Some of the third-party tools are:

☛ SQL CHECK – Idera – Monitoring server activities and memory levels

☛ SQL DOC 2 – RedGate – Documenting the databases

☛ SQL Backup 5 – RedGate – Automating the Backup Process

☛ SQL Prompt – RedGate – Provides IntelliSense for SQL SERVER 2005/2000,

☛ Lite Speed 5.0 – Quest Soft – Backup and Restore

☛ Benefits of using third-party tools:

☛ Faster backups and restores

☛ Flexible backup and recovery options

☛ Secure backups with encryption

☛ Enterprise view of your backup and recovery environment

☛ Easily identify optimal backup settings

☛ Visibility into the transaction log and transaction log backups

☛ Timeline view of backup history and schedules

☛ Recover individual database objects

☛ Encapsulate a complete database restore into a single file to speed up restore time

☛ When we need to improve upon the functionality that SQL Server offers natively

☛ Save time, better information or notification