Firebird database review and performance optimization

Improve performance

Target group

This workshop is aimed at software houses and programmers wishing to optimize their existing Firebird database and the corresponding Delphi^�/Microsoft^� .NET or Java^� application.

Content

We begin with an analysis and review of the most important database objects. We then go on to analyze the required steps for updating to Firebird 2.1 if necessary, as this has several important performance advantages. With the use of some specific parameters most Firebird 1.5 databases can be used immediately with Firebird 2.1 without changing the application. If conversions are required, we will implement an automated conversion process also usable unattended on your customers� database servers.

This stage is followed by the analysis of missing primary and foreign keys. Using IBExpert, different potential problems in the database structure are pinpointed and, if necessary, resolved. If applicable, the information gleaned from this analysis is also used to improve the data model and, at the same time, you are informed of the reason for such important changes, so that these can be recognized independently in the future. Then we move on to the Firebird server. Initially the server installation is checked. The differences between the Classic Server and the Superserver are explained. The core parameters in the firebird.conf file are analyzed and optimized appropriate to the application's main focus.

Theoretical knowledge is required for the next step, as multi-generational architecture demands a certain amount of background knowledge, in order to extract coherent statements from the database statistics. Know-ledge of the binary construction of a database file is of key importance for the maintenance of the database. Further points include memory configuration, hard drive installation as well as the optimal installation of hardware and the operating system. The optimization is then examined with reproducible benchmark tests. Obsolete hardware, too little memory or inappropriate parameters are often the cause for unnecessary performance loss. All database parameters are adjusted for optimal performance and the index statistics are examined to detect classical problems in the application software.

Then we go on to analyze the application. The protocolled SQL commands are isolated from the log and tested in the IBExpert Performance Analysis in order to optimize the slowest commands step by step. The transaction handling also needs to be consequently under control, so that negative effects of the multigenerational architecture can be recognized and prevented.

Duration

The workshop lasts 1-2 days, depending on the complexity of the existing data structures and programs. This is not a training course in the classic sense, but rather an analysis of the database structures and server settings as well as the programs which work on this database. From experience we know that the various practical tips offered during such workshops often provide performance improvement in the participants' own applications.

Following the workshop the client can, if wished, take advantage of our support hotline or remote maintenance, to quickly solve any new questions which may arise.

Fees

In addition to the workshop fees, each participant should have a licensed version of IBExpert Developer Studio. You can purchase a full single registered IBExpert license for EUR 189.00 at our online shop.

Location

The workshop can be booked worldwide and is performed in English or German. Please note that for non-EU nations we can only offer the 3-day workshop.

Conclusion

Over the years we have carried out our Performance workshop at over 500 clients. These have led to operations in customer applications being accelerated by several hundred per cent. The record was the runtime of a report, which was reduced from 18 hours to under a minute!

Registration

Please contact us at info@ibexpert.com or fax our Information Request form.

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