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Self-Tuning Threshold Monitors in Essentials

Applies To: System Center Essentials 2010

In System Center Essentials 2010, a self-tuning threshold monitor uses a learning process to determine the normal values for a specified performance counter object and sets the threshold levels based on the learned values. You can use the Create a Unit Monitor Wizard to create a self-tuning threshold monitor, which you can open by clicking Create a monitor in the Actions pane of the Authoring area, and then selecting Windows Performance Counter under Select the type of monitor to create.

Note

Self-tuning monitors cannot be used with multiple instance performance counters. Essentials 2010 cannot learn any counter that is configured with the All instances option selected.

Self-tuning monitors require a learning period, during which time Essentials 2010 automatically establishes a baseline that represents the regular and expected activity of a computer. The established baseline accurately reflects your organization's use of the IT infrastructure by taking into account patterns and variations in usageā€”for example, increased processor utilization on Monday mornings at 9:00 A.M.

After the initial learning period, Essentials 2010 continually logs subsequent activity of the computer and compares it to the baseline. The state of the monitor changes only when the performance counter exceeds the boundaries of the baseline. Using a performance baseline monitor can result in more accurate reporting of counters that vary during a business cycle.

Self-tuning monitors are divided into the following categories:

  • Two-state monitor   Given a baseline, there is an area above the baseline (A), an area below the baseline (B), and the area within the baseline (W). A two-state monitor can be used to define alerts between any two of the three areas, A-W, W-B, or A-B.

  • Three-state monitor   Given a baseline, there is an area above the baseline (A), an area below the baseline (B), and the area within the baseline (W). A healthy state is always defined as being in the area within the baseline. An error state can be defined for either the area above (A) or the area below (B). A warning state is defined for the remaining area that was not defined as error.

See Also

Concepts

Management Pack Objects in Essentials
Static Threshold Unit Monitors in Essentials

Other Resources

Authoring in Essentials