dbForge Monitor for SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio is a powerful integrated environment that provides you with a comprehensive set of tools, but you can extend its functionality further with the help of add-ins such as dbForge Monitor for SQL Server.

This software solution enables you to keep track of a number of parameters and analyze an SQL Server’s performance from the SSMS user interface. It is very easy to set up and features an intuitive layout.

Naturally, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio needs to be installed on your PC in order to use this add-in, and it is compatible with several versions of the Microsoft application. You can select the products you wish to install the add-in for during the setup process.

You also have the option of performing a startup optimization by generating native images using the Ngen.exe tool. The application will start faster, but the installation process will also take a bit longer.

Once it has been installed, dbForge Monitor for SQL Server can be accessed by right-clicking any connection or database. The monitor panel consists of seven tabs that each display certain statistics.

The Overview tab provides you with a number of metrics for real-time performance monitoring, while the others enable you to inspect read and write operations, databases, waiting tasks, top queries, sessions and backups.

An SQL query performance analyzer is also available from the Top Queries tab, allowing you to find queries that need to be optimized.

Even though the add-in is not exactly difficult to use, it is nice to see that a comprehensive manual is available to help new users. Every parameter that can be monitored is defined so as to help you understand how they are relevant.

On the whole, dbForge Monitor for SQL Server is a well-designed add-in for Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio that makes it possible to analyze the performance of your SQL Server, and perform query optimizations