FAQ

Will I have a dedicated DBA working on my SQL Problem?

Generally, yes. For most projects, especially those that are regularly scheduled, we assign the same DBA to ensure consistency and deep familiarity with your system. Larger projects or SQL problems, may require multiple DBAs to handle the workload efficiently. While we strive to maintain continuity, there may be exceptions for emergency responses or when a DBA is on vacation. Rest assured, we prioritize having someone who knows your system well.

No, our team consists of highly experienced DBAs who are all based in the United States. We believe in providing top-tier service through local expertise.

Is your team offshore?

Do you provide a monitoring system for our SQL Servers and our SQL Problem?

Yes, we typically install Database Health Monitor, a leading SQL Server monitoring tool. This tool allows us to continuously monitor your system and analyze historical data. If you report a performance issue, such as one occurring at a specific time, we can investigate using the data captured by the monitor, even if the issue is no longer active. This reduces the need for you to replicate the SQL problem, saving time and frustration.

Yes, hiring a DBA consultant from Stedman Solutions offers all the advantages of a full-time DBA without the associated costs like workspace, equipment, benefits, and paid time off. Our extensive experience means we can resolve issues more quickly and accurately than a full-time DBA who may only encounter certain problems, such as database corruption, a few times in their career. Our specialists are well-versed in these challenges, ensuring they get it right the first time.

Is hiring a DBA consultant more cost-effective than an in-house full-time DBA?

How will you connect to my network or SQL Servers?

To work on your servers, we’ll need a secure connection, which can be established in several ways depending on your setup. Common methods include VPN, Citrix, secure RDP, or remote sessions via Zoom or Teams. In certain environments, especially those involving sensitive data like medical records, specific training (such as HIPAA compliance) may be required before access is granted. We are fully prepared to complete any necessary training to meet your security requirements.

We support SQL Server versions from 2005 onwards, including SQL Server 2005, 2008, 2008R2, 2012, 2014, and newer. In some cases, such as database corruption repair, we also work with older versions like SQL Server 2000.

Which SQL Server versions do you support?

What makes your managed services the best option for my business and SQL problem?

Our managed services stand out because we are SQL Server specialists, not generalists. Our team consists of seasoned DBAs with decades of experience who are dedicated to optimizing your SQL Server environment. We offer comprehensive monitoring, unlimited support during business hours, and a proactive approach to maintenance and issue resolution. We also provide mentoring and knowledge transfer to empower your team, all at a competitive, predictable cost.

Our managed services cover everything your SQL Server environment needs, including continuous monitoring, regular maintenance, performance tuning, and immediate response to issues. We also handle version upgrades, security patches, and backups, ensuring your servers run smoothly and securely. In addition, we offer mentoring sessions to help your team develop their skills and understanding of SQL Server management.

What is included in your SQL Server managed services?

How quickly can you respond to emergencies?

We pride ourselves on our rapid response times. With our continuous monitoring and alerting system, we are immediately notified of any critical issues, allowing us to begin remediation right away. In most cases, we can start working on an emergency within minutes, minimizing downtime and reducing the impact on your business.