Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about SQLWATCH Cloud monitoring
What is an instance?
An instance (SQL Instance or simply Instance) is a SQL Server named or default instance we are connecting to. For example, a single VM with two SQL Server Instances counts as two instances. For Azure SQL Database, we use a 3:1 ratio - you can monitor 3 Azure SQL databases for the cost of 1 SQL Server instance. Availability Groups require a licence for each monitored node. Windows Failover Clusters with shared storage need only one licence for the listener. Monitoring AG Listeners counts as an instance.
What is a user?
A user is any authenticated user that logs into the web application. For MSP plans this will include MSP users as well as clients. For example, if you have a total of 5 users, this could be 3 of the MSP team and 2 clients.
Who are you?
We are a UK business located in the beautiful City of York, specialising in SQL Server and Azure. We help companies run their SQL Server platforms, and we'd like to think we know a thing or two about SQL Server. We have been in the SQL Server business for over 20 years.
Is SQLWATCH Cloud the same as the Open Source project?
No - they are completely different products. SQLWATCH started as an open-source SQL Server monitoring project in 2018. In 2020, that experience inspired us to build SQLWATCH Cloud: a completely new product, designed from the ground up for multi-tenant cloud monitoring to be more efficient, faster, and flexible. They share a name and a philosophy, not a codebase. SQLWATCH Cloud is developed and operated by SQLWATCH Ltd. All you need is a PowerShell module to collect data from your servers - no DIY, no heavy setup. The overhead has been reduced to almost zero compared to the open-source version. The open-source project lives separately on GitHub and is community-led; we do not provide support for it.
How does it work?
SQLWATCH Cloud has been designed with security in mind. We use PowerShell to collect data from your SQL Servers for complete peace of mind and transparency. The data is submitted to our secure API where we make sense out of it. This way, you can see exactly what is going on. You only need to install it on a single Windows Server, and it will collect data from all your SQL Servers.
What is a workspace?
A workspace is your private space where your data and dashboards are.
Can I have multiple workspaces?
Our MSP plan is designed to host multiple private workspaces that you can share with your clients. Moreover, our single pane of glass approach allows you to see all your client's workspaces in your home workspace.
How many SQL Instances can I monitor?
Business plans support between 3 and 30 SQL instances - use the pricing calculator to see your exact monthly cost. For 30+ instances, our Enterprise plan is tailored to your requirements. MSP pricing is based on your instance count, retention requirements, and client access needs - contact us to discuss your portfolio.
Is my data secure? What do you collect?
Security is central to how SQLWATCH Cloud is designed. We only collect SQL Server performance metrics - wait statistics, query statistics, blocking events, configuration data, SQL Agent job status, and Extended Events output. We never collect table data, query results, usernames, passwords, or any application data. Your workspace and all monitoring data are physically hosted in your chosen region, ensuring full GDPR compliance and data sovereignty. If you'd like to discuss specific security requirements, get in touch.
Do I have to create my own dashboards?
You don't have to, but you can. SQLWATCH Cloud comes out of the box with a comprehensive suite of dashboards designed by our DBAs, so you don't have to lift a finger. However, if you want to build a custom dashboard, it's as easy as drag and drop, and we will happily guide you through the process in a training session.
Can I visualise my own metrics?
Yes, we can help you collect and visualise custom metrics. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
How do I get support?
We are here to help. During onboarding you will be provided with instructions for how to raise a support ticket. For Enterprise plans, you get priority support. And yes - if you need help diagnosing or resolving SQL Server issues beyond the monitoring tool itself, get in touch and we can discuss it.
What if I don't like it?
We would like to work with you to ensure you get what you need. However, if the product is not right for you, cancel anytime. We will delete your entire workspace from the production system and any backups.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. Our pricing is exactly what it says - no setup fees, no per-user charges, no surprise invoices. VAT and local taxes are added where applicable. In rare cases where a single instance generates an unusually large volume of data, we may reach out to discuss options - but this affects a very small minority of customers.
Why Cloud? I don't like Cloud, all my SQL Servers are on-prem!
We agree that cloud is not the answer to everything, but sometimes it makes sense. We want to make sure SQL Server monitoring is affordable, easy to use, and flexible. We can only achieve this through clever automation and sophisticated cloud-native architecture, which would not be easy to attain on-prem at a low cost.
How does SQLWATCH Cloud compare to other tools?
SQLWATCH Cloud is a dedicated SQL Server monitoring solution designed by SQL Server DBAs to be affordable yet enterprise-grade, with high flexibility in mind. Monitoring is personal - SQL Developers want to see metrics different from DBAs and the business. SQLWATCH Cloud enables you to build custom dashboards specific to each team so everyone is always on the same page. You can also tap into the API and integrate collected data with your own tools.
Can we migrate from Open Source to Cloud?
Currently not. Due to the significant difference in architecture, migration is not possible, but this is something we would love to implement - so watch this space.
How does the 3:1 Azure SQL to SQL Server ratio work?
Your server count can be used flexibly. You can allocate 1 SQL Server instance OR 3 Azure SQL databases per slot. For example, with 15 instances you could monitor 15 SQL Instances, OR 45 Azure SQL databases, OR any combination (e.g., 10 SQL Instances + 15 Azure SQL databases).
Where is my data hosted?
Your SQLWATCH Cloud workspace and all monitoring data are physically hosted in your chosen region. We use regional data centres to ensure your data never crosses borders, maintaining full compliance with GDPR, data sovereignty laws, and local regulations.
How does pricing compare to competitors?
We are typically 50-70% cheaper than per-instance licensing competitors who charge £1,000-1,500+ per instance annually. Our per-server pricing - or wholesale MSP pricing - provides predictable costs and better value.
Do you offer annual contracts?
Yes. Annual billing saves you 15% compared to monthly. If circumstances genuinely change, contact us and we'll work with you.
Do education/non-profit discounts combine with the annual prepay discount?
No. We offer a 20% discount for eligible education, non-profit, and government organisations. This is applied to the list price and cannot be combined with the annual prepay discount - you choose one or the other. Contact us to confirm eligibility.
What's the minimum server count to qualify for MSP pricing?
A minimum of 15 SQL instances is required to qualify for MSP pricing. This ensures you are an active managed service provider. If you are at 14 instances now but growing, contact us anyway - we are flexible.
What if I want to cancel my MSP plan?
Cancel anytime. Monthly billing requires 30 days notice. Annual billing receives a pro-rated refund. We earn your business every month - no lock-ins.
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