Various embodiments of the invention provide solutions that can offer a consistent framework for tools that assist in the configuration, tuning, and/or troubleshooting of a database and/or an RDBMS. Merely by way of example, one set of embodiments provides a software framework for an advisor component of a database and/or RDBMS. In accordance with some embodiments, the framework might specify a common data model for such advisor components. The data model can include, merely by way of example, a set of one or more findings (which might, in some cases, describe the result of an analysis of a circumstance in the database, RDBMS, and/or a mid-tier application used with the database) and/or a set of one or more recommendations (which might provide suggestions for addressing the circumstance). In particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, the data model might include a set of on or more rationales, which can explain the recommendations. In some cases, the software framework might include a task associated with the advisor component and/or one or more interfaces, which can include, inter alia, user interfaces and/or APIs. Other sets of embodiments can provide methods, systems and/or software programs for implementing an advisor framework.