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May 18, 2006
Defragmenting databases
In order to squeeze optimal performance out of a database, there are two "layers" that need defragmentation; the database file(s) themselves, and the internal records/indexes within those files.
Diskeeper, of course safely and automatically defragments files and free space (yes even live databases). Advanced Diskeeper features like I/O Smart ensure that defragmentation can occur during production without impact to the system.
Diskeeper does not offer, nor perform, internal file defragmentation. I've authored several white papers that discuss the internal defragmentation/compaction tools Microsoft offers with their Exchange and SQL products. It is those tools, development by the application vendors, that have the understanding required to address internal fragmentation. You can read up on those white papers in the Knowledge Center.
The problem with these free provided tools is they are cumbersome to use and integrate with IT operations. Fortunately there are vendors that have dramatically improved upon the basic scripting tools and offer powerful features so you can avoid the long and often complex coding normally required to operate them.
I'd like to introduce you to a couple of great products I'm familiar with and personally recommend.
Exchange Maintained is a robust program that provides scheduling for all the necessary actions to properly defragment and compact Exchange datastores. You can find out more about this great product at (http://www.fixthisbox.com/). With valuable features like backup, error checking and integrity verifications, this tool has it all.
Norb Technologies (http://www.norbtechnologies.com/) offers the intuitive and powerful Visual Defrag for Microsoft SQL Server 2005, 2000 and 7.0 with a flexible scheduler and detailed visual reports so you can target defragmentation where it's needed most, a SQL administrator can get helpful reports and keep on top of database performance.
Both vendors offer product tours for their products and are very reasonably priced. Check with them for trial versions.
Posted by Michael at May 18, 2006 12:57 AM
Comments
Can you please name the articles above? I can not find them in the white paper area.
"I've authored several white papers that discuss the internal defragmentation/compaction tools Microsoft offers with their Exchange and SQL products. It is those tools, development by the application vendors, that have the understanding required to address internal fragmentation. You can read up on those white papers in the Knowledge Center."
thanks
Posted by: Jason Gallagher at May 20, 2006 05:12 AM
Hi,
Diskeeper and email servers:
http://files.diskeeper.com/pdf/DKandEmailServers.pdf
and for SQL:
http://files.diskeeper.com/pdf/SQLdefragmented.pdf
Granted I don't go into detail on exactly how to use them -just roughly what they are designed to do. Technet has a good "how to" article (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;192185) on Exchange's ESEUtil. While not overly complex, it requires batch scripting, and proper attention to procudure.
The SQL tools are more complicated and require SQL scripting knowledge (which might make for a good reason to go with a third party tool).
Posted by: michael at May 25, 2006 09:15 PM