Features

Features

• Using a LEFT OUTER JOIN vs. RIGHT OUTER JOIN in SQL

  In this book excerpt, you'll learn LEFT OUTER JOIN vs. RIGHT OUTER JOIN techniques and find various examples for creating SQL queries that incorporate OUTER JOINs.  Continue Reading

• 5 trends for SQL Server environments as SQL Server 2019 looms

  SQL Server is undergoing new changes, as Microsoft prepares to release the 2019 version of the database software. Other changes are also on tap for SQL Server users.  Continue Reading

• The most useful new features in Microsoft SQL Server 2019

  SQL Server 2019 includes welcome new features, particularly updates to its indexing and high availability capabilities and added SQL Server on Linux functionality.  Continue Reading

• How Azure SQL DW Gen2 boosts cloud data warehouse's performance

  The Gen2 version of Azure SQL Data Warehouse gives Microsoft's cloud data warehouse a shot in the arm on performance, making it more competitive with rival technologies.  Continue Reading

• Common Data Service for Analytics eases Power BI integration

  Integrating data into Power BI for analysis can be a challenge, but Microsoft's Common Data Service for Analytics technology is designed to simplify the process for users.  Continue Reading

• Power BI Report Server adds new Power BI reporting options

  Updates to Power BI Report Server expand the on-premises platform's reporting functionality and increase the number of data sources users can connect to when building Power BI reports.  Continue Reading

• What the Microsoft GDPR compliance toolkit offers for SQL Server

  The set of GDPR compliance tools that Microsoft offers for SQL Server is designed to make it easier for users of the database software to adhere to the EU's new data rules.  Continue Reading

• How SQL Server containers in Docker can ease database deployment

  Docker containers can make the SQL Server deployment process more efficient and flexible. Here's what they are and how to get started on creating containers for SQL Server databases.  Continue Reading

• Notre Dame seeks SQL Server performance baseline for run to cloud

  Establishing SQL Server performance baselines is a crucial first step for cloud migrations, says a University of Notre Dame DBA, who is using database monitoring software to do so.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server on Linux signals Microsoft's changing development landscape

  Expert Joey D'Antoni explains what SQL Server on Linux and the addition of some Enterprise Edition features to the database's Standard Edition say about the changing face of Microsoft.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server for Linux shows Microsoft changing with the times

  SQL Server on Linux didn't come out of nowhere. The database's roots are in Unix, and Microsoft has been making a concerted effort to be less Windows-centric overall.  Continue Reading

• Database trends to watch after SQL Server 2005 end of life

  Two database industry experts discuss infrastructure and analytics trends to consider for database upgrades following the end of SQL Server 2005 extended support.  Continue Reading

• Why SQL Server 2005 end of life is good news for DBAs

  Two database experts explain how to take advantage of the opportunity created by SQL Server 2005 end of life and how to build a better database.  Continue Reading

• What's new in 2016's SQL Server AlwaysOn Availability Groups

  Microsoft has added Distributed Transaction Coordinator support, optimized log transport and other features to AlwaysOn Availability Groups in SQL Server 2016.  Continue Reading

• DH2i containerization software gets Westminster, Colo., to clustering

  When Microsoft's licensing policy began costing too much, the City of Westminster used DH2i's containerization software to cluster its over 30 servers, standardize them and save money.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2014 features enable hybrid cloud scenarios

  Microsoft continues to improve integration between on-premises data centers with Microsoft Azure. An expert looks at SQL Server 2014 features that enable hybrid cloud scenarios.  Continue Reading

• Testers give an early view of Microsoft SQL Server 2016

  Community Technology Previews show the creation process for Microsoft SQL Server 2016. SQL Server experts Denny Cherry and Joey D'Antoni share what they've learned in beta testing.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server 2016: Previews show promise for next year

  Microsoft SQL Server 2016 will be released next year. But in 2015, we've already had a glimpse into improved in-memory OLTP, security features, analytics and Stretch Database.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2005 end of life is closing in: Are you ready?

