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A database management system is a complex platform that enables companies of various sizes to create and manage their databases. The system allows businesses to store, edit, update and retrieve their vital commercial data at the touch of a button. The IT officials in-charge of operating SQL server platforms can execute millions of transactions in a second. The complex architecture of various hardware components and systems software program determines the efficiency of any reliable SQL server platform. Unfortunately, there are instances where a SQL server platform can crash while executing transactions. This is known as SQL server failure. In these situations, companies can lose a lot of valuable data and revenue at the same time.
What are the various types of SQL server failures?
All forms of SQL server failures can turn out to be a nightmare for companies of all sizes. The IT officials of businesses who are responsible for operating the DBMS platform need to resolve these problems immediately. For this, these professionals may have to stop whatever tasks they are currently doing to look into the issue. Only then can they retrieve the lost data and get the system running smoothly again within the shortest possible time. Otherwise, the entire commercial operations of the companies they work for will come to a standstill. In the process, these businesses may end losing a lot of money.
SQL Server consultants point out database failures fall under the following three broad categories:
System crash
A system crash is a serious hardware malfunction of the database management system’s operating platform or its software program. This is the most common SQL server failure that we encountered. This database abruptly stops the processing of transactions to complete halt and erases all data from the cache memory. As a result, companies face immense problems because of a complete shutdown of database management systems. Fortunately, there are ways for IT officials to avoid any potential system crashes. They need to give strict instructions to their subordinates to follow stringent security protocols when operating the platform. Moreover, businesses should carry out periodic maintenance to prevent such a serious problem occurring in the first place.
Media failure
Media failures occur when the database management system is unable to read or write the files on its storage device. IT officials consider any type of SQL server failure to be a serious issue affecting their companies’ database management system. This is because this type of database failure has the potential to erase entire data in the non-volatile storage devices. As a result, platforms may be inoperative for several hours until the IT officials conduct recovery procedures. Specialists explain companies can prevent a media failure in their platforms by installing malware protection software programs. Moreover, IT officials should also ensure all back-up procedures work flawlessly.
Statement failure
Statement failure results from the inability of the database system to process and execute a SQL query properly. When running a program in the platform, a transaction may have numerous statements in which the system needs to execute. Unfortunately, the platform may fail to recognize one of these statements for a variety of reasons. It may be because the operator selects a table that does not exist or enters the wrong data type. Even a syntax error can cause a database failure. As such, the platform generates error code messages in its operating system. Fortunately, most systems have an in-built mechanism to detect and recover from all forms of statement failures.
What are the consequences of database failure?
Experts specializing in SQL Server Consulting services say SQL server failure can have the following two serious consequences for companies:
Downtime
Downtime means the period during which companies cannot conduct their business operations because their database platforms are not running. During this phase, these businesses cannot conduct their activities in the market or provide valuable services to their customers. This results in a considerable loss of revenue per hour for these companies until the platform can function smoothly again. As a result, these businesses may end up having serious cashflow problems.
Loss of vital data
Companies can lose vital business information relating to their activities in the market from potential database failures. This can jeopardize the reputation of these businesses in the eyes of their customers, trading partners, and other important stakeholders. Moreover, all forms of database failures can hamper the production and commercial operations of these companies. This makes it difficult for them to conduct their business activities in the long-run. In the worst-case scenario, these companies can become bankrupt.
What steps should companies take to prevent SQL server failures?
SQL Server consultants suggest that IT officials of companies should take the following eight steps to prevent SQL server failures:
- Keep the hardware components of their companies’ database management system dust-free;
- Store back-up files of vital commercial data in more than one virtual location at any point of time;
- Install the latest anti-virus software program in their companies’ database platform. If the need arises, they should upgrade the application to avert potential threats;
- IT officials should instruct their subordinates never to delete any system files even if they unaware of their usage;
- Database operators should never open any suspicious emails and delete them immediately including their attachments;
- IT officials should ensure the servers of their companies’ systems are kept at the right temperature. These hardware components need to keep at 55 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent overheating; and
- IT officials need to install power spikes in the servers of their companies’ database management system. These ensure hardware components get a constant and uninterruptible electric supply at all times.
Companies of all sizes never want to face SQL server failures because the consequences can be catastrophic for these businesses. They incur huge losses as their entire commercial operations in the market comes to a standstill due to SQL server failure. Even customers, trading partners, and other stakeholders of these businesses have serious concerns about their reliability. This takes a toll on the companies’ reputation. Fortunately, companies can take steps to prevent these kinds of database failures. For this, their IT officials need to install the proper anti-virus software applications and ensure back-up of important files. Moreover, they should keep the hardware components of the DBMSplatform clean, in a cool environment, and ensure constant power supply for optimal functioning.
About the Guest Author:
Kristen Smith is a blogger and content writer who write many articles on Web Design, Social Media and Technology. She enjoys reading a new thing on the internet. She spends a lot of time on social media.
