SQL Server Support & Licenses

SQL Server Support

This optional service provides customers with a SQL Server expertise to help ensure the SQL database are performing optimally. Scope of Services for SQL Database Administrator (DBA).

Features & Benefits

1. Database Installation and Configuration

  • Install, configure, and upgrade SQL Server instances, components, and related tools.
  • Ensure all environments (production, development, and test) are set up correctly and adhere to industry best practices.
  • Configure SQL Server clusters, replication, Always On availability groups, and other high-availability setups.

2. Performance Tuning and Optimization

  • Monitor and optimize database performance, indexing strategies, and query tuning.
  • Analyze slow-running queries and recommend adjustments for optimization.
  • Implement resource management techniques (e.g., memory, CPU, and storage allocation).
  • Perform load testing and capacity planning to maintain optimal database performance.

3. Backup and Recovery Management

  • Develop and implement backup policies and disaster recovery strategies.
  • Perform regular backups and validate restore procedures to ensure data integrity.
  • Monitor backup logs and troubleshoot any failures in backup or restoration.

4. Security and Compliance

  • Implement security protocols, including user roles, permissions, and encryption.
  • Manage user access and ensure least privilege principles are applied.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and internal policies.
  • Monitor database for potential vulnerabilities and respond to security incidents.

5. Database Monitoring and Maintenance

  • Set up and manage monitoring tools to track database health and performance.
  • Perform regular database maintenance activities (e.g., index maintenance, statistics updates).
  • Proactively identify and resolve issues related to locks, deadlocks, and resource contention.
  • Monitor and resolve alerts related to database capacity and uptime.

6. Data Integrity and Replication Management

  • Ensure data integrity by managing and troubleshooting replication and data synchronization processes.
  • Configure and monitor transactional replication, log shipping, and mirroring.
  • Resolve conflicts in replication environments and ensure data consistency.

7. Data Migration and Integration Support

  • Plan and execute data migrations between SQL Server instances or from other platforms.
  • Collaborate with development teams to ensure seamless integration with applications.
  • Support ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes to facilitate data flow across systems.

8. High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HA/DR)

  • Configure and manage Always On availability groups, clustering, and failover solutions.
  • Develop and document disaster recovery plans, including Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO).
  • Test HA/DR systems regularly to ensure availability during unplanned downtime.

9. Collaboration and Support

  • Work closely with development, operations, and infrastructure teams to support projects and troubleshoot issues.
  • Provide recommendations on database design, architecture, and best practices.
  • Document database architecture, processes, and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Assist in code reviews and suggest improvements for SQL queries and stored procedures.

10. Reporting and Documentation

  • Maintain up-to-date documentation on configuration, troubleshooting guides, and processes.
  • Report on key metrics, including query performance, storage utilization, and system health.

11. Software Licensing and Patch Management

  • Track and manage SQL Server licensing requirements to ensure compliance.
  • Apply patches and service packs as needed to maintain security and functionality.
  • Coordinate with vendors for upgrades, licensing issues, and troubleshooting.

12. Training and Knowledge Sharing

  • Provide knowledge transfer and training to internal teams, including developers and junior DBAs.
  • Stay updated on the latest SQL Server features and industry best practices, sharing insights with relevant stakeholders.

Pricing

SQL Server Support costs $422.59 per server per month.
 

SQL Server License

This optional service provides customers with a SQL an Enterprise SQL license without a long-term contract with Microsoft.

Features & Benefits

  • Cost Efficiency: WaTech can leverage volume purchasing, potentially passing along bulk discounts to state agencies, making the licenses more affordable.
  • Simplified Procurement: Agencies can avoid the complex procurement process with Microsoft, as WaTech handles purchasing and resale, saving agencies time and administrative effort.
  • Centralized Billing: By consolidating the SQL license costs with other WaTech services, agencies can streamline billing, making it easier to manage expenses and budget planning.
  • Optimized License Management: WaTech can manage license renewals, compliance, and audits on behalf of the agencies, lowering the risk of non-compliance and reducing administrative overhead.
  • Alignment with Cloud Hosting: Since the WaTech Community Cloud Service hosts the virtual machines, agencies benefit from an integrated environment where both infrastructure and licensing are managed under one provider, potentially improving system compatibility and performance optimization.

Pricing

SQL license costs $75 per CPU per server per month.