  Extended support for SQL Server 2005 ends in April. That's it. It's done. If your organization isn't prepared, your data could be at risk, cautions expert Robert Sheldon.  Continue Reading

• How to get started with PolyBase in SQL Server 2016

  With PolyBase, when you use SQL Server 2016 as your data source, you have easy access to Hadoop and Azure Blob Storage data from whatever environment you're working in.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server gets its first container management software

  DH2i's DxEnterprise is the first application container management software designed for SQL Server. Containerization boosts mobility and reduces downtimes.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2016 preview shows off new features, improvements

  Experts discuss the public preview of SQL Server 2016 and the best new features as early adopters ready themselves to put SQL Server 2016 into production.  Continue Reading

• How DH2i container management software can lower licensing fees

  Asante and Eversheds both cut SQL Server licensing costs using the new DH2i container management software, DxEnterprise. DH2i plans to compete with Microsoft.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server row-level security: How to implement in Azure SQL databases

  An expert offers an example of how to institute row-level security, a preview feature introduced recently by Microsoft for Azure SQL databases.  Continue Reading

• Vendors introduce three new SQL Server appliances

  If SQL Server appliances are on your radar, you have options, but the price tag is high. Do your homework before buying. Here are the current offerings.  Continue Reading

• Four points to consider for a SQL Server 2014 installation

  Upgrading to a SQL Server 2014 installation isn't always easy, but it has the features to make it worth your time. Here are some tips for avoiding the pitfalls along the way.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server database recovery tool retrieves by the table

  Kroll Ontrack's new SQL Server database recovery tool was developed from customer feedback. It recovers selected tables instead of the whole database.  Continue Reading

• SIOS SANLess cluster helps keep Epicure websites up and running

  Direct-sales food distributor Epicure deployed a new server cluster to keep its websites from being overwhelmed -- and saved money on SQL Server and storage in the process.  Continue Reading

• Scaling out or scaling up with Microsoft SSRS

  Basit Farooq explains the pros and cons of scaling out and scaling up when increasing the workload on the SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot SQL Server database performance with T-SQL

  Basit Farooq provides eight tips for optimizing T-SQL code to prevent SQL Server database performance bottlenecks and to tune database applications.  Continue Reading

• Built-in tools troubleshoot SQL Server memory usage

  Having enough memory is critical to SQL Server's performance. To ensure optimum SQL Server performance, you need to monitor SQL Server memory usage regularly. This article describes built-in tools that can make the job easier.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server monitoring tools help DBAs take back nights and weekends

  Many DBAs have to work more and more nights and weekends to fulfill zero-downtime demands. But tools for monitoring and managing SQL Server might free up some of that time.  Continue Reading

• Enbridge Inc. to virtualize all its servers

  Energy company Enbridge Inc. is in the process of virtualizing all of its servers to increase flexibility and cut costs. Not everyone is happy with this new direction.  Continue Reading

• SQL Azure automatic backup keeps it 'business as usual'

  Robert Sheldon explains the business continuity features added to SQL Azure, including automatic backup, self-service restore, manual copy, and export and geo-replication. These features are meant to keep the data available, even when the system ...  Continue Reading

• How to provision a SQL Server virtual machine on Azure

  Basit Farooq provides two different methods for provisioning a SQL Server virtual machine on Windows Azure. He also explains the benefits of the Windows Azure virtual machine and how to migrate from on-premises to Windows Azure.  Continue Reading

• The SQL Server Import and Export Wizard how-to guide

  Basit Farooq provides a step-by-step explanation for using the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard to transfer data between SQL Server databases and Microsoft Excel worksheets.  Continue Reading

• New Azure SQL subscription model has performance levels

  Robert Sheldon explains the new subscription model for Azure SQL Database coming out in 2015. The new model will have three service tiers -- basic, standard and premium. It will also have performance levels for each tier.  Continue Reading

• Mavis Tire goes SANless with SIOS DataKeeper

  With DBAs rewarded for server performance and SAN specialists rewarded for server capacity, there can be a tug of war. Mavis Tire goes SANless with SIOS DataKeeper. SIOS Technology releases a survey about high availability and SAN.  Continue Reading

