What are you really gaining from backup compression? In order to calculate the true gain in higher backup compression one must compare the sizes of the compressed backup files to each other and NOT to the original size of the database. Smaller backups enable a site to maintain a greater number of backups online for a longer period or conversely dramatically reduce the amount of backup space required. This whitepaper describes the value of higher backup compression that is realized when using SQL safe with IntelliCompress to perform SQL Server backups.

What are you really gaining from backup compression? In order to calculate the true gain in higher backup compression one must compare the sizes of the compressed backup files to each other and NOT to the original size of the database. Smaller backups enable a site to maintain a greater number of backups online for a longer period or conversely dramatically reduce the amount of backup space required. This whitepaper describes the value of higher backup compression that is realized when using SQL safe with IntelliCompress to perform SQL Server backups.

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A key component of maintaining successful applications is to stay ahead of performance requirements. The more an application is used, the more attention is required to keep up with demand and adapt to changing business requirements. One way to keep up is to throw more and more hardware at problems as they crop up, however a better option is to maximize existing hardware and resources. This paper provides a list of the Top 10 ways you can improve SQL Server performance with the hardware you already own.

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You already know that backing up your SQL Server databases is essential to minimize data loss in the event of a failure. However, putting the wrong strategy in place could be just as harmful as having no plan in place at all. This paper outlines several common mistakes that should be avoided when creating and implementing a backup solution.

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The PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) defi nes security standards for organizations that handle payment card account data. This standard was created in 2005 by the PCI Security Standards Council, an organization founded by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide, and Visa, Inc. The Council’s mission is to enhance payment account data security by encouraging broad adoption of the PCI Security Standards. DBAs responsible for SQL Servers that store and manage payment account data need to comply with PCI DSS requirements in order to ensure that account data is properly secured. This whitepaper gives an overview of the key PCI DSS requirements that apply to database security and the Idera products that can help ensure compliance with this crucial data security standard.

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In most organizations today, business critical and confidential data resides in some type of database, increasingly, SQL Server. As a result, SQL Server database security and compliance have become critical issues that must be effectively addressed to ensure an organization’s overall security. The goal is simple - minimize business risk, data theft, and data losses through good security practices. This whitepaper gives an overview of 10 key areas you need to focus on in order to ensure SQL Server security, and avoid finding your company in the headlines.

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This paper provides an overview of the seven major steps involved in implementing an auditing and compliance solution for Microsoft SQL Server. If you are tasked with satisfying internal or external audit requirements on Microsoft SQL Server databases, this paper will provide you with practical guidelines. You'll also learn how continuous compliance is enabled and supported by Idera’s SQL compliance manager product.

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As the data in Microsoft SQL Server tables changes their indexes change. Over time these indexes become fragmented. This fragmentation will adversely affect performance. This technical white paper provides information to help you understand the detailed mechanics behind fragmentation. It will also help you understand the methods and approaches for performing defragmentation so you can improve your SQL Server’s performance.

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