Professional SQL Server® 2005 Performance Tuning

2.11. Combining System Monitor Logs and SQL Profiler Traces

Analysis of performance data has been significantly improved in SQL Server 2005 with a feature allowing the import of Performance Monitor log files into a SQL Profiler trace. The process is quite straightforward, and necessitates both Perfmon and Profiler traces being captured to the file. There are more details in the next chapter about how to achieve this (and there is more information about Perfmon in general in Chapter 12). For now, suffice it to say it can make log and trace analysis significantly less cumbersome as all data is presented in one application, mapped against a combined timeline. Figure 2-4 illustrates the result of combining a SQL Profiler trace with a Perfmon log.

Figure 2-4. Figure 2-4

This level of data analysis and integration of performance data has never been seen before and sets new standards for Microsoft applications integrating with Operating System performance tools. This performance data integration means SQL Server DBAs will save many man-hours. You're much more likely to be able to identify and resolve performance problems without requiring specialist tools and deep internals knowledge that would normally be accessed via Microsoft Product Support Services.