• How to improve OLTP with SQL Server 2014 In-Memory

  Basit Farooq explains how to improve the performance of OLTP applications using SQL Server 2014 In-Memory. He details what makes SQL Server 2014 In-Memory different from other in-memory database engines and how to use that to your advantage.  Continue Reading

• When it comes to database security, beware lazy developers

  Don Jones discusses how database developers are taking the easy road for database security and going with the lowest common denominator instead of taking into account the unique security of each database platform.  Continue Reading

• Epworth Healthcare, Vecima choose DxConsole

  Epworth Healthcare and Vecima Networks are very different companies, but they both chose to use DH2i's DxConsole -- for very different reasons.  Continue Reading

• Why Vecima Networks, Epworth HealthCare chose DxConsole

  Vecima Networks and Epworth HealthCare go through their separate checklists to pick their server application virtualization program -- DxConsole.  Continue Reading

• The top three SQL Server third-party tools

  Basit Farooq presents his top three SQL Server third-party tools for identifying and resolving SQL Server bottlenecks.  Continue Reading

• In-memory from xVelocity to the memory-optimized columnstore index

  Robert Sheldon explains the history of in-memory technology from the xVelocity in-memory analysis engine to the memory-optimized columnstore index.  Continue Reading

• Create a user-defined server role in SQL Server 2012 with T-SQL, SSMS

  Ashish Mehta shows two ways – with T-SQL and with SSMS -- to make a user-defined server role in SQL Server 2012.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2014 columnstore index: the good, the bad and the clustered

  SQL Server 2014 adds options for the clustered and the nonclustered columnstore index. Robert Sheldon shares the good and the bad.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2014 adds In-Memory OLTP power boost, hybrid cloud support

  Microsoft's SQL Server 2014 database includes a speed-boosting engine for in-memory processing and support for mixing cloud and on-premises data sets.  Continue Reading

• Finding the right problem for SQL Server 2014's in-memory OLTP

  Consultant Denny Cherry talks changes, misconceptions and what people really want from SQL Server 2014, which is generally available on April 1.  Continue Reading

• Quintillion creates flash pool to escape SQL Server bottlenecks

  Quintillion runs SQL Servers on VMs, and PernixData gave them a way out of the storage bottleneck, bringing their data closer to the database.  Continue Reading

• Reporting Services architecture: Creating high-quality reports

  In this book excerpt, author and Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services expert Brian Larson introduces features of Reporting Services.  Continue Reading

• Interactive reports highlight Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

  Author and Reporting Services expert Brian Larson discusses features of SQL Server Reporting Services in this interview.  Continue Reading

• Top SQL Server stories of 2013

  Practical tips about SQL Server 2012 dominate the list of top SQL Server stories on SearchSQLServer this year.  Continue Reading

• Q&A: Authors discuss the advantages of Microsoft Power View

  In this interview, the authors of a how-to book on Power View discuss the advantages for both business and IT.  Continue Reading

• Get going with Microsoft Power View and SharePoint

  In this book excerpt, the authors explain Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services and how to get started with Power View.  Continue Reading

• Exploring Microsoft PowerPivot and collaborative business intelligence

  Learn the background of Microsoft Power View and how PowerPivot works with Microsoft Excel 2010 in part one of this book excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Coping with the fast pace of new SQL Server versions

  Microsoft has upped the ante, releasing new SQL Server versions at a quicker pace. How will you adapt?  Continue Reading

• SQL Server Data Tools 2012 makes developing DB projects easier

  SQL Server Data Tools 2012 can now do many of the tasks formerly reserved for SQL Server Management Studio. Find out more.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2014 overview part 2: Availability and scalability features

  SQL Server 2014, due out at the end of this year, has availability and scalability features that highlight the database release.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2014 overview part 1: In-memory, cloud integration features

  SQL Server 2014, due out at the end of this year, has in-memory and cloud integration features that highlight the database release.  Continue Reading

• Intel boosts Moore's Law with SQL 2012 business intelligence

  Intel is keeping Moore's Law on track with the self-service BI features of SQL 2012 business intelligence.  Continue Reading

