Abstract: The present invention provides a tool with which a DBA can analyze a VLDB at all levels of data storage, both logical and physical, to analyze performance problems. The invention is particularly applicable to systems in which database files are striped over multiple disk drives. In the present invention, storage of information is monitored at three levels: database files, file system files, and individual disk drives Parameters indicating the activity and performance level of each of the levels of storage are taken at selected intervals and stored. An analysis tool is provided that allows a DBA to select a time window during which the database performance is be assessed. The analysis tool has a map of the logical and physical arrangement of the database being monitored and allows a DBA to move from level to level of both logical and physical structures involved in storing the data while displaying I/O activity in an easily understood manner.