We are working hard to improve the user experience on the database section of our blog on the SolarWinds website.
The aim is to make the blog more useful than ever for readers looking for insights into database monitoring, observability, performance, and day-to-day management of data estates. We love databases, DBAs, and the wider data management world. Which is why we feel we should offer a balanced mix of practical, relevant content. Expect a steady stream of articles from diverse perspectives and styles.
Over the last month, we have published a strong run of posts that reflect that direction. Together, they indicate the range of topics we are covering and the kind of value we want to keep delivering.
The High-Performance DBA Series
Recent posts by resident SQL and database expert, Kevin Kline, focus on the pressures of modern database work, from burnout and reactive firefighting to observability gaps and storage strategy. Together, they point to the same need: better visibility, fewer avoidable issues, and more time for proactive improvement. This is an ongoing series and is closely linked to our High-Performance DBA webinars.
- Boosting Database Observability With SolarWinds Plan ExplorerHere, the focus is on how SQL Server execution plans can reveal the real cause of slow queries. The post also explains how Plan Explorer helps DBAs diagnose issues faster and tune performance with more confidence.
- Inside the Black Box: Bridging the Database Observability GapRather than treating the database layer as a black box, this piece looks at why it remains a blind spot in many organizations. It also shows how better observability, stronger DBA and developer collaboration, and modern Database DevOps practices can help.
- The High-Performance DBA: Breaking the Burnout Cycle in Modern Database TeamsDrawing on the pressure many modern DBAs face, this article looks at reactive work, alert fatigue, and constant firefighting. It also shows how those conditions can lead to burnout and make proactive improvement harder.
- Database Storage Optimization for the High-Performance DBAStorage remains one of the most practical challenges for SQL Server teams. This post covers I/O bottlenecks, TempDB configuration, log growth, and monitoring, while also explaining why these areas still matter.
Deep Dive Technical Content
We are also publishing more product-specific technical articles that explore specific product capabilities in more detail. Recent work focuses on two practical challenges for database teams: discovering unmonitored instances and tuning slow queries more effectively:
Get Involved on THWACK
Content on the SolarWinds Database Blog is written by SolarWinds staff and collaborators. That helps us keep the blog consistent, credible, and closely aligned with the topics that matter most to our audience.
If you would like to contribute to the wider conversation, THWACK is the ideal place to do it. THWACK is the SolarWinds community where IT pros, DBAs, and other practitioners share ideas, ask questions, exchange advice, and talk through real-world challenges.
Joining is straightforward. Create a free account, complete your profile, and start exploring the discussions, groups, and product communities that match your interests. From there, you can ask questions, share advice, comment on posts, and take part in conversations around database management, monitoring, observability, and wider IT operations.
We look forward to your contributions!
