In summary, the database server is clearly suffering from intense Oracle buffer cache management. This is supported by a CPU bottleneck, a very high level of easily identifiable logical IO SQL statements, and Oracle processes waiting to get a latch related to buffer cache management. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions that should resolve the problem, from an Oracle, an application, and an operating system perspective.

The 3-circle analysis method may seem strange and even uncomfortable at first, but once you do it a few times, you'll be amazed at how fast, thorough, and spot-on your diagnosis will be. Of course, you also need a good understanding of Oracle's architecture and its interaction with the operating system, which is what you'll get from this book.

People want a good story. One of the natural results of a 3-circle analysis is the story. You can use the 3-circle analysis method to structure your presentation, a formal document, or even a simple email. When I start a performance analysis, I create a blank document structured similarly to the 3-circle analysis method. As I perform my analysis, I will see the story unfold before me. It's amazing to watch this happen.