Trace File Compression Using Profiler

In a previous blog entry SQL Server Trace File Compression we discussed using HyperBac to achieve in-line compression of SQL Server server-side trace operations with the compressed trace files readable by the SQL Profiler application.

Similarly, HyperBac can be used to compress trace files generated by the Profiler application (client side trace operations). In this case, the following steps are necessary:

• Install the HyperBac service on the system where the Profiler application is to be run


• Request a custom generated license file (either evaluation or full) from HyperBac Technologies supporting Profiler


• Use the HyperBac Configuration Manager application to either register the .trc extension for all paths or a specified path on the system, or register all extensions for a specified path where the trace files will be written.

Simply applying the custom generated license file from HyperBac Technologies support personnel and following the steps above, SQL Server trace files generated using Profiler can be compressed (and/or encrypted) as they are written out, saving up to 90% or the DASD required to store this data. Furthermore, the compressed trace file images can be read directly by the Profiler application without being decompressed first, simplifying management of SQL Server trace data.