Database monitoring, a specialized form of application performance monitoring (APM), is essential for ensuring that database systems operate optimally, remain secure, and comply with regulations, as they are crucial to the seamless functioning of modern businesses. Effective database monitoring involves tracking critical metrics, analyzing key events, and processing logs and traces to provide insights into query efficiency, resource consumption, and security threats. It utilizes intelligent analytics, alerts, and automation to help IT teams proactively address issues before they impact users. The process also includes performance monitoring, security monitoring, and compliance monitoring to protect data integrity and adhere to regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA. The challenges of database monitoring include managing the complexity and volume of data, ensuring scalability, and accommodating diverse technologies. Best practices for effective monitoring involve setting baselines, analyzing logs, optimizing queries, and establishing real-time alerts, all of which aid in maximizing database performance and maintaining customer trust and operational efficiency. Additionally, New Relic offers tools like APM 360 for comprehensive database monitoring, providing real-time insights and enhancing performance and security.