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• database administrator (DBA)

  A database administrator (DBA) is the information technician responsible for directing or performing all activities related to maintaining a successful database environment. Continue Reading

• FileMaker (FMP)

  FileMaker is a relational database application in which an individual may design -- and easily share on the Internet -- a database file by starting with a blank document or implementing ready-made and customizable templates. Continue Reading

• T-SQL (Transact-SQL)

  T-SQL (Transact-SQL) is a set of programming extensions from Sybase and Microsoft that add several features to the Structured Query Language (SQL), including transaction control, exception and error handling, row processing and declared variables. Continue Reading

• database normalization

  Database normalization is intrinsic to most relational database schemes. It is a process that organizes data into tables so that results are always unambiguous. Continue Reading

• pivot table

  A pivot table is a statistics tool that summarizes and reorganizes selected columns and rows of data in a spreadsheet or database table to obtain a desired report. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • database administrator (DBA)
  • FileMaker (FMP)
  • database normalization
  • T-SQL (Transact-SQL)

  • pivot table
  • database (DB)
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • data structure

  View All Definitions

• database (DB)

  A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can be easily accessed, managed and updated.Continue Reading

• SQL Server database design best practices and tips for DBAs

  Good database design is a must to meet processing needs in SQL Server systems. In a webinar, consultant Koen Verbeeck offered advice on how to make that happen.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server

  Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system, or RDBMS, that supports a wide variety of transaction processing, business intelligence and analytics applications in corporate IT environmentsContinue Reading

• data structure

  A data structure is a specialized format for organizing, processing, retrieving and storing data.Continue Reading

• database management system (DBMS)

  A database management system (DBMS) is system software for creating and managing databases.Continue Reading

• Check SQL Server Query Store performance impact before using

  Many IT teams hesitate to use SQL Server Query Store due to performance concerns. Consultant Andy Warren offers tips on how to test and get started with Query Store.Continue Reading

• data mining

  Data mining is the process of sorting through large data sets to identify patterns and establish relationships to solve problems through data analysis.Continue Reading

• 5 FAQs on SQL Server containers and how to manage them

  Running SQL Server in containers creates new challenges for database administrators. The answers to these questions can guide you through some of them.Continue Reading

• The Power BI-PowerShell cmdlet cheat sheet

  DBAs can manage Power BI data sets, workspaces and reports with PowerShell. Using the two tools together makes for a more efficient and effective workflow.Continue Reading

• Azure Data Studio (formerly SQL Operations Studio)

  Azure Data Studio is a Microsoft tool, originally named SQL Operations Studio, for managing SQL Server databases and cloud-based Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Data Warehouse systems.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure SQL Database nears parity with SQL Server

  Microsoft is adding functionality to Azure SQL Database to enable users to migrate more SQL Server applications to the cloud platform and run bigger databases on it.Continue Reading

• 2 ways to attach SQL Server database files to Linux containers

  SQL Server files can be stored outside of Docker containers in host directories or volumes. Here's how to set up SQL Server on Linux databases and attach them to containers.Continue Reading

• Get started with SQL Operations Studio in 7 steps

  Microsoft's newest tool, SQL Operations Studio, provides DBAs with a free, lightweight option for managing SQL Server and Azure databases. Use these tips when trying it out.Continue Reading

• Quick start tips for using the new MSSQL-CLI SQL query tool

  The new MSSQL-CLI command-line tool provides many enhancements over SQLCMD CLI that enable you to quickly write and run T-SQL queries across Linux, macOS and Windows.Continue Reading

• Tips and tricks to cut your SQL Server cloud costs

  Running SQL Server in the cloud can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. These tips show you where wasteful spending happens and how to keep your database cloud bill low.Continue Reading

• How to attach databases to custom SQL Server containers

  Deploying SQL Server in Docker containers for production applications typically requires custom containers. Here are guidelines on how to attach databases to them.Continue Reading

• Six sample databases for SQL Server and how to find them

  SQL Server sample databases are useful for test and dev, but they can be difficult to parse. Use this SQL database sample overview to decide which to use and how to access them.Continue Reading

• Why running SQL Server on Docker is no longer frowned upon

  Microsoft now lets SQL Server databases run in Docker containers, a capability that depends on using volumes to store data in a persistent way outside the containers.Continue Reading

• How much do you know about the components of SQL Server?

