DB24 Release Notes – Version 2024.5

Release Date: December 18, 2024

In DB24 2024.5, we introduce streamlined Runtime configurations for observability, maintenance, and backup. These configurations are now centralized within the Datastore, delivering a clearer, more intuitive management experience through the Portal.

This release also significantly enhances the installer experience through expanded validations and automated post-installation tasks, ensuring smoother and more reliable setups.

➡️ New Features

Centralized Runtime Configuration for Observability, Maintenance, and Backup

All Runtime configurations are now managed centrally in the Datastore, providing:

• Unified Management
  Easier configuration of monitoring, maintenance, and backup settings.

• Portal Updates
  Push configuration changes directly to Runtimes via the Portal.

• Enhanced Visibility
  Clear insight into current Runtime settings.

• Audit & Validation
  Full traceability of historical changes with safe validation mechanisms.

This centralization simplifies configuration workflows and ensures consistency across environments.

Portal Enhancements

Upgrade to .NET 8

The Portal API is now powered by .NET 8, delivering improved performance, enhanced security, and access to the latest platform features.

New Customer Onboarding

Guided onboarding for new installations ensures faster setup by prompting users for:

• Organization information
• Notification and alert settings

Audit for Organization Updates

All changes to organization-level information are now logged, improving accountability and traceability.

Installer Improvements

Multiple enhancements have been implemented to streamline installation and reduce configuration errors.

Always-Script for Runtime Configuration

• Automatically sets the correct SQL Server Agent service account during installation.

Connectivity and Validation

• Datastore-to-Runtime Connectivity Validation
  Ensures reliable connections during and after installation.

• AlwaysOn (AG) Connection Validation
  Prompts users to connect directly to SQL Server instances when using Availability Groups.

• Runtime Service Account Validation
  Verifies service account logins prior to installation to prevent misconfigurations.

Post-Installation Automation

• Essential jobs now run automatically after successful installation, providing immediate visibility of newly added Runtimes.

🐞 Bug Fixes

Runtime Fixes

• Decreased Wait Time for Statistics Jobs
  Optimized execution to reduce delays and improve overall efficiency.

• Notification Spam Prevention for DBCC Errors
  Resolved repeated notifications to minimize unnecessary alerts.

• GoodNight Job Stability
  Added failsafes for unreachable databases to ensure reliable execution.

• Primary Key Violation Fix in DB24GoodNight Job
  Fixed primary key violations during index updates to ensure smooth job execution.

• Disabled BlockedSessionsAndHeadblocker Collection
  Disabled auto-enabled BlockedSessions and Headblocker data collection on Runtimes, as this table could grow uncontrollably.
  A more stable and functional implementation will be introduced in upcoming releases.

Datastore Fixes

• Aligned NVARCHAR Sizes for Maintenance Tables
  Ensured consistent NVARCHAR sizes between Runtime and Datastore to prevent job failures and maintain data integrity.

Installer Fixes

• Session-Based Group Policy for TMP Folders
  Resolved installation failures caused by session-based group policies affecting temporary folders.

• IIS Application Pool Availability Validation
  Added checks to handle missing or unavailable application pools during installation.