Database Tuner is a plugin for Automate that dynamically adjusts MySQL to perform optimally for ConnectWise Automate.
The plugin works by scaling various components of MySQL based on the maximum connections variable and live performance data. All the adjustments are done in real time without the need to bring the database offline. The performance tune is run every 12 hours to ensure that the database is always optimally configured. The plugin also offers messages advising if additional resources are needed based on the size of the database, as well as the option to put the database back to the default settings.
Database Tuner comes in two different versions based on the size of the Automate instance. Its tuning algorithms include the sizing of buffers and caches, transaction handling, thread behavior, I/O scaling, connection handling, and adjustments to the MySQL query optimizer behavior. For smaller servers, we advise starting with our plugin Database Tuner Lite, since a number of the components tuned by the full version of Database Tuner are only needed at larger scales.
Why Database Tuner
As we describe in our blog here, MySQL needs to be told how to use the resources allocated to it. For Automate servers, the initial concern is I/O, and the IO Multiplier function of Database Tuner addresses this.
The IO Multiplier is a scaling tool designed to get around the default rate limiting and allow MySQL to consume more I/O. MySQL was first released in 1995, and in that era, server storage devices were mechanical SCSI drives that topped out at 5-10 MB/s. It was easy to overpower the storage hardware of the time, so MySQL accounted for that in software. Today, MySQL assumes more disk speed, but the limit is around the capacity of early-2000’s era spinning disks.
So, what happens when a partner has an SSD, or an array of 10k drives, or a SAN with flash storage? The length of the pipe (that is to say, the time it takes to do I/O) is less, but the diameter of the pipe (the volume of I/O) is still the same. That’s why partners who move to faster storage see an improvement, but never see a night-and-day difference.
Database Tuner solves this issue and performs additional tuning to address the common performance bottlenecks for ConnectWise Automate servers.
What are others saying about Database Tuner?
Great plugin to add!
Automate has been much faster and more stable since installing the Database Tuner plugin.
Best thing you can do to your Automate Server is this!
Hi Guys,
I’ve been a Automate user since it was pre-CW (good ole’ LabTech software days!); I came in right before Ignite, so I’ve been utilizing Automate at various places for over 10 years. I just came to a new MSP for me and we moved over to Automate (On Prem) on some server hardware that was less than what is recommend by ConnectWise for Automate (We were in a crunch). This plugin made a huge difference on the basics of the systems, from constantly failing disabled monitors to glitches causing the Thick Client to have to be reloaded. I haven’t had a single one of these issues since I’ve started using the Database Tuner plugin. IF it makes a huge difference on 10 year old hardware that isn’t quite meeting the CW Automate requirements and makes it run smooth, Image what this will do to your system that has the modern resources in it. This will be a plugin that is continued to use when we do get our new hardware in as well.
Getting started
Every Automate instance has a different environment. While we believe that the Database Tuner plugin will improve any environment, we want to make sure that the improvement is tangible. We advise anyone who is interested in the plugin to use the form below and start with a free 14-day trial. You’ll get the full performance tune, and you can decide for yourself if the plugin is a good fit for your server.
Tiers and Pricing
| Lite | Full | |
| Agent Count | Under 5,000 | Over 5,000 |
| Base Pricing* | $75/month | $300/month |