I agree that there are tools out there that can do most of the work. I say most because there is always something that the tool does not cover. For example my reporting system also analyzes the SQL error logs (my report show the errors that I need to look into or can use to troubleshoot) but apps I've seen don't. If all the apps did everything we need, then most of this site would not be needed. Just look at all the great scripts, process improvements and articles!

The other aspect is dollars. Not every DBA can spend $2,000.00 dollars per instance or per server to buy ABC program to help out. Generally they have a very limited budget and have to spend the money wisely.

I use several purchased tools to help my work (not going to mention them as I'm not in sales) but there is alway things that are custom to your company and you have to figure out a way to automate or at least change their process to make it easier on the DBA.

Rudy