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Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• 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

• A quick tutorial on SQL Server maintenance plans

  SQL Server maintenance plans get a bad rap, but for DBAs who need a simple way to maintain databases, Microsoft's built-in tools are a good place to start. 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

• Microsoft Cosmos DB takes Azure databases to a higher level

  Azure Cosmos DB brings a new element to the database lineup of Microsoft's cloud platform, offering multiple data models and a scalable environment for distributed applications. Continue Reading

• Five SQL Server database trends to be prepared for in 2018

  Here's a list of notable trends related to SQL Server that IT teams should be ready for over the next 12 months. Among them: increased use of the cloud, AI, Linux and containers.Continue Reading

• Dissect the SQL Server on Linux high availability features

  SQL Server 2017 on Linux gives IT shops greater flexibility, but there are some limitations and changes to the way high availability and failover are performed on Linux vs. Windows.Continue Reading

• How to use a SQL Server graph database to map data relationships

  Here are the basics you need to know to use the graph database features added in SQL Server 2017 to represent the relationships between different data elements in a graph structure.Continue Reading

• How to choose the right SQL Server on Azure deployment option

  There are two options for deploying SQL Server on the Azure cloud. Here's a look at how they differ to help you choose between using Azure SQL Database and running SQL Server on an Azure VM.Continue Reading

• Expect big data doings at upcoming Microsoft Ignite conference

  Ignite 2017 and the Microsoft data portfolio are the topics of this edition of the Talking Data podcast. On tap is a closer look at Azure Cosmos DB.Continue Reading

• A closer look at Python-SQL Server 2017 integration

  Looking to take advantage of SQL Server 2017's support for Python? Here's what you need to know to get started on using the analytics programming language with Microsoft's database.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 2016 Integration Services boosted by Linux support

  As SQL Server changes, so does Integration Services. See the latest SSIS updates, such as added Linux support and an Upgrade Wizard for SQL Server 2016.Continue Reading

• Capitalize on mobility in Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services 2016

  SQL Server Reporting Services has gotten a face-lift over the past few years. Read on to take advantage of what's new.Continue Reading

• What do new SQL Server Standard Edition features mean for IT?

  Which SQL Server edition is right for you? After Microsoft upgraded the Standard Edition with features from the Enterprise one, a lower cost choice might be possible in some cases.Continue Reading