At the end of 2019, Microsoft’s SQL Server 2019 was launched. Not only can this new version increase secure computing of data using hardware enclaves, but it’s also extended the power of the T-SQL language in ways that are strong and secure.
These new advances can help increase productivity in your business while ensuring all your information and data stay safe. But it’s not always easy to utilize everything SQL has to offer if you don’t have the right type of support.
This is why you should consider working with a SQL Server consulting firm. SQL Server consulting services offer a variety of benefits.
But you can’t take advantage if you don’t even know what SQL Server consulting is. Keep reading while we explain what it is and why your business can’t live without it.
What is SQL Server Consulting?
If you’re going to use the SQL Server, you might as well enjoy all of its benefits. But most companies can’t afford to hire an in-house team of experts who can manage, train, and provide support to your business and employees.
That’s why it makes sense to work with a Microsoft SQL Server consulting company. They can provide you with exactly the services you need while being budget-friendly.
Here are a few of the services you can expect when you work with a SQL Server consulting firm:
- Initial SQL Server Consultation
- SQL Server Architecture
- Planning
- Backups & Disaster Recovery
- Implementation
- SQL Server Project Documentation
Initial SQL Server Consultation
Everything begins by speaking with an SQL Server Consulting expert. You and your consultant will assess your needs and develop a roadmap to work from.
SQL Server Architecture
Are you confident your SQL environment is set up properly? The SQL Server consultant will review your architecture and make adjustments to ensure you can meet your business goals.
Planning
You and your consultant will determine what type of services you need for long-term success. To help plan for the future, they will ask questions such as:
- Will your environment support business growth?
- Are there new features your business could implement?
- Are there issues causing slowness that need to be resolved?
- Do team members require training to get more out of SQL?
Backups and Disaster Recovery
The SQL Server consulting firm ensures that all your backups are in place. They’ll also make sure there is a decent disaster recovery process everywhere you need them.
Implementation
The SQL Server consultants do the work while you focus on your business. You’ll also receive status updates so you’ll know exactly when your work is completed.
Benefits of Working with a SQL Server Consulting Company
There are a lot of benefits to using a SQL Server consultant. SQL Server is a complicated platform and requires a variety of skill sets to function. Any SQL Server consulting firm worth working with will provide you access to an entire team of SQL experts. Each of these SQL consultants will offer a unique viewpoint and experience in their particular area. There are numerous ways of working with a SQL Server consulting firm, including:
- Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance
- Upgrades and Migrations
- Disaster Recovery and High Availability
- Data Integration
- Data Analysis
- Replication
- In-Memory
Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance
The best way to prevent issues that could potentially impact your business and cost you thousands of dollars in downtime is to conduct proactive monitoring and maintenance. Analyzing your SQL environment can catch potential issues – such as running out of space – and allow time to fix the issue before it causes your SQL to stop working.
Upgrades and Migration
Upgrades are necessary but they also put your company at risk for new bugs, unexpected downtime, and performance issues. A SQL Server consulting firm will eliminate the surprises and the security risk out of upgrading.
Disaster Recovery and High Availability
You’ll have a team of Microsoft SQL Server disaster recovery experts at your disposal. The team will not only provide technical expertise to help configure DR and HA but will analyze your business to ensure your specific needs are identified and met.
Data Integration
Most versions of Microsoft SQL Server include Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). You can use this system to perform the following tasks:
- Load data into a database
- Manipulate data
- Transfer data between files and servers
With the support of an SQL Server consultant, you can create new SSIS packages, fine-tune existing packages, and even audit your setup. That means less time and more ease with moving between development, testing, and production.
Data Analysis
With data analysis services you can integrate them with your business intelligence applications. And your consulting firm can help with the following tasks:
- Prototyping
- Deployment
- Tuning
- Continuous maintenance
You’re also provided support with your reporting needs including development and troubleshooting SQL Server Reporting Services.
Replication
Another benefit of the SQL Server is that it supports heterogeneous replication for both snapshot and transactional replications. You can even use replication when there are different types of databases within the same environment. You’ll have support through all the stages of replication including:
- Planning
- Set up
- Maintenance
You’ll rest easy knowing you have a full support team to help troubleshoot unexpected issues.
In-Memory
In-memory technologies enable your company to take full advantage of the latest multi-core, large memory servers. Together with your consulting experts, you’ll decide where these features fit in best with your solutions, how to deploy them, and any potential problems.
Ask Questions to Ensure You’re Working with the Right Team
Make sure you’re working with a well-established company. This will help ensure they’ll be in business for a long time and have the right employees working for them. Don’t be afraid to interview your consultant. You want to make sure you’re hiring the right type of expert(s) for your specific needs.
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Consider IncWorx for SQL Server Consulting
Our SQL Server consulting team is here to provide you with the level of service you need to stay ahead of your competition. We’re just as committed to providing you with support as we are ensuring your information stays secure at all times.
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