• Legacy file systems, away: Dealing with an unsupported file system

  When the City of Aurora, Colo. heard that its legacy file system would no longer be supported, it had to act fast.  Continue Reading

• HIPAA compliance and SQL Server: Tricks and tools of the trade

  Find out which tools help attain HIPAA compliance. Lena Weiner profiles HIPAA pro Brandon Leach, who explains the steps needed to secure SQL Server.  Continue Reading

• Staying hip to HIPAA regulations: How one DBA stays compliant

  How do DBAs who adhere to HIPAA regulations get their jobs done while staying compliant? We asked DBA Brandon Leach for some pointers.  Continue Reading

• Why you should think twice about Windows Azure SQL Database

  Expert Serdar Yegulalp explains why Windows Azure SQL Database may not be such a great fit for your IT shop after all. Learn what to watch out for.  Continue Reading

• When to consider SQL Server Enterprise Edition

  Is SQL Server Enterprise Edition the right choice for you? Expert Robert Sheldon explains the advantages to consider when making your selection.  Continue Reading

• The pros of Windows Azure SQL Database

  What are the pros of choosing Windows Azure SQL Database over more traditional infrastructure? Serdar Yegulalp shares his knowledge on the subject.  Continue Reading

• Little-known features of Microsoft SQL Server 2012

  When it comes to Microsoft SQL Server 2012, it's easy to think you've seen it all. Andrew Novick shows Microsoft still has surprises up their sleeve.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server Standard Edition: Why it's worth the cost

  Should your IT shop consider a move to SQL Server Standard Edition? Expert Robert Sheldon explains the pros and cons you should know.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server editions: Is Microsoft SQL Server Express right for you?

  Which SQL Server edition is right for your IT shop? In this article by Bob Sheldon, find out if SQL Server Express is an option.  Continue Reading

• More predictions on 2013 SQL Server trends from Denny Cherry

  What can you expect from Microsoft in 2013? Find out which SQL Server trends can be anticipated this year from SQL Server expert Denny Cherry.  Continue Reading

• Denny Cherry's 2013 predictions (and wishes) for SQL Server trends

  What new developments will SQL Server users see in 2013? Expert Denny Cherry predicts SQL Server trends to expect this year.  Continue Reading

• Basic SQL Server security best practices

  Read this article by Ashish Kumar Mehta to learn the basic SQL Server security best practices everyone should know -- but many forget.  Continue Reading

• Brian Larson talks SQL Server business intelligence

  Author Brian Larson shares his wisdom and insight regarding SQL Server business intelligence and makes some suggestions for companies new to BI.  Continue Reading

• Essential SQL Server security tools

  Read this tip where writer Ashish Kumar Mehta shares his all-time favorite native and third-party SQL Server security tools.  Continue Reading

• Denny Cherry's SQL Server career -- Is freelancing for you?

  Denny Cherry has developed an enviable SQL Server career based on freelancing. Find out how he did it by reading this profile.  Continue Reading

• Excerpt: The many levels of SQL Server 2012 business intelligence

  Business intelligence allows you to analyze your data and effectively make decisions with it. Read this excerpt from Brian Larson to learn more.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2012 security: Changes for the newest version

  SQL Server 2012 is here, and many DBAs wonder what kinds of changes to expect in SQL Server security. Basit Farooq explains what we can anticipate.  Continue Reading

• Why SQL Server security matters: A case study

  With a DBA's multiple responsibilities, it's easy to neglect SQL Server security. This case study by Basit Farooq explains why this is so dangerous.  Continue Reading

• Excerpt: Planning a Microsoft SQL Server install

  For many DBAs, a SQL Server installation can be tough. Read this excerpt from Dusan Petkovic's book on Microsoft SQL Server 2012.  Continue Reading

• More new features for SSIS 2012: Connection managers and more

  In the second part of this series on new features, by Robert Sheldon, learn more ways the latest version of SSIS will make BI development simpler.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2012 release approaches -- what you need to know

  Microsoft will soon come out with the long-awaited SQL Server 2012 release, but will your system be ready to take full advantage of the new version, also known as Microsoft Denali? Find out.  Continue Reading

