Configuration of MsSqlJobBackUpTest

This test monitors the backup jobs configured for every SQL database. In the process, the test reports the type of backup that is configured, when the last backup job ran, and how long it took. This way, administrators can quickly identify databases that are not backed up as frequently as they would like them to be, rapidly detect backup jobs that may have failed to run as per schedule, and can pinpoint those databases where the last backup was suspiciously fast. With the help of these inferences, administrators can fine-tune backup schedules and can troubleshoot backup failures.

The default parameters associated with this test are:

• The TEST PERIOD list box helps the user to decide how often this test needs to be executed.

• Specify the IP address of the MS SQL server in the HOST text box.

• Specify the port number through which the MS SQL server communicates in the PORT text box. The default port is 1433.

• Set the SSL flag to Yes if the MS SQL server being monitored is an SSL-enabled server. If not, then set the SSL flag to No.

• If a Microsoft SQL Server 7.0/2000 is monitored, then provide the name of a SQL user with the Sysadmin role in the USER text box. While monitoring a Microsoft SQL Server 2005/2008/2012, provide the name of a SQL user with the CONNECT SQL, VIEW SERVER STATE, VIEW ANY DEFINITION, VIEW ANY DATABASE, and PUBLIC roles in the USER text box.

• Specify the password of the specified USER in the PASSWORD text box.

• Confirm the password by retyping it in the CONFIRM PASSWORD text box.

• In the INSTANCE text box, enter the name of a specific MS SQL instance that is to be monitored. The default value of this parameter is “default”. If you wants to monitor an MS SQL instance named “CFS”, enter this as the value of the INSTANCE parameter.

• By default, none is displayed in the DOMAIN text box. If the ‘SQL server and Windows’ authentication has been enabled for the server being monitored, then the DOMAIN can continue to be none. On the other hand, if ‘Windows only’ authentication has been enabled, then, in the DOMAIN text box, specify the Windows domain in which the managed MS SQL server exists. Also, in such a case, the USER name and PASSWORD that you provide should be that of a user authorized to access the monitored SQL server.

• In some Windows networks, NTLM (NT LAN Manager) may be enabled. NTLM is a suite of Microsoft security protocols that provides authentication, integrity, and confidentiality to users. NTLM version 2 (“NTLMv2”) was concocted to address the security issues present in NTLM. By default, the ISNTLMV2 flag is set to No, indicating that NTLMv2 is not enabled by default on the target Microsoft SQL host. Set this flag to Yes if NTLMV2 is enabled on the target host.

• If the ISPASSIVE value chosen is YES, then the MS SQL server under consideration is a passive server in a SQL cluster. No alerts will be generated if the server is not running. Measures will be reported as “Not applicable” by the agent if the server is not up..

• If multiple components of the same component type are awaiting configuration, then an APPLY TO OTHER COMPONENTS check box will appear in this page. Clicking on this check box will allow you to apply the configuration to all/selected components of that type.

• Once the necessary values have been provided, clicking on the UPDATE button will register the changes made.

When changing the configuration for specific servers, a “*” beside the text box corresponding to the parameter signifies that these values have to be manually configured by the user. The parameter values that require to be configured will typically be prefixed with a “$” or contain a series of “*”. A value of "none" in the parameter value indicates that the corresponding parameter value can be changed if required.