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Getting Started with the Data Collector

The data collector component is installed during SQL Server 2008 Setup along with the security roles and tools that you need to configure and use the data collector. Before you start using the data collector, we recommend that you read Data Collection Terminology and Data Collector Security.

Before you can use the data collector, you must complete several tasks:

  • Create logins and map them to data collector roles.

  • Configure the management data warehouse.

    Note

    The management data warehouse can only be installed on a server running SQL Server 2008.

In addition, you may want to create proxy accounts to access the management data warehouse server.

Create Logins and Map Them to Data Collector Roles

The data collector has specific roles for data collection and management data warehouse tasks.

  • Logins and roles for data collection are created on the server that performs the data collection.

  • Logins and roles for the management data warehouse are created on the server that hosts the management data warehouse. Use the Configure Management Data Warehouse wizard to create these logins and map them to specific roles.

For more information, see Data Collector Security.

Configure the Management Data Warehouse

Use the Configure Management Data Warehouse wizard to configure storage for collected data. The wizard provides an easy way to do the following:

  • Create the management data warehouse. You can install the management data warehouse on the same instance of SQL Server that runs the data collector. However, if server resources or performance are an issue on the server that is being monitored, you can install the management data warehouse on a different computer.

  • Install the predefined System Data collection sets.

  • Map logins to management data warehouse roles.

  • Enable data collection.

  • Start the System Data collection sets.

Create Proxies

If you intend to use proxies for data collection and upload, create them before starting data collection. For more information, see Data Collector Architecture and Processing.

Proxies can be configured for a collection set using the General tab of the Collection Set Properties page.

You can use SQL Server Management Studio for data collection tasks, such as enabling the data collector, starting a collection set, viewing logs, and viewing the custom reports that are provided.

You can also use the stored procedures that are provided for any data collector task that does not require SQL Server Management Studio, such as viewing custom reports.

Note

For this release of the data collector, stored procedures must be used for adding new collection sets.