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• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Managing linked server security in SQL Server

  What do you need to know to effectively manage your linked server? Find out in this tip from SQL Server expert Roman Rehak.Continue Reading

• Best practices for preventing a SQL injection attack

  One of the sneakiest ways for a hacker to invade your system is via a SQL injection attack. Expert Robert Sheldon explains how to keep hackers out.Continue Reading

• Further SSIS tips: Parameters and undoing operations

  Learn more new tips and tricks for SSIS from expert Robert Sheldon. Check out the last of a three-part series on changes to this important tool.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

• Pssdiag and Sqldiag Manager – the lifeblood of SQL troubleshooting

  What’s the most important part of SQL troubleshooting? Pssdiag and Sqldiag manager, says SQL Server professional Serdar Yegulalp. Find out what makes Pssdiag and Sqldiag so important.Continue Reading

• SQL Server Upgrade Advisor, Upgrade Assistant can ease transition pains

  You probably think you’re ready to upgrade to the new release, but you might not be as prepared as you think. Before you upgrade, there are some tools to become familiar with, says Bob Sheldon.Continue Reading

• No-risk SQL Server upgrade for SSRS no problem

  Worried about mishaps during your next SQL Server upgrade? What if you could perform an upgrade that is virtually risk free? It is possible, database architect Roman Rehak writes.Continue Reading

• SQL Server database capacity planning: A head-on approach

  IT administrators often don’t give a lot of thought to SQL Server database capacity planning -- until the database fills up. But managing database capacity now can help cure headaches later.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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Five mistakes companies make in SQL Server upgrades

  Think your SQL Server upgrade will be a cinch? Well, it can, but thing can -- and do -- go wrong. Learn what not to do when moving from one SQL Server version to another.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

• SSRS best practices for a trouble-free deployment

  Running SQL Server Reporting Services requires skills ranging from administration to analytical. Get advice on how to keep deployments in top shape.Continue Reading

• Putting the data to work: How to create a chart in PowerPivot

  Importing Microsoft SQL Server data into PowerPivot is the first step; now you’re ready to do some reporting. Get instructions on how to populate and refine charts in PowerPivot.Continue Reading

• Importing SQL Server data into PowerPivot for Excel

  Microsoft PowerPivot is designed to give BI capabilities to users who lack IT’s technical know-how. The first step is importing SQL Server data, and you have to know your options.Continue Reading

• Enterprise vs. SMB business intelligence: a look at the differences

  Business intelligence can differ greatly among big enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Here’s an analysis of enterprise and SMB BI systems.Continue Reading

• Four tips on boosting SQL Server scalability

  SQL Server scalability is high on the list of system properties, and scaling up is easier than scaling out. Follow these four tips and you’ll be on your way to optimum performance.Continue Reading

• Moving beyond SSIS: 5 third-party SQL Server tools for ETL

  Sometimes an organizations data management needs surpass what SQL Server Integration Services can offer. Read on for an ETL tools comparison and find out which tool is best for your organization.Continue Reading

• Deployment options increase for meeting BI performance challenges

  Learn how different business intelligence deployment options can affect BI performance at small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) involved in SQL Server BI projects.Continue Reading

• On the server level with SQL Server dynamic management views

  The pantheon of dynamic management views (DMVs) extends beyond the database-related views covered in the first of two articles focusing on this SQL Server feature. Learn about DMVs that operate at the server level and provide information about a SQL...Continue Reading

• Project Apollo casts light on column-store indexes in SQL Server Denali

  Project Apollo, part of the bells and whistles that comprise the upcoming SQL Server Denali, is Microsoft’s innovation on the index. Column-store indexes work in a whole new way, and they have the potential to nimbly scan millions of rows in a ...Continue Reading

• Gain insight with SQL Server dynamic management views

  Dynamic management views, a feature in SQL Server 2005 and newer, let users say goodbye to complex queries for retrieving database information. In the first of this two-part series, have a look at a sampling of SQL Server DMVs and the database info ...Continue Reading

• Three tips on choosing hardware for your SQL Server BI system

  So, you want to optimize SQL Server BI performance. If it’s partly prebuilt, you’re somewhat limited in providing input, but keeping these three things in mind when choosing your hardware will keep things running smoothly.Continue Reading

• Three SQL Server hardware upgrades to enliven performance

  You’re contemplating SQL Server hardware upgrades and want a shortlist of easy steps to boost performance. You’re in luck. Read on for tips to make it move like never before.Continue Reading

• Reading a SQL Server query execution plan

  Query Optimizer is responsible for carrying out one of SQL Server’s biggest day-to-day duties: analyzing queries and executing them. It does this by producing a query execution plan, which can be interpreted to fine-tune execution times and spot ...Continue Reading

