Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about SQLWATCH Cloud monitoring
What is an instance?
An instance is a SQL Server 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. So with a 15-server plan, you could monitor 15 SQL Servers OR 45 Azure SQL databases OR any mix (e.g., 10 SQL Servers + 15 Azure SQL databases). Availability Groups require a license for each monitored node. Windows Failover Clusters with shared storage need only one license for the listener.
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.
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 servers can I monitor?
There is no limit to how many servers you can monitor. Get in touch for a chat.
Do you collect any PII data?
We designed SQLWATCH with GDPR and security in mind. This is why your data is always isolated and located in the exact geographical location of your business. We only collect performance-related data and not user data. We will work with you to make sure the solution meets your needs.
I am worried about security
We designed this tool to be as safe as possible. We don't collect any sensitive information or user data. Only SQL Server performance-related data. However, we understand this is not for everyone, but if you would like to chat about details, please let us know!
Do I have to create my own dashboards?
You don't have to, but you can. SQLWATCH 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 custom metrics.
What if I have a problem?
We are here to help! Contact us via the help.sqlwatch.cloud, and we will sort things out for you!
What if I don't like it?
We would like to work with you to ensure you get what you need. However, we understand you may not like the product. In that case, you can cancel anytime, and we will delete your entire workspace from the production system and any backups.
Can you help me solve issues with my SQL Server?
Yes! Get in touch so we can discuss details.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. However, like most SaaS platforms, this service too has its limits. Based on our experience, we expect a single server will require approximately 1GB of space for monthly data monitoring. We may discuss different options with you if you have a server requiring considerably more data (for example, if you have thousands of databases and thousands of data files), or if we want to run higher frequency or more metrics.
How is SQLWATCH Cloud different to the Open Source version?
The Cloud version is not just hosted SQLWATCH Open Source. The Cloud version has been redesigned from scratch to be more efficient, faster, and flexible. All you need is a PowerShell module to collect data from all your company servers. SQLWATCH Cloud has been designed for those who do not want to do 'DIY' Open Source and want 100% reliable, hassle-free monitoring that works. The overhead has been reduced to almost zero compared to the SQLWATCH Open Source.
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 or impossible to attain on-prem at a low cost. In the future, we would like to bring as an 'appliance' on prem.
How does SQLWATCH compare to other tools?
SQLWATCH 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 SQL DBAs and the Business. SQLWATCH enables you to build custom dashboards specific to each department so everyone is always on the same page. You can also tap into the API and integrate collected data with other data or your 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.
Can I do a trial / evaluation / proof of concept?
We have designed our Starter pricing tier to enable companies to perform a risk-free evaluation. You can start monitoring in minutes and if SQLWATCH doesn't deliver value in 30 days, we'll refund every penny. In any case, please contact us to discuss your specific needs
What if I'm between tiers?
We're flexible. If you're on Starter with 17 servers instead of 15, we'll work with you. Got 35 servers and not quite ready for Scale? Let's have a conversation. We're not about rigid enforcement - we're about finding what works for your business.
How does the 3:1 Azure SQL to SQL Server ratio work?
Every tier includes a server allocation that you can use flexibly. You can allocate 1 SQL Server instance OR 3 Azure SQL databases per 'slot'. For example, the Starter tier (15 servers) gives you options like: 15 SQL Servers, OR 45 Azure SQL databases, OR any combination (e.g., 10 SQL Servers + 15 Azure SQL databases).
Can I switch between tiers?
Absolutely. Upgrade or downgrade anytime. Changes take effect at your next billing cycle. No penalties, no hassle.
Where is my data hosted?
Your SQLWATCH workspace and all monitoring data are physically hosted in your country. We use regional data centers 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're typically 50-70% cheaper than per-server licensing competitors who charge £1,000-1,500+ per server annually. Our tier-based pricing (or wholesale MSP pricing) provides predictable costs and better value.
I'm a business with 100+ servers. Can I use MSP pricing?
MSP partner pricing is specifically for managed service providers who resell to multiple clients. If you're a direct business customer, our Business and Enterprise tiers are designed for you, with all the direct support benefits included. For 100+ servers, we can create a custom enterprise package with volume pricing.
Do you offer annual contracts?
Yes! Annual prepayment saves 15% on business tiers and 17% on MSP pricing. But there's no lock-in - we offer pro-rated refunds if you need to cancel.
How does the Pay As You Go tier work?
Pay As You Go is perfect for a proof of concept or very small deployments. At £35/server/month with a 5-server minimum (£175/month), you can test SQLWATCH risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee. Once you grow beyond 10-15 servers, our Starter tier becomes more economical.
What are soft limits?
All our business tiers include soft limits - meaning you can temporarily exceed your tier's server count without friction. For example, if you're on Business 15 and add 2 more servers (bringing you to 17), you can keep monitoring without immediate interruption. We'll reach out to discuss upgrading to the next tier when it makes sense. This removes the anxiety of hitting hard capacity cliffs and gives you breathing room as your infrastructure grows.
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