• DAX formulas expand BI’s reach in PowerPivot

  Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) in PowerPivot lets users work with large data sets and perform sophisticated analytics in Excel. Learn to use DAX formulas to create calculated columns and measures.  Continue Reading

• Guys sport kilts for women’s cause at PASS Summit

  SQL Kilt Day has been turning heads at the PASS Summit lately, with SQL Server professionals ditching pants for Scotland’s signature garment in support of the Women in Technology interest group.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server security in virtual, physical worlds virtually the same

  SQL Server security issues in virtualized environments pretty much mirror the challenges in physical environments, experts say. Standard security guidelines apply.  Continue Reading

• Take BI up a notch with SQL Azure Reporting

  Microsoft’s cloud-based SQL Azure Reporting lets companies publish and view reports without having to maintain hardware. Get an overview of the service, now in a community technology preview.  Continue Reading

• SQL Azure security terrifies IT, but loss of control might be real fear

  The primary obstacle to SQL Azure security is not specific security gaps, but rather DBAs' reluctance to give up control over SQL Server environments.  Continue Reading

• Aiming for zero: Techniques for lossless SQL Server data protection

  No doubt you have SQL Server data protection plans in place. But how much data do you stand to lose should disaster strike? Expert Don Jones offers pointers on how to make that number zero.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server's Data Quality Services makes cleanup a cinch

  SQL Server Data Quality Services is Microsoft’s newest data-cleansing tool. Expert Denny Cherry examines the upcoming SQL Server 2012 feature and delves into its components and processes.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft’s ‘big data’ push targets familiar products, new capabilities

  In this interview, Microsoft executive Mark Kromer discusses newly unveiled Microsoft ‘big data’ features and products announced at last month’s PASS Summit 2011.  Continue Reading

• The most dangerous game: Hunting down bad SQL query performance

  SQL Server is faster when the queries behind your applications are faster. Learn how to spot bad SQL query performance, and then work with developers so you can improve throughput.  Continue Reading

• Sound policy key to data quality management in Microsoft PowerPivot

  Microsoft PowerPivot lets users do data analysis without IT’s help, but too much access can pose serious data quality management issues.  Continue Reading

• Three tips for tweaking SQL Server’s SharePoint performance

  Trying to get Microsoft SQL Server to play nice with SharePoint? Get some expert advice on improving SQL Server-SharePoint performance.  Continue Reading

• SQLSaturdays pack in SQL Server experts and training, camaraderie

  SQL Saturdays are one-day events held throughout the country for SQL Server professionals offering SQL Server training and expert advice.  Continue Reading

• Blend Microsoft SQL Server, SharePoint, Office for ‘BI lite’

  A business intelligence (BI) suite isn’t the only delivery system for BI insight. Get some expert advice and blend Microsoft SQL Server, SharePoint, Office for your own DIY system.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server Denali, R2, XP: What sizzles, what doesn’t this summer

  With the latest SQL Server Denali CTP out, Microsoft exec Mark Kromer discusses updates and addresses blogosphere buzz about what Denali’s not running on.  Continue Reading

• Purchasing hardware for SQL Server: What not to do

  SQL Server performance depends on hardware, and what you buy can have a huge impact. Yet people make mistakes when purchasing hardware for SQL Server. Here are some of the worst.  Continue Reading

• Solid-state storage devices for SQL Server: Are they worth the cost?

  Solid-state storage devices for SQL Server have been growing in popularity in recent years. But do their super-fast read speeds justify their super-high prices?  Continue Reading

• Three data warehouse maintenance tips for DBAs

  Maintaining a data warehouse may be just another thing on a DBA’s to-do list, but there are reasons for doing it right. These data warehouse maintenance tips should help.  Continue Reading

• As Microsoft's SQL Azure gains altitude, industry eyes chances of reign

  As independent software vendors begin to roll out core business systems on Microsoft SQL Azure cloud service, larger enterprises are slower to migrate.  Continue Reading

• Stylish SQL Server hardware every well-dressed computer is wearing

  You want your SQL Server computer in top shape, so dress it in the newest duds. Learn about the latest trends in SQL Server hardware and make your server the talk of the town.  Continue Reading