The automation of administrative tasks is essential when the data platform turns to more complex systems and larger databases. The key task for the Database Administrator is to be able to automate the routine tasks and develop proactive maintenance to ensure that data availability and integrity is maintained without any interruption. The life-cycle of automated processes for SQL Server administration is a large topic, and it's not possible to cover all of them in this recipe alone. Hence, the key aspects of automation have been enlisted. In order to accomplish the automated administration, the SQL Server Services must be setup with startup accounts with necessary privileges that will help to harden the SQL Server platform at the time of deployment.

The evolving business needs and application requirements have made the Database Administrator's role more challenging. Prior to SQL Server 2008, a great deal of time was spent performing routine administrative...