Three indicators that could signal database performance issues

Even the best designed database applications experience performance degradation. No matter how well database structures were defined or SQL code was written. Things can and do go wrong. If performance problems could not corrected quickly that can be detrimental to an organisation bottom line.

There are many types of database performance problems which often makes it difficult to track down the cause of individual issues. The following are three important indicators that could signal database performance issues at the organisation shop:

Application slowdowns

The most important indication of potential database performance issues is when things that used to run fast begin to run slower.

Application server outages

Application server outage could be caused by Database issues such as running out of storage space or a resource, partition or package being unavailable.

Hardware upgrades

Organisations that are constantly upgrading servers to larger models with fast processors, more memory and storage were often candidates for database performance tuning.

 

It’s unlikely that exact cause of database performance will be immediately apparent.  In fact, DBA must translate vague complaints about performance problems from end users into specific performance related issues that can cause the problems being described. This can be a difficult and error-prone process, especially without automated tools to guide the DBA.

The ability to collect metrics on database usage and identify specific database problems, as and when they occur, is the most compelling of database performance compliant. The DBA can use the automated tool to highlight current and past critical conditions. Instead of having to hunt for the root cause of the problem manually. Most likely that the history data were unavailable to validate  the issue.

The automated database tool should provide the following minimum checks:-

1. Review SQL performance
2. Observing and managing system resource usage
3. Simulating production is a test environment
4. Monitoring storage space and defragmenting disks when necessary
5. Performing root cause analysis of database problems

 

Now that we have examined the types of performance problems that can arise and how database performance tools can help, the next step is to uncover the most important capabilities of the different types of database performance management tools.

Oracle Enterprise Management 13c is the most comprehensive and mature database performance management tools. It delivers all the above minimum checks and a lot more for Oracle Database and SQL Server database including the outsourcing Databases (e.g. MySQL and Mongo DB). It encapsulates critical capabilities to resolve database issues before the application performance degradation. Though, Oracle Enterprise Management 13c required detailed designed and through understanding of the business for successful implementation to help organisation effectively manage service levels. Service-Level management ensures that applications behave accordingly by applying appropriate resources. Oracle Enterprise Management 13c can help DBA and support team to manage the availability and response time of measured processes.

If you need further information or initial consultancy, please email mustafa@imexservices.co.uk for details.