  From SQL Server Machine Learning Services to the SQL Server Operating System, there's a lot to know about SQL Server. Test your SQL Server knowledge with our quiz.Continue Reading

• U-SQL

  U-SQL is a Microsoft query language that combines a declarative SQL-like syntax with C# programming, enabling it to be used to process both structured and unstructured data in big data environments.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Operations Studio eases SQL Server admin tasks

  SQL Operations Studio simplifies routine administration of SQL Server and Azure SQL databases, making database development and management easier for users who aren't full-time DBAs.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB

  Azure Cosmos DB is a Microsoft cloud database that supports multiple ways of storing and processing data. As such, it is classified as a multimodel database.Continue Reading

• How to use a SQL Server create database script to set up databases

  You can create SQL Server databases manually, but knowing how to do a scripted database setup is valuable. Here are the steps involved in executing a create database script.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services)

  Microsoft SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) is an enterprise data integration, data transformation and data migration tool built into Microsoft's SQL Server database.Continue Reading

• How to use Python in SQL Server 2017 to run analytics applications

  From installation to implementation, here are the basic details on how to take advantage of the Python programming language in SQL Server 2017.Continue Reading

• How much do you really know about SQL Server 2016 licensing?

  Should you use Server + CAL licensing for SQL Server 2016 or does Per Core licensing offer more bang for your buck? Read our primer and take this quiz to see if you'd choose right.Continue Reading

• flat file

  A flat file contains records that have no structured interrelationship. A flat file typically consists of a text file, from which all word processing or other structure characters or markup have been removed.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Visual FoxPro (Microsoft VFP)

  Microsoft Visual FoxPro (VFP) is an object-oriented programming environment with a built-in relational database engine.Continue Reading

• query

  A query is a question, often expressed in a formal way. A database query can be either a select query or an action query.Continue Reading

• Tips on how to build your first SQL Server container

  Navigating the new world of containers might seem daunting, but the examples outlined here will walk you through the process of creating and managing containers for SQL Server.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

  Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment to manage a SQL Server infrastructure.Continue Reading

• SQL (Structured Query Language)

  SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized programming language that's used to manage relational databases and perform various operations on the data in them.Continue Reading

• In-Memory OLTP

  In-Memory OLTP is a Microsoft in-memory technology built into SQL Server and optimized for transaction processing applications.Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2016 new features quiz: PolyBase, Stretch Database and more

  With the official release of SQL Server 2016, the upgrade process is starting. Find out if you're a SQL Server 2016 expert or if you still need to learn about SQL Server 2016 new features.Continue Reading

• Community Technology Preview (CTP)

  The Community Technology Preview (CTP) is an early version of a Microsoft product that is released to testers during the software development process. Microsoft releases several CTPs for each product, adding new features, updating pre-existing ones ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2016 release guide: News and analysis on the new version

  SQL Server 2016 is being released on June 1, 2016. Learn about Stretch Database, PolyBase, changes to In-Memory OLTP, and other new and updated features in this Essential Guide.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server 2016

  SQL Server 2016 is a SQL-based relational database management system released by Microsoft for general availability on June 1, 2016. It supports transaction processing, data warehousing and analytics uses and provides new and updated features with a...Continue Reading

• An introduction to SQL Server 2016 dynamic data masking

  An expert provides a step-by-step guide for how to use dynamic data masking in SQL Server 2016 CTP2 and Azure SQL database to protect sensitive data.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure Blob Storage database backup and restore

  With Microsoft Azure Blob Storage Service, you can easily perform database backup and restore. Here is a step-by-step approach to using the service.Continue Reading

• SQL Server, Hadoop both part of Analytics Platform System

  A need for data warehouses designed for large-volume data loading and complex analytical workloads led to Microsoft's Analytics Platform System.Continue Reading

• Seven reasons to upgrade to SQL Server 2012

  Support for early versions of SQL Server has ended. But rather than upgrade to SQL Server 2014, companies are turning to SQL Server 2012. Here is why.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

