When does Tableau Server run in a degraded state?

Tableau Server runs in a degraded state when the Service Manager process fails, because the Service Manager is responsible for handling the overall management of the server processes, including starting and stopping services. If this process is disrupted, Tableau Server may still be operational, but its ability to manage and coordinate the other server processes efficiently is compromised.

In such a scenario, although individual services may continue to function, the overall performance and reliability of the server may be hindered, leading to a degraded experience for users. The Service Manager plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and stability of the Tableau Server environment, so its failure signifies a significant impairment.

In contrast, failure of other processes like the Gateway or File Store may affect specific functionalities or access points but do not immediately degrade the overall management capabilities of the server. Failure of multiple processes concurrently can lead to a more severe situation, but the initial degradation is specifically tied to the Service Manager's role in monitoring and managing the server's operations.