Using SQL Server Agent
SQL Server Agent is a Windows service that serves mainly as a provider for the automation of regular tasks. Tasks that can be automated are not only administrative ones but also other tasks supporting the operation of information systems – for example, data movements such as ETL processes, migration tasks, and integration package runs. Having SQL Server Agent running full time is also a prerequisite for some features offered by other SQL Server services – for example, data collection or reporting services, unattended report execution or subscriptions.
The SQL Server Agent service is installed within the SQL Server setup without an option to skip its installation. Every edition except the Express Edition of SQL Server has SQL Server Agent installed.
In order to start using SQL Server Agent, there are a couple of simple tasks that need to be performed. These will be described in the following sections.