The SQL Server standby database can be used to run reports and query the standby database, when it is put into read-only mode.

The transaction log backups are still transferred from primary to standby, but they are not restored to the standby database until the database is put back into restoring mode.

Dbvisit StandbyMP provides an option for putting your standby database to Read Only mode one time as well as based on defined schedule.

1. One Time READ ONLY mode

To put your standby database to read only mode, choose following option from ACTIONS pane:

You will need to provide a temporary directory for the READ ONLY mode and click on save:

Directory must exist on standby and be writable for the SQL Server Instance. On the following page, click on “Switch Into READ ONLY mode” (1):

You can at any time, modify the temporary location by clicking on (2) and / or via modifying log backup directories: https://dbvisit.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/DSMPV12/pages/4524310529/Configuring+Synchonization#2.-Viewing-and-modifying-Log-Backup-Synchronization-Directory

After the action is initiated, task will appear in the taskbar:

You can see more details when clicking on the task:

Once finished, your standby database will be opened READ ONLY (1):

Automated Standby Update ASU will remain active, but the log backups will be only transferred. Apply will not happen. If you want to continue with transaction log backup apply you must put the standby database manually back to Restoring mode by clicking “Switch into Restoring Mode” option (1) from the ACTIONS pane and confirm by clicking (2) “Switch into Restoring Mode”.

There will be another task generated with details:

2. Scheduled READ ONLY mode

Scheduled READ ONLY mode shares the same interface as described in previous section. To enable READ ONLY schedule, choose following option from ACTIONS pane:

You will need to provide a temporary directory for the READ ONLY mode and click on save:

Directory must exist on standby and be writable for the SQL Server Instance. On the following page, enable “Scheduled Switching” (1) and click on “Add New Schedule” (2):

On the following pop-up window you will be able to enter your schedule details:

You can choose repeat pattern based on Year, Month ,Week, Day and hour (1), starting hour (2) and minute (3). Example next three start times will be displayed (4).

You will also need to specify duration (5) in minutes for this READ ONLY window. You can optionally name your schedule (6) and save (7)

There are different pattern options displayed dynamically based on which repeat pattern is selected, for example for “Year” additional options are displayed (1):

Also note that records from drop down menus are multi-select (2).

After the schedule is saved, you will be able to see schedule summary with comprehensive summary (1) along with closest next start date from schedules (2) and easy to access controls to quickly disable, modify or delete individual schedules (3):

The Standby database will be automatically put to READ ONLY schedule at specified windows start and automatically put back to restoring mode after window duration end.