I manage 110 SQL instances. My tool for this is homegrown - it is a series of tables containing metadata about our SQL environment - Instances, Databases, Files, Logons, Userids, Create_Logon_Statements, Misc_Jobs, Backups, Index_Work, OS_Events, SQL_Logs, Trace_Flags, Alerts, Licenses, etc. The tables are kept up-to-date by pushes from each instance via linked servers as events occur. I monitor the raw data with meaningful queries. It is nothing exceptional, except maybe for the consistency that has been enforced across all systems. Once a new instance is set up with these canned alerts and jobs, I can ignore that instance unless the system flags me. The information I get is reliable and timely, and I can make decisions based on what I am seeing. The metadata is focused on management rather than performance.My problem is that I will be retiring and the system is to be replaced with something that is generic, and won't need me here to maintain it.I am looking for third-party tools which would replace what I currently have. So far my main issue with the third-party tools is that they are GUI based (lots of clutter rather than information), display mainly performance data instead of answering 'okay, I have this o/s event happening on this release of SQL at this o/s version - where are my other similar instances, and what events have they had over the past 10 days?', collect 100 performance counters of which I am interested in 3, and cost tens of thousands of dollars.Any responses? Any recommendations?
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