Analyzing and assessing your environment can be a daunting task. Don't be afraid to hire someone to assist in the process, especially if you're already overloaded with day-to-day duties—the money will be well spent. DBAs often work extra hours just to stay above water; an expectation from management that you can complete a consolidation assessment, analysis, and proposal in a short amount of time (which is usually how the request is made) is unrealistic.

Hir...