Brad’s Sure Guide to SQL Server Maintenance Plans- P38: SQL Server has a reputation as being a simple database application to install, configure, and maintain. This is a little misleading. SQL Server is a powerful relational database that can handle the needs of the largest organizations and, as such, its proper maintenance almost certainly requires the attention of an experienced DBA. | Chapter 16 Introduction to the Maintenance Plan Designer Access to New Tasks - the Designer includes two new tasks Execute T-SQL Statement task - allows you to run any custom T-SQL code as part of your Maintenance Plan. Notify Operator task - makes it easy for you to create a Maintenance Plan that will notify you if any problem occurs when a Maintenance Plan executes. We will see examples of all of these features over the coming chapters. However let s learn to walk before we run and take a look at how to start up the Designer then get a high-level feel for its GUI and the features that it provides. Starting the Maintenance Plan Designer Starting the Maintenance Plan Designer is as simple as starting the Maintenance Plan Wizard if not simpler since it s the option I always find myself drawn towards even when I intend to start the Wizard. From within SSMS Object Explorer simply open up the Management folder right-click on Maintenance Plans and then select New Maintenance Plan. as shown in Figure . 186 Chapter 16 Introduction to the Maintenance Plan Designer Figure The New Maintenance Plan. option opens the Maintenance Plan Designer. Having started the designer the first job is to assign a name to your new Maintenance Plan using the dialog box shown in Figure . Figure You must assign your new Maintenance Plan a name. Pick a descriptive name that will help you and others to remember and understand the purpose of this plan. Once you ve clicked OK the Maintenance Plan Designer starts up within SSMS and you are ready to go. 187 Chapter 16 Introduction to the Maintenance Plan Designer Exploring the Maintenance Plan Designer Having initiated the Designer you are confronted with the Design surface features and menu options shown in Figure . Figure The Maintenance Plan screen is the GUI-based interface you use to create custom Database Maintenance Plans. Before we drill into the specifics of using this tool let s take a broad look at each major .
