PDT attempts to identify performance problems automatically by collecting and integrating a wide range of performance, configuration, and availability data. The data is regularly evaluated to identify and anticipate common performance problems.
PDT assesses the current state of a system and tracks changes in workload and performance. It attempts to identify incipient problems and suggest solutions before the problems become critical.
For the most part, PDT functions with no required user input. PDT data collection and reporting are easily enabled, and then no further administrator activity is required. Periodically, data is collected and recorded for historical analysis, and a report is produced and mailed to the adm user. Normally, only the most significant apparent problems are recorded on the report. If there are no significant problems, that fact is reported. PDT can be customized to direct its report to a different user or to report apparent problems of a lower severity level.
This chapter contains the following main sections: