from JDK8 to JDK21.
  2. Upgrade the jQuery integration to release 3.7.1.
  3. Upgrade the application to run on Wildfly 30 from Wildfly 11.
  4. Migrate the database backend from Oracle 12 to Microsoft SQL Server 2020.

Challenges and Solutions

Framework and Database Migration:

  • Challenge: The application framework was vetted against Microsoft SQL Server but was not deployed in a major application.
  • Solution: Performance One refactored the framework to conform to Java 9+ standards and regression-tested it against Microsoft SQL Server 2020.

Application Refactoring:

  • Challenge: Refactoring the client application to compile and run using the new tech stack.
  • Solution: Performance One took a copy of the client application and refactored it to compile and launch using JDK21, Wildfly 30, and Microsoft SQL Server.

Data Migration:

  • Challenge: Migrating data from Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server.
  • Solution: Performance One provided migrated data and created installation scripts to upgrade the client’s Microsoft SQL Server.

Report Conversion:

  • Challenge: Converting BIRT and Crystal reports against Microsoft SQL Server.
  • Solution: Performance One converted the reports and ensured they worked with Microsoft SQL Server.

Project Timeline

Initial Milestones:

    1. Complete Framework upgrade to JDK21/Wildfly 30.
    2. Provide migrated data from Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server.
    3. Regression test the application framework against Microsoft SQL Server 2020.
    4. Refactor the client’s application to compile and launch using the new tech stack.
    5. Create installation data script for Microsoft SQL Server compliance.
    6. Regression test the application installation processes.
    7. Make recommendations for unused application features.
    8. Validate and upgrade application code.

Additional Tasks

  • Database Procedures Conversion: Performance One converted the client’s database procedures, functions, and views to Microsoft SQL Server.
  • Report Migrations: Ongoing conversion of BIRT and Crystal report development.
  • Application Enhancements: Upgrading client’s application screens for jQuery 3.7.1, file attachment uploads, and integration with scanner devices using web sockets.
  • Server Maintenance: Wildfly server maintenance, release builds, and deployment handling, with a transition plan for client resources post-go-live.

Conclusion

Performance One Data Solutions partnered with the client to upgrade the technology stack, ensuring improved performance and maintainability. The collaboration between Performance One and the client team demonstrated effective problem-solving and adaptability, setting a strong foundation for future upgrades and enhancements.

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