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Database performance tuning is a complex but extremely important task. However, it can be difficult to effectively optimize databases when there are other "fires" to put out, limited resources, and an increasing number of databases to look after. But that doesn't mean it's impossible, especially with the right approach.
Wait Time Analysis
Consider for a moment how traditional database monitoring focuses on resource utilization metrics. To illustrate why this isn't ideal, think about what you would evaluate in trying to shorten your commute to work. What would you measure: The number of tire rotations per second? The engine's temperature? How much gas is in the tank? These resource statistics would be useless in the context of your goal.
All that would really matter is what has an impact on your trip's time: detailed insight into how long you spend at each stoplight and which stretches of road have the most stop-and-go traffic. With this information, you could determine if finding a shorter route, avoiding peak hours, taking the expressway, or driving faster would improve your commute.
This is the basis for wait time analysis, an innovative approach to database...