• Pricing out the new Windows Azure SQL Database

  SQL Database -- formerly known as SQL Azure -- is the relational database product under the umbrella of Microsoft Azure, the company’s cloud infrastructure platform. Until recently, Microsoft offered two service plans: Web and Business. Both options...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

• columnstore index

  A columnstore index is a type of index used to store, manage and retrieve data stored in a columnar format in a database.Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2014

  SQL Server 2014 is relational database management system (RDBMS) designed for the enterprise environment.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

• SQL 2014: Investigating Microsoft's latest database release

  Experts and analysts discuss the release of SQL Server 2014 and explore its new features, including in-memory online transaction processing, in this essential guide.Continue Reading

• Using Power BI to enhance SQL Server self-service business intelligence

  SQL Server DBAs and developers should be familiar with Power BI for Office 365. Here's an overview of what it does and how to use it.Continue Reading

• SQL Server buffer pool

  An SQL Server buffer pool, also called an SQL Server buffer cache, is a place in system memory that is used for caching table and index data pages as they are modified or read from disk. Continue Reading

• Some new Windows Azure integration features in SQL Server 2014

  Microsoft is all about the cloud SQL Server 2014, especially if it's Microsoft's own cloud. That's why there is built-in Azure integration.Continue Reading

• SQL Server Availability Groups gets boost with SQL 2014

  AlwaysOn Availability Groups gets improvements in SQL Server 2014, from clustering to the cloud.Continue Reading

• Microsoft PowerPivot

  PowerPivot is a free Microsoft Excel tool that increases the capabilities of Excel's pre-existing pivot table tool by allowing users to import data from multiple sources.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server encryption features in SQL Server 2014

  Learn about SQL Server encryption features and enhancements in SQL 14, including Transparent Data Encryption and encrypting backups.Continue Reading

• The SQL Server 2012 Fast Track Data Warehouse reference architecture

  Microsoft has released guidelines for a hardware-software configuration that maximizes SQL Server 2012 performance. Learn about what it entails.Continue Reading

• Five SQL Server 2012 business intelligence features

  The BI Semantic Model and Data Quality Services: These are two of the five SQL Server 2012 BI features that highlight this database release.Continue Reading

• Eight key SQL Server 2014 features

  In-memory OLTP and columnar storage are just two of the eight key SQL Server 2014 features, according to this tip.Continue Reading

• AlwaysOn Availability Groups

  AlwaysOn Availability Groups is a database mirroring technique for Microsoft SQL Server that allows administrators to pull together a group of user databases that can fail over together.Continue Reading

• Quiz: How well do you know SQL Server third-party tools and native tools?

  Test your knowledge of native and third-party tools for SQL Server with this brief quiz.Continue Reading

• SQL Server backup best practices

  Backup compression and using differential backups are just two of the important SQL Server backup best practices described in this tip.Continue Reading

• AdventureWorks Database

  AdventureWorks Database is a sample OLTP database that Microsoft ships with all of its SQL Server database products.Continue Reading

• SQL CONSTRAINT clauses: FOREIGN KEY, CHECK and DEFAULT

  In SQL Server, SQL CONSTRAINT clauses let you control values entered into a column. Learn about FOREIGN KEY, CHECK and DEFAULT constraints here.Continue Reading

• Using SQL Server Management Studio Table Designer to create a table

  Creating a table correctly in SQL Server can be pretty tricky, but using SQL Server Management Studio Table Designer makes it easier.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

• 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

• Microsoft SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse (SQL Server PDW)

  Microsoft SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse (SQL Server PDW) is a pre-built data warehouse appliance that includes Microsoft SQL Server database software, third-party server hardware and networking components.Continue Reading

• spatial data

  Spatial data, also known as geospatial data, is information about a physical object that can be represented by numerical values in a geographic coordinate system.  Continue Reading

• Quiz: How well do you know Windows Azure SQL Database?

