Analysis, Instruction, Advice.
SAN vs Tuning? - A Case Study
Increasing Disk Utilization
A high-end EMR system used by a hospital was beginning to experience throughput problems.
With over 2,000 concurrent users working against more than 130 GB of underlying data, disk utilization was
saturated and users were beginning to complain about slow performance.
The Hardware Solution ($100,000)
An outside consultant recommended spending nearly $100,000 on a new SAN solution to help provide high-speed
disk to help overcome issues with I/O contention.
The SQL Server Audits Solution ($2,000)
I analyzed usage patterns by examining load and performance metrics and recommended a solution
that didn't require any new hardware. By modifying key indexes and fill-factors, and modifying database file structure
and placement, I was able to help 'tune' the EMR system to overcome disk contention without disrupting
end-users in order to make the changes.
The entire analysis and tuning process took less than 20 hours, and helped ensure future growth and performance - without
requiring an expensive $100,000 piece of hardware. Proving, once again, that an ounce of technique is worth pounds and pounds
of hardware.
SQL Server Expertise
At SQL Server Audits, I can help save you money and help solve your complex SQL Server problems and concerns.
Contact me today to help put the power of SQL Server Audits to work for you.