Tools for Database Professionals

Health Check · Free PDF

Database Health Checklist

30 actionable items across 6 categories — backups, index maintenance, storage, error monitoring, performance baselines, and archiving. Know exactly where your SQL Server stands before it tells you at 2am.

SQL Server 30 checks PDF download 5 min read

Get the checklist

Migration · Free Playbook

SQL Server to Azure Migration Checklist

7-page phased playbook for migrating SQL Server 2016–2022 to Azure SQL Managed Instance. 5 phases, 40+ steps, T-SQL samples, and a 30-day sprint timeline. Updated for 2026 — Azure Data Studio retired Feb 28.

Azure SQL MI 5 phases PDF download T-SQL samples

Get the playbook

Troubleshooting · Free Guide

SQL Server Blocking & Deadlock Guide

Practical guide for working DBAs: lock types, victim selection, trace flags 1222/1204, Extended Events, and the 5-step diagnostic method for resolving blocking fast.

SQL Server 2016–2022 5-step method PDF download Trace flags

Get the guide

Always On · Free Playbook

AG Health & Failover Playbook

End-to-end monitoring, troubleshooting & planned failover procedures for SQL Server Always On Availability Groups. Includes DMV diagnostic queries, pre/post-failover checklists, and a 30-day health program.

SQL Server 2019/2022 10 DMV queries PDF download 30-day program

Get the playbook

New Release · Free Guide

SQL Server 2025 New Features Reference Guide

What's new in the GA release — IQP, security defaults, T-SQL additions, Resource Governor for Standard Edition, and vector search. Includes compatibility level migration tables and a 10-point upgrade checklist.

SQL Server 2025 12-page guide PDF download T-SQL samples

Get the guide