  Take this brief quiz to test your understanding of SQL Server cloud-based database technology.Continue Reading

• Step 1: Invest in good application design

  To get the most from your hardware, spend your up-front resources on solid SQL server application design and an exhaustive QA process.Continue Reading

• SVVP (server virtualization validation program)

  SVVP (server virtualization validation program) is a policy that allows administrators running running Windows Server on certified virtualization technologies other than Hyper-V and Microsoft Virtual Server to receive technical support for Windows ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server self-service business intelligence quiz

  Take this quiz to test your knowledge of self-service BI on SQLServer.Continue Reading

• Microsoft GeoFlow

  Microsoft GeoFlow is a three-dimensional data visualization mapping tool for Microsoft Excel.Continue Reading

• multidimensional expressions (MDX)

  multidimensional expressions (MDX)Continue Reading

• SQL Azure

  SQL Azure is Microsoft’s cloud database service.Continue Reading

• Top reasons to get started with SQL Server Denali

  The upcoming SQL Server Denali is chock-full of new features, such as super-fast column-store indexes and a new Web-based reporting tool. But what does it mean for businesses?Continue Reading

• SQL Server tutorials

  SearchSQLServer.com's tutorials provide the in-depth information SQL Server database administrators and developers are seeking on Microsoft's flagship database enterprise server, SQL Server and its latest release SQL Server 2008. Our SQL Server ...Continue Reading

• BI for SMBs: What's good for the big boys might be bad for you

  Microsoft’s business intelligence stack is just one of the options available for midsized companies looking to implement a customized (and cost-effective) BI strategy.Continue Reading

• Getting started with Microsoft SQL Azure Database

  Get a taste of Microsoft’s SQL Azure service for the cloud, and learn how it does (and doesn’t) compare to on-premise SQL Server functionality.Continue Reading

• Three strategies for launching business intelligence in your company

  Small companies looking to get started with BI can ensure a successful implementation by following a few important tips.Continue Reading

• Quiz: BI in SQL Server 2008 R2

  Are you a SQL Server 2008 R2 guru? Take the quiz to test your know-how on R2's new and improved BI capabilities.Continue Reading

• Is an Excel pivot table really business intelligence (BI)?

  Although a pivot table is one component of Microsoft’s BI stack, it takes a lot more to create a full-fledged business intelligence solution.Continue Reading

• SQL Server backup and restore management tutorial

  From system failure to catastrophic disaster, this guide features the backup and recovery know-how that can mean the difference between life and death for your SQL Server database.Continue Reading

• SQL Server tutorials

  SearchSQLServer.com's tutorials provide the in-depth information SQL Server database administrators and developers are seeking on Microsoft's flagship database enterprise server, SQL Server and its latest release SQL Server 2008. Our SQL Server ...Continue Reading

• Frequently Asked Questions: SQL Server 2008 R2

  Not sure what to make of R2? Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions involving the latest database server release from Microsoft.Continue Reading

• Why BI? Business intelligence concepts defined

  Don't let the value of BI get lost in technical jargon. This tip explains the purpose and components of a business intelligence system -- in plain English.Continue Reading

• Getting started with Master Data Services in SQL Server 2008 R2

  MDS in SQL Server 2008 R2 has gotten a lot of attention, but how well does it really work? It could all depend on how it's configured.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server Tools Guide

  Whichever SQL Server hammer or nail you may be looking for, there's a good chance you'll find the tool or utility you need in this guide. Check out some of the best native and third-party tools for Microsoft's database management systems.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Learning Guide

  This guide provides an in-depth look at SQL Server 2008, with information on upgrading, overviews of the most important new features, and details on future releases.Continue Reading

• SQL Server Consolidation Fast Guide

  This short guide features resources for those looking to learn more about SQL Server consolidation, with details on when (and when not) to consolidate, strategies, best practices and more.Continue Reading

• tablespace

  In a database management system (DBMS), a tablespace is a logical group of data files in a database. A typical database contains at least one tablespace, and usually two or more. In a database, a tablespace plays a role similar to that of a folder...Continue Reading

• SQL Server Reporting Services Fast Guide

  Check out this collection of best practices, troubleshooting advice and perfomance tips for working with SSRS in SQL Server 2005.Continue Reading

• Tutorial: Performance tuning SQL Server via queries, indexes and more

  If you are looking to tune your SQL Server in the hopes of improving performance, this tutorial has the expert advice you need. Learn how to optimize queries, employ the best indexing practices, utilize the best storage or memory configurations and ...Continue Reading