SQL Server Performance Solutions That Deliver Measurable Results
I will make your SQL Server faster in exchange for money.
Is your SQL Server underperforming despite your best efforts?
My specialized SQL Server performance consulting services help you identify and resolve critical bottlenecks, optimize problem queries, and implement best practices that transform database performance – without needing to share server credentials or give up control of your systems.
Specialized SQL Server Consulting Services
Performance Crisis Resolution
Rapid diagnosis and resolution of critical SQL Server performance issues that are impacting your business operations. I focus on finding and fixing the root causes of slowdowns to provide immediate relief.
Advanced T-SQL Optimization
Transform resource-intensive queries into high-performance code through execution plan and index analysis. No performance problem is too difficult.
Comprehensive Health Assessment
Thorough evaluation of your SQL Server environment to identify configuration issues, performance bottlenecks, and optimization opportunities before they impact your business.
Wait Statistics Analysis
Scientific analysis of SQL Server wait types to pinpoint exactly what’s causing your system to slow down, leading to targeted solutions that eliminate bottlenecks at their source.
Strategic Index Optimization
Develop the ideal indexing strategy for your workload that dramatically improves query performance while minimizing storage requirements and maintenance overhead.
Azure SQL Cost Optimization
Reduce your cloud database costs by optimizing queries, indexes, and configurations that drive excessive resource consumption in Azure SQL environments.
Blocking & Deadlock Resolution
Identify and eliminate concurrency issues that cause application timeouts, blocked sessions, and frustrating deadlocks in high-volume transaction environments.
Remote DBA Services
Ongoing performance tuning and optimization support without the overhead of a full-time DBA. Get expert assistance when you need it most.
Outcomes I Specialize In:
Correctly Configured Servers
Optimize your server settings for maximum performance based on your specific workload patterns.
Right-sized Hardware
Ensure your hardware resources match your actual needs without unnecessary overspending.
Efficient Indexes
Create the optimal indexing strategy that speeds up queries without slowing down data modifications.
Optimized Schema
Refine your database design to improve performance while maintaining data integrity.
Finely Tuned Queries
Transform resource-intensive queries into efficient, high-performance code.
Resolved Blocking and Deadlocking
Eliminate concurrency issues that cause application timeouts and user frustration.
Reduced Cloud Costs
Slash your Azure SQL Database expenses by optimizing inefficient queries and configurations that drive unnecessary DTU/vCore consumption and storage costs.
Well-trained Database Staff
Empower your team with the knowledge to maintain optimal performance long-term.
Ready to stop performance fires before they start?
Most clients see significant improvements within the first few hours of consulting time.
My SQL Server Performance Consulting Approach
Comprehensive Assessment
I provide specialized diagnostic scripts that you run in your environment, collecting critical performance data without requiring server credentials or remote access. This ensures you maintain complete control while getting the insights needed.
Expert Analysis
Using years of specialized SQL Server performance tuning experience, I analyze the diagnostic data to identify patterns, bottlenecks, and optimization opportunities specific to your environment. This includes wait statistics interpretation, query execution plan analysis, and configuration review.
Prioritized Solutions
I develop a customized action plan with prioritized recommendations based on implementation effort and performance impact. Each recommendation includes detailed implementation instructions and explanations of why the changes will help.
Implementation Support
I work collaboratively with your team to implement the recommendations, providing guidance and knowledge transfer throughout the process. This ensures your team understands not just what to change, but why the changes matter and how to maintain optimal performance going forward.
Why Address SQL Server Performance Issues Now?
The Cost of Waiting
- Increased Cloud Costs: Inefficient queries can double or triple your Azure SQL expenses every month
- Lost Productivity: Slow systems cost the average company 5+ hours per employee per week
- Delayed Reporting: Critical business decisions get postponed when data delivery is slow
- Customer Experience Impact: Each 100ms of latency can reduce conversions by 7%
Immediate Benefits
- No System Overhaul Required: Most optimizations can be implemented without major code changes
- Fast ROI: Typical performance improvements deliver 200-400% ROI within first quarter
- Scalability: Proper optimization means your current hardware can handle 2-3x more load
- Competitive Edge: While competitors struggle with database issues, your applications will fly
Common SQL Server Performance Problems Solved
Query Performance Issues
- Excessive CPU consumption from inefficient execution plans
- High I/O from unnecessary table or index scans
- Memory pressure from poor query design
- Parameter sniffing problems causing inconsistent performance
- Scalar functions breaking parallelism
Indexing Strategy Problems
- Missing indexes causing excessive scanning
- Redundant indexes wasting space and slowing modifications
- Suboptimal key column orders reducing effectiveness
- Excessive included columns bloating indexes
- Poor statistics leading to inefficient execution plans
Concurrency Challenges
- Blocking chains affecting application response time
- Deadlocks between critical business processes
- Lock escalation issues during peak workload periods
- Transaction design patterns causing unnecessary contention
- Improper isolation level configuration
Configuration & Resource Issues
- Suboptimal memory configuration
- Improper MAXDOP and cost threshold settings
- TempDB contention
- Excessive log file growth and VLF fragmentation
- Azure SQL resource limits impacting performance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I purchase your consulting services?
I offer buckets of consulting hours through my training site. You can purchase a block of time (such as 40 hours), and we can typically get started within a couple of days after purchase.
If you’d like to talk things over with me beforehand, head over here to schedule a call.
How do we work together during the consulting engagement?
I’m flexible with how we work together. We can collaborate via Zoom screen sharing where I can see and guide your work, I can take remote control during our sessions if you prefer, or I can connect via a private connection to your environment.
My goal is to make the process as comfortable and effective as possible for you and your team.
Do you offer a quick assessment option without a full consulting engagement?
Yes! I offer a quick, low-cost health check with no phone time required. I also offer one with some consulting time if you think you need it.
This is perfect if you want an expert opinion on your SQL Server performance without committing to a full consulting engagement. You’ll get a written report with my findings and recommendations that you can implement at your own pace.
What kind of results can we expect?
My clients typically see dramatic business impacts: 30-70% faster application response times, 40-60% reduction in Azure SQL costs, and elimination of performance-related downtime.
- One financial services client saved over $190,000 annually in cloud costs after implementing my recommendations and working on query performance problems together.
- Another reduced their month-end processing time from 14 hours to just 3 hours, allowing for same-day financial reporting.
- I helped my largest online retailer client process 30% more orders during peak times
I focus on delivering measurable ROI by transforming database performance bottlenecks into competitive advantages that directly impact your bottom line and customer experience.
How quickly can we get started?
After purchasing consulting time, we can typically begin within a couple of days. I prioritize helping clients with urgent performance problems, so if you’re experiencing a critical issue, let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate your timeline.
About Erik Darling
Erik Darling is a recognized SQL Server performance tuning expert with years of experience solving complex database performance problems. Specializing in T-SQL optimization, Erik has helped hundreds of clients dramatically improve their SQL Server performance without expensive hardware upgrades.
Erik provides flexible collaboration options based on client preferences – from guiding your team via screen sharing to taking remote control during sessions or connecting directly to your environment via private connection. This hands-on approach ensures both immediate performance improvements and knowledge transfer that empowers your team long after the engagement ends.
Ready to Transform Your SQL Server Performance?
Take the first step toward resolving your database performance challenges with expert SQL Server consulting.
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