k, having a quite large SQL Server 2000 Database, ballparking between 30-90GB. The dilemma I am having is, that when I run big processes like a Month End Process the CPUs spike taking all available, which is fine as it is a dedicated server for just that app. Now if another "small" process comes in it may fail, timing out etc.

Now I know that SQL Queries, Processes or transactions, pretty much come on a first come, first serve basis, though you can specify the CPU priority for a SQL Server but not for individual queries.

Theoretically there could be a way to use SQL-DMO to set the SQLDOM_RunPriority_Type but that is not really scalable for this app.

So my question, does anyone know a way (don't tell me to use Oracle) to prioritise jobs in an easy manner? Are there 3rd Party Queuing tools to accept priorities on queries?

Thanks for any input.