1. Introduction to Policy-Based Management in SQL Server 2008 | TechRepublic
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The Enterprise Cloud
Introduction to Policy-Based
Management in SQL Server
2008
By Tim Chapman
October 15, 2008, 7:37 AM PDT
Takeaway: New to SQL Server 2008 is Policy-Based Management. This new technology allows
for defining polices to ensure your database guidelines are met. In this article, SQL Server
consultant Tim Chapman gives an overview of this new technology.
Policy-Based Management in SQL Server 2008 allows the database administrator to define
policies that tie to database instances and objects. These policies allow the Database
Administrator (DBA) to specify rules for which objects and their properties are created, or
modified. An example of this would be to create a database-level policy that disallows the
AutoShrink property to be enabled for a database. Another example would be a policy that
ensures the name of all table triggers created on a database table begins with tr_.
As with any new SQL Server technology (or Microsoft technology in general), there is a new
object naming nomenclature associated with Policy-Based Management. Below is a listing
of some of the new base objects.
Policy
A Policy is a set of conditions specified on the facets of a target. In other words, a Policy is
basically a set of rules specified for properties of database or server objects.
Target
A Target is an object that is managed by Policy-Based Management. Includes objects such
as the database instance, a database, table, stored procedure, trigger, or index.
Facet
A Facet is a property of an object (target) that can be involved in Policy Based
Management. An example of a Facet is the name of a Trigger or the AutoShrink property of
a database.
Condition
A Condition is the criteria that can be specify for a Target’s Facets. For example, you can
set a condition for a Fact that specifies that all stored procedure names in the Schema
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/datacenter/introduction-to-policy-based-management-in-sql-server-2008/463[08/29/2012 3:46:54 PM]

2. Introduction to Policy-Based Management in SQL Server 2008 | TechRepublic
‘Banking’ begin with the name ‘bnk_’.
You can also assign a policy to a category. This allows you manage a set of policies
assigned to the same category. A policy belongs to only one category.
Policy Evaluation Modes
A Policy can be evaluated in a number of different ways:
On demand - The policy is evaluated only when directly ran by the administrator.
On change: prevent - DDL triggers are used to prevent policy violations.
On change: log only - Event notifications are used to check a policy when a change
is made.
On schedule - A SQL Agent job is used to periodically check policies for violations.
Advantages of Policy Based Management
Policy-Based Management gives you much more control over your database procedures as
a DBA. You as a DBA have the ability to enforce your paper policies at the database level.
Paper polices are great for defining database standards are guidelines. However, it takes
time and effort to enforce these. To strictly enforce them, you have to go over your
database with a fine-toothed comb. With Policy-Based Management, you can define your
policies and rest assured that they will be enforced.
Next Time
Today I took a look at the basic ideas behind Policy-Based Management in SQL Server
2008. In my next article I’ll take a look at how you can make these ideas a reality by
showing you how you can create your own polices to use to administer your SQL Server.
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About Tim Chapman
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