The data collector provides one central point for data collection across your database servers and applications. This collection point can obtain data from a variety of sources and is not limited to performance data.
Its stores the collected data in a relational database known as the management data warehouse, A relational database that enables you to manage the data that you collect by setting different retention periods for your data.
The data collector is integrated with SQL Server Agent and Integration Services, and uses both extensively. SQL Server Agent is used to schedule and run collection jobs.Integration Services (SSIS) is used to execute packages that collect data from individual data providers.
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To Configure the management data warehouse using SQL Server Management Studio.
- Ensure that SQL Server Agent is running.
- In Object Explorer, expand the Management node.
- Right-click Data Collection, and then click Configure Management Data Warehouse.
Use the Configure Management Data Warehouse Wizard to create a management data warehouse, configure logins, enable data collection, and start the System Data Collection Sets.
Here is some sample reports.
You can export the report in pdf or excel. This inbuilt tool is very easy to configure and monitor.
