Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What makes your products different?

A. The Confio Igniter Suite is unique in its ability to identify the Wait Time that accumulates in databases and Java applications, directly impacting application service levels and causing end user delays. Unlike other tools that provide a very broad view of Wait Time statistics, Ignite instantly takes the user to the detailed source of the problem based on the time impact on a specific SQL statement, Wait Event, user, application or session. Finally, Confio agent-less software is faster to install, faster to generate results, and lighter in load than any alternative monitoring solution.

Q. What methodology or technique is Used?

A. Confio products are based on Wait Time methods, widely accepted as industry best practice for monitoring and tuning IT applications. Traditional tools use older performance measures – we track Wait Time because Time is the most important factor in improving service for your customers.

Q. What are 3 things that make Ignite unique?

A. The igniter Suite is unique because it:

1. Immediately identifies the detailed sources of Wait Time delays that directly impact database end users.
2. Utilizes an agent-less monitoring technique, keeping the load on the monitored system below 1%.
3. Installs in less than 30 minutes, giving instant answers, not a long term integration effort.

Q. What is the installation process? How long will it take?

A. The installation download package contains everything needed to install and begin monitoring in 30 minutes. After installing the Windows client, components are installed on the Repository server, and agentless monitors are configured to monitor the production databases.

Q. What is the Repository server?

A. The Repository is the heart of the Ignite system. It collects the data, controls the monitors, analyzes and stores the Wait Time performance statistics gathered. In version 6 of the Igniter Suite, the Repository runs on any Oracle 8, 9, 10 or 11 database server (Windows, Linux, or UNIX). The Ignite Repository can be configured on a test or development server with a test Oracle database. The server does not need to be dedicated to Ignite, and other applications can share the database. Typically the Repository is created on a non-production server under direct control of the DBA.

Q. What databases can be monitored?

A. The Igniter Suite supports monitoring of DB2, Oracle, SQL Server, and Sybase, all from the single Repository server. No agent is installed on any of the monitored databases. Each monitor type runs separately, but all results are viewed in a consistent and integrated interface.

Q. Does the Repository need to be an Oracle database? What about the non-Oracle database types?

A. In Version 6 and earlier of the Igniter Suite, all functions run as a schema in an Oracle database, and Oracle is required for the Repository even it monitoring only SQL Server or the others. Confio is now field testing a new platform independent version of Ignite, with test versions available for SQL Server Repositories. Contact info@confio.com for more details or to gain access to this version.

Q. How do I get updates to Igniter Suite versions?

A. New trial software can be obtained at any time by registering and downloading the latest version from this www.confio.com website. Trial versions offer full functionality, but are limited to short term trials with limited license keys. For licensed customers with valid Confio support agreements, full permanent versions of Igniter Suite are available at support.confio.com.

Q. How do I get a License Key?

A. The license key for a trial is available from your Confio account representative, or request one from license@confio.com. Trial keys are provided at no cost for valid proof of concept trials and are time limited. Permanent keys are issued once a license has been purchased from Confio.

Q. Can I Monitor without a License Key?

A. Yes, installation and monitoring do not require a license key. However, you will need to have a current, valid license key to see the results in the Ignite client. If your trial key runs out, your monitors still run and collect data in the interim before your license purchase provides a full permanent key to see all the results.

Q. How do I run a trial of Ignite for Java?

A. Free unrestricted trial downloads of Ignite for Java are not available on the website. To evaluate and implement Ignite for Java, contact your Confio account respresentative.

Q. Do I need DBA privileges to install Ignite for Oracle?

A. On the monitored database you will need DBA privileges to set up the schema, however the majority of the privileges can be revoked after setup. For a list of required privileges to maintain please contact your Account Manager or Confio Tech Support.

Q. What username is used?

A. During installation of Ignite, it will ask for the SYSTEM and SYS password information so an Ignite user can be created. After installation and during normal use of the tool, it will only use the Ignite user.

Q. What overhead is put on my production machine?

A. Less than 1% - using an agentless polling architecture removes the hard work from production and puts the work load on the repository server.

Q. How many databases can I monitor at one time?

A. The Igniter Suite supports monitoring of 80 or more databases from a single Repository. Keep in mind repository server requirements, storage needs and network traffic to remote datacenters. Ask your Account Manager for the DBF Sizing Guide for extended recommendations, or http://www.confio.com/English/Products/IgniteOracle_Download_Requirements.php

Q. How big of a machine should my repository be on?

A. System requirements will vary from environment to environment, however the architecture behind Ignite helps alleviate production performance concerns. Ask your Account Manager for the DBF Sizing Guide for general recommendations, or http://www.confio.com/English/Products/IgniteOracle_Download_Requirements.php

Q. How do I get support?

A. Email support@confio.com – or call 303.938.8282 x115

Q. How is pricing configured?

A. Pricing is based per CPU, regardless of number of monitored databases. Multiple User GUIs are encouraged at no additional cost. Volume discounts may apply depending on environment.

Q. How does Ignite for Oracle handle a RAC environment?

A. Very well. In fact Ignite for Oracle works very well by showing variances in different RAC servers. Ignite for Oracle has also been proven to help DBAs configure the actual Oracle RAC environment for proper performance gain. Certain RAC environments do require unique Ignite for Oracle configuration; please contact Technical Support or your Account Manager if you have any questions.

Q. Where can I get case study information?

A. White papers can be found on www.confio.com or ask your Account Manager for any specific documentation. Certain customer examples are not publicly distributed but can be provided upon request.

Q. Does Ignite for Oracle show explain plan information?

A. Yes.

Q. What configurations are supported?

A. Ignite Client GUI requires Windows 2000 and higher or XP. Minimum Oracle SQL Plus client for configuration of Ignite is 8.1.7. If a new Oracle client version is needed, it can be downloaded here: Oracle Database Client 9.2. You may need to login to http://technet.oracle.com to download this file. Ignite Server Repository requires Oracle 8i, 9i, or 10g. (8.1.7 or higher).This database CANNOT be the database that is to be monitored for performance enhancement. Repository must be a separate instance from the monitored database. Ignite supports monitoring of Oracle 8, 8i, 9i, 10g (8.0.4 or higher).