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SQL 2008 R2 – New Feature – Utility Control Point (UCP)
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 addresses some of the most “real world” administrative issues surrounding enterprise level multi-server administration with a new tool called the SQL Server Utility. This tool is in addition to the Policy Based Management (PBM) – Central Management Server and Data Collector introduced in the earlier 2008 release. The service used in the server utility is called Utility Control Point. The UCP collects information (every 15 minutes) to monitor multiple managed SQL instances. Data collected from the UCP is stored in the Utility Management Data Warehouse (UMDW) which is automatically created when you create the UPC. The primary administrative interface tool – Utility Explorer is used to create the UCP, add instances and view reports of data collected. Of course – all of this would be meaningless without some really cool, colorful chart driven report – which is where we get the Utility Explorer Dashboard. Do you think Microsoft is trying to push the “utility” point in the choice of naming conventions?
Getting started with the SQL Server Utilities is quite intuitive. From the SSMS Interface, simply click View and Utility Explorer. You’ll see a link for “Create a Utility Control Point” and you’re off to the races.
Microsoft has recently updated the 70-432 exam with questions related to the new features of SQL 2008r2. We demonstrate this and other new SQL 2008 R2 features in our 7 day SQL 2008 R2 Admin bootcamp at CertificationCamps.com
Chester Flake, MCT, MCLC, MCITP, MCTS, MCPD, MCAD, MCDTS, MCSE, MCSA
chester@certificationcamps.com