Best practices Tuning and monitoring database system performance

Most DB2 systems go through something of a “performance evolution”. The system must first be configured, both from hardware and software perspectives. In many ways, this sets the stage for how the system behaves when it is in operation. Then, after the system is deployed, a diligent DBA monitors system performance, in order to detect any problems that might develop. If such problems develop, we come to the next phase – troubleshooting. Each phase depends on the previous ones, in that without proper preparation in the previous phase, we are much more likely to have difficult problems to solve in the current phase.

This paper presents DB2 system performance best practices following this same progression. We begin by touching on a number of important principles of hardware and software configuration that can help ensure good system performance. Then we discuss various monitoring techniques that help you understand system performance under both operational and troubleshooting conditions. Lastly, because performance problems can occur despite our best preparations, we talk about how to deal with them in a step-wise, methodical fashion.