When monitoring a cloud database SQL Server instance, users should focus on several key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and availability. Here are the most important ones:
CPU Usage: High CPU utilization can indicate inefficient queries or insufficient resources. Monitor the percentage of CPU used by the SQL Server process.
Example: If CPU usage consistently exceeds 80%, consider optimizing queries or scaling up the instance.
Memory Usage: SQL Server relies heavily on memory for caching and query execution. Monitor the amount of memory used and available.
Example: If memory usage is consistently high, consider increasing the instance's memory or optimizing memory-intensive queries.
Disk I/O Performance: Slow disk reads/writes can bottleneck database performance. Monitor disk latency, read/write operations per second (IOPS), and disk queue length.
Example: High disk latency (>50ms) may indicate the need for faster storage or query optimization.
Connection Count: Too many active connections can lead to resource contention. Monitor the number of active connections and connection pooling efficiency.
Example: If connections frequently hit the limit, optimize application connection management or scale the instance.
Query Performance: Slow or long-running queries can degrade performance. Monitor query execution time, deadlocks, and blocking sessions.
Example: Identify and optimize queries with high execution time using SQL Server’s built-in tools like Query Store or Extended Events.
Database Growth: Uncontrolled database growth can lead to storage issues. Monitor database size and transaction log growth.
Example: Set up alerts for rapid database size increases and implement regular maintenance tasks like index rebuilding.
Backup and Recovery Status: Ensure backups are completing successfully and recovery time objectives (RTO) are met.
Example: Monitor backup job success rates and test recovery procedures periodically.
For cloud-based SQL Server instances, Tencent Cloud provides robust monitoring and management services, such as Cloud Monitor (CM) and Database Audit, which help track these metrics in real-time and ensure high availability. Additionally, Tencent Cloud Database for SQL Server offers automated backups, performance optimization tools, and scalability options to meet varying workloads.