Easy to install and use Includes comprehensive documentation
Cons
Could be confusing for beginners
DbForge Monitor for SQL Server
Price: $
Extend the functionality of Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio with this add-in for analyzing and monitoring your MSSQL server databases. dbForge Monitor consists of a variety of tools for monitoring database R/W latencies, detecting slow queries, and more.
The installation process is easy, and once the add-in has been successfully installed, it can be accessed by right-clicking on the database and then on the 'Monitor', from the SSMS interface. The plug-in consists of several tabs, each displaying various database metrics.
The main Overview tab displays metrics, such as memory and CPU usage, disk activity, and other real time database parameters. Other tabs include tab for analyzing slow performing queries, tab for showing the list of tasks that had to wait due to lack of resources, and similar tabs for other database related information.
For the most part, the metrics shown by the add-in are intuitive to understand, but if you should run into any ambiguity, there is a comprehensive help also available. Help can be accessed by right-clicking on the database and then 'Monitor', and shows in detail how to install and use the add-in, and what exactly each parameter means.
Overall, dbForge Monitor is a well-built and useful SSMS plug-in for database application developers and database administrators. It shows a number of relevant database information, helping to detect any blockages in complex queries and similar database performance issues. Best of all, the add-in is completely free to use.
Reviewed by Tony Hill (editor rating 4.5 out of 5 stars)