Features

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