It might be more economical for us to check hardware as the first route to increasing performance. Sometimes memory, #of processors and 'other' software affect what type of speed we can get out of a system.

Considering that the database sits on that hardware, it's logical to first look at the machine specs and what's living on it, before database tuning is actually recommended and quoted.

If you would please complete the following list of questions, email them back to us, we can then follow up with a proper recommendation.

1. Hard Drive(s) on server:
a. What type of drives? SCSI? RAID 1/3? ETC..
b. How many drives?
c. The SPIN RATE of the drive(s)?
d. What is the AVAILABLE space?

The spin rate and type of drive(s) can affect performance. Faster spin rate on newer drives can increase performance greatly. For a business your size, the drive types and spin rates should be considered.

2. RAM on Server:
a. How much total? How much AVAILABLE at midday?

When query and/or reports are run, ALL of the database information is pulled into memory for faster processing. IF NOT ENOUGH MEMORY on the server, then it goes out to the hard drive(s) and does this thing called swapping. This will DECREASE performance. If then coupled with older, slower drives (item 1), we might see a further decrease in performance.

3. How MANY processors on the server? Of what type?

Oracle 9i will utilize duel processors for faster performance.

4. 'Other' software:
a. OS on server?
b. Is EXCHANGE running on the same server as the Oracle database?
c. Is SMALL BUSINESS SERVER running on the same server as the Oracle database and if so, did you exclude, upon installation, EXCHANGE and SQL SERVER (as by default, they both install with SBS)?

Oracle - all by itself - is a beast. If then you are also running EXCHANGE on the same server, we have a huge battle for resources and decrease in performance. If SBS is running on the same server as the oracle database, it by default installs not only Exchange, but also SQL Server for further battle upon machine resources.

Taking a look at these items first might help us determine if there are small, minimal cost/time routes to increasing performance. Database tuning services are outside of the Annual Service Contract and are a billable service from the Programmer. The rate can be from $250 to $300 per hour and can become a significant cost. Hardware tuning is always our first recommendation.