Iometer and Linux

Using Iometer with Linux requires a few extra steps than running it on Windows. Iometer is a great tool , but aim to test on real-data. Consider testing on tools which simulate database server IO patterns. Disk IO performance and SQLIO illustrates a more database server specific test plan. Some IOMeter definitions Iometer – Iometer is the control program . Set the test parameters through the user interface. Iometer sends commands to Dynamo Dynamo – workload generator. Iometer sends commands to Dynamo. Dynamo manages the IO operations, collects the results and sends them back to Iometer. Step 1 – set... Read more →

How to report a DB2 performance problem

You’re experiencing a sudden slow down in DB2 performance. Users are complaining . Many reasons could be causing this sudden slowdown . For DB2 problems, gathering and analyzing data is not enough. A lot of time can be wasted analyzing data not relevant to the problem. Before you contact me to report a problem, spend some time preparing the information to assist in solving the problem. This assists me to work with you quicker in solving the DB2 performance issue. Some suggestions to solve the problem faster are: 1) Provide a report in plain English of a simple specific example... Read more →

Display Linux CPU information

To view CPU information on a Linux Server use command line such as bash. You’ll see one set of information per processor. Use information for Performance Tuning series – Performance Stack View : processor,cpu speed,vendor_id,model,model_name,cache size,fpu,fpu_exception,spuid level,wp,flage,bogoimps,spuflush size, cache_alignment , address sizes more /proc/cpuinfo Read More Database tuning and Operating System Tuning - DBA DB2 DB2 Tuning Toolkit – db2exfmt - DBA DB2 Read more →

My company owns no IT assets

What would you think if a Senior Executive stated – “our goal is to own no IT assets by 2014”. ? This is a goal of many companies . If not a stated goal , it is on the agenda for conversations. Why? 1) Working arrangements of DBAs are changing. DBAs and IT professionals in general demand flexibility . The hours are longer and 24 x 7 is the reality of most IT departments. To facilitate systems access and DBA support , a solid infrastructure is required. Working way from the office \ data centre is no problem, with secure... Read more →

POC

The usual Proof of Concept (POC) is : a) a new data centre build b) a new SAN ,SVC , or any other aspect of the substorage system c) new hardware d) new virtualized environment As the DBA you’ll be asked to validate these new systems. Why? 1) You’re responsible for the operational and performance SLAs of the Database servers. 2) Database servers tend to be IO intensive and require storage tuning, which means they must be tested on any new system for acceptance. A POC can become political . Different managers have already made decisions. It’s not uncommon for... Read more →