Disables, but does not delete, the specified index. When managing a very large database, an index can become corrupt or unsuitable for query optimization. If the table on which the index has been defined is very large, it may take a considerable amount of time to execute the DROP INDEX statement. Using the MAINTENANCE IS DISABLED clause of the ALTER INDEX statement disables the index so that it is no longer used by the optimizer nor is it maintained. You can then execute the DROP INDEX statement at a later time even when the table is in use. Once an index has been disabled, it may be enabled again using the REBUILD PARTITION clause. To disable an index, you must have DROP privileges to the table on which the index is defined, and there can be no active queries on the table.