Purpose: what is A.I.M. and what can it do for me?

Enhancing Data Retrieval Efficiency

Indexes play a crucial role in accelerating data retrieval within tables. While the overall database size is not a primary factor, the usage patterns of specific tables are paramount. Generally, indexes on tables with fewer than 100,000 rows may not be deemed essential, but the decision hinges heavily on the table's utilization. Several factors influence this decision, including:

• row size
• number of rows
• number of pages
• query specifics
• index composition
• volatility of the data
• frequency of retrieval
• joins to other tables
• etc.

It is important to carefully consider all of these factors before deciding whether or not to create or keep an index on a table.

For more info about indexes see the References page.

Continuous change

• Data grows and evolves;
• The applications that use the database change;
• The use of applications and data evolves with changes in organizations, regulations, legislation and other factors.

Because of these changes, some indexes become obsolete and need to be replaced with new ones that better meet the current needs.

Valuable indexes

While indexes can significantly accelerate data retrieval, maintaining them demands resources. A.I.M. identifies and retains valuable indexes, those where the performance gains justify the associated costs.

Essential indexes

Certain indexes, such as clustered indexes or primary and unique keys, are not all primarily meant for performance optimization but serve the purpose of safeguarding data integrity. These indexes are qualified as essential and will be retained.

Missing indexes

SQL Server® registers which indexes it would use if they existed. These indexes could improve performance, so A.I.M. qualifies them as missing indexes. Based on certain criteria, these missing indexes can evolve into beneficial indexes, with the intention to create them.

Obsolete indexes

SQL Server® Engine also tracks usage data for existing indexes, which can be used to identify underperforming indexes.

An index that is rarely or never used is called an obsolete index, obsolete indexes can have a negative impact on performance because they need to be maintained by the database engine. Based on certain criteria, they may evolve into counterproductive indexes, with the intention to drop them.

Automated Index Management

A.I.M. is an application that collects information about missing and obsolete indexes.
This information enables you to make the right decisions and create or drop the indexes involved. You can execute this trough the application 'on demand' or, as the name suggests: have it automated.

Of course, indexes can be dropped and created without an application, but since it is a recurring or even contiuous process with many variables, having an application that helps accomplish these tasks easy and in the proper way can be very useful.

Improve performance

Ultimately, A.I.M. helps improve overall performance.

Get a trial version

You can download a fully functional trial version here. Although it's a free trial version, you do need to request a License Key as indicated in the Manual. Should any questions arise during the trial period, we are readily available to assist you.