SQL Server Agent supports features allowing the scheduling of periodic activities on Microsoft® SQL Server™, or the notification to system administrators of problems that have occurred with the server. The SQL Server Agent components that implement this capability are:
Defined objects consisting of a one or more steps to be performed. The steps are Transact-SQL statements that can be executed. Jobs can be scheduled, for example, to execute at specific times or recurring intervals.
Actions to be taken when specific events occur, such as a specific error, errors of certain severities, or a database reaching a defined limit of free space available. The alert can be defined to take such actions as sending an e-mail, paging an operator, or running a job to address the problem.
People identified through their network account or e-mail ID who can address problems with the server. They can be the targets of alerts, either through e-mail, a pager, or a net send network command.
Here are the primary components used in the definition and operation of jobs, alerts, and operators.
SQL Server version 7.0 is more highly automated than earlier versions of SQL Server, and does a better job of configuring itself automatically to meet processing demands. These features lower the potential for exception conditions that would trigger alerts. Scheduled jobs remain a good feature for implementing recurring tasks such as backup procedures.
Automating Administrative Tasks