The goal of buffer pool tuning is to enable DB2 to make the best possible use of the available memory. Properly adjusted buffer pools save valuable resources as memory, DASD IO, and CPU. Tuned buffer pools are the basis of any system tuning, adapted pools help to avoid bottlenecks and last but not least save money.

Yet another Monitor?

Buffer pool tuning is known as complex and time consuming and hence is often postponed till bottlenecks and problems dictate the terms. But waiting for difficulties is the wrong approach. A lot of money is already wasted when performance degradation becomes apparent.

A tool is needed that monitors self-acting the IO performance of the DB2 subsystems, alarms database administration timely, explains the reasons for bad performance, suggests tuning measures, and prepares the required actions and ALTERs.

Everything begins with the question, is the system working efficiently or not? Expect a clear answer from BPA4DB2! Lengthy analysis is in times when decisions must be made quickly not affordable. BPA4DB2 indicates clearly whether your DB2 systems are in good shape or not. In case there is something wrong, BPA4DB2 will detect it.

Automatic Surveillance

Today’s large number of subsystems calls for automatic observation. It is not longer affordable to analyze reports from each and every system. BPA4DB2’s Host Component takes periodically measurements and verifies quality criteria. The component sends an email as soon predefined threshold are exceeded.

Guidance and Recommendations

Problem detection is the first step in a tuning cycle. Measures must be planed and executed and the results must be checked. BPA4DB2’s graphical workstation reveals the cause and recommends alteration, it guides the user through a tuning cycle. Precise instructions are available for group bufferpools, and local bufferpools and objects. The briefing includes sizing, threshold settings and allocation of objects to pools.

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