SolarWinds upgrades free Plan Explorer tool for enhanced SQL Server analysis

SolarWinds, a provider of effective, secure observability and IT management software, has unveiled improvements to its Plan Explorer tool for analysing query performances in Microsoft SQL Server environments. As a free tool, Plan Explorer facilitates database professionals in advancing their database's performance through comprehensive analysis of query execution plans, thus driving more efficient technical operations within their data ecosystems.

The Plan Explorer tool is engineered to assist database teams in uncovering the root cause of query issues in Microsoft SQL Server. It offers insights by graphically illustrating query execution plans in useful comparisons, offering a range of colour and layout options for diagrams. Additionally, Plan Explorer presents various performance-tuning features such as runtime metrics not available in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), index scoring and histogram analysis, live query profile with resource charts, wait statistics with links to the SQLskills wait type library, full query call stack for dynamic SQL and iterative queries, session history, versioning, and comments, and unique analysis and visualisation of deadlocks.

Besides being a standalone tool, Plan Explorer is also integrated within the SolarWinds SQL Sentry product. The fusion of Plan Explorer's detailed query plan analysis with SQL Sentry's in-depth monitoring and diagnostics is aimed at equipping database administrators and developers with a robust approach to SQL Server performance management. This tandem approach guarantees immediate query performance enhancement while promoting long-term SQL Server efficiency and stability.

Suril Jasani, Sentry Product Manager at SQL, says, "Plan Explorer is a much-beloved free product in the modern DBA's toolbox. SolarWinds is committed to investing in the products that make the lives of DBAs a little easier."

New enhancements introduced to the formidable SolarWinds Plan Explorer aim to help teams optimise query performance and swiftly and efficiently resolve deadlocks. These enhancements include compatibility with SQL Server 2022, enhanced visibility with plan guide indication, streamlining deadlock investigation, and a revamped start page for an intuitive user experience and easy document access, as well as industry events and information about other SolarWinds solutions.

SolarWinds continues its innovation to deliver potent database management solutions that provide enhanced visibility, seamless integrations, and the ability to redefine the capabilities of increasingly complex database environments. The company recently announced significant enhancements to its comprehensive database performance monitoring and DataOps solution, SQL Sentry. These updates introduced query-level wait statistics and a redesigned Environmental Health Overview dashboard that peaks at helping organisations identify and prevent database performance issues.