• SQL Azure database recommendations and best practices

  SQL Azure database is modeled on SQL Server technology, but it doesn’t always act like it. SQL Azure is distinct in how it works, and you should handle it accordingly. Read on for guidelines to keep your cloud deployment in fine working order.Continue Reading

• Managing multiple SQL Servers the easy way

  Managing multiple SQL Servers has made for some tedious work, and human error is never far behind. But fret not; there are plenty of third-party and Microsoft solutions that can lessen the pain.Continue Reading

• Perk up your BI planning with write-back

  How do you get more out of your business intelligence (BI) system than just reviewing data? Write-back allows for solid BI planning -- it proposes changes written to the system, letting you play “what if” and allowing for creative decision making ...Continue Reading

• Evaluating the ROI of a SQL Server 2008 R2 upgrade

  Cool new features may not impress management, but return on investment always will. Speak an executive’s language when making the hard pitch for a SQL Server 2008 R2 upgrade.Continue Reading

• Programming SMO applications for improved management, automation

  SQL Server Management Objects can be very helpful when used with (or even instead of) T-SQL, particularly when it comes to monitoring database backups and space utilization.Continue Reading

• Is self-service business intelligence the answer?

  While Microsoft’s PowerPivot technology promises to empower users to make decisions based on their own analyses, self-service business intelligence has a dark side as well.Continue Reading

• Quick tips for monitoring SQL Server performance issues

  When it comes to performance, the most basic techniques can make all the difference. Learn which PerfMon counters to be on the lookout for when tuning your SQL Server environment.Continue Reading

• Top tips for SQL Server database failover success

  Utilizing log shipping or database mirroring for high availability is only half the battle. There are still plenty of steps to take once your standby server is online.Continue Reading

• Upgrading and installing SQL Server 2008

  Carefully planning a SQL Server 2008 upgrade will minimize downtime, prevent data loss and ensure a successful overall experience.Continue Reading

• Getting set up for multi-server management with SQL Server 2008 R2

  One of SQL Server 2008 R2's most talked-about new features allows DBAs to monitor the performance of multiple instances with a single glance.Continue Reading

• Log shipping: Four tips to maintain RTO and RPO with SQL Server

  It's not uncommon for DBAs to be lulled into a false sense of security by log shipping, without realizing the negative effects it could have on disaster recovery.Continue Reading

• Creating and managing SQL Server Analysis Services partitions

  Learn everything you need to know to build SSAS partitions from the ground up, with advice on binding, merging, and selecting partition data.Continue Reading

• Top tips and tricks for SQL Server database development

  Check out these handy database development best practices, with tips on dealing with batch updates, stored procedures and more.Continue Reading

• An overview of SQL Server Report Builder 2.0

  In this chapter excerpt from "Learning SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services", learn about Report Builder 2.0, including its interface details, and how it can be used to create descriptive reports.Continue Reading

• Testing a SQL Server environment before an upgrade

  Learn how application and full regression testing can ensure a successful SQL Server upgrade – and save on money and performance headaches.Continue Reading

• SQL Server consolidation strategies and best practices

  Several consolidation options are available for managers and DBAs who are looking to cut costs. Learn about some of these strategies and when to use them along with details on the benefits of SQL Server consolidation with Windows 2008.Continue Reading

• A short history of SQL Server Integration Services

  In this chapter excerpt from "SQL Server 2008 Integration Services Unleashed", learn more about how SQL Server Integration Services evolved from Data Transformation Services into a fully functional data warehousing tool.Continue Reading

• Using dynamic management views to improve SQL Server index effectiveness

  Dynamic management views can improve the effectiveness of SQL Server's existing indexes. This guide outlines how to use DMVs to monitor fragmented indexes and retrieve currently executing SQL statements.Continue Reading

• Using dynamic management views to monitor and tune performance of SQL Server

  Dynamic management views help monitor SQL Server health and tune performance. Learn how to use DMVs to retrieve critical data on the internal workings of SQL Server.Continue Reading

• Creating Windows PowerShell scripts to manage SQL Server 2008 instances

  Creating Windows PowerShell scripts helps manage SQL Server 2008 objects, databases and other instances. This tip covers two PowerShell snap-ins that aid the navigation of the SQL Server component hierarchy.Continue Reading

• A guide to basic new features in SQL Server Management Studio 2008, part 1

  SQL Server Management Studio 2008 comes packed with the new features that have been on your wish list, including syntax help, word completion and a list of stored procedure parameters.Continue Reading

• Tutorial: SQL Server indexing tips to improve performance

  Significantly improve your SQL Server performance with this tutorial on proper indexing choices, configuration and design.Continue Reading

• Tutorial: SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) best practices

  Whether you plan to migrate SQL Server Data Transformation Services (DTS) packages to SQL Server Integration Services or run DTS packages in SQL Server 2005, this tutorial has it all. Learn the best practices for SQL Server Integration Services (...Continue Reading

• Using T-SQL data types in SQL Server 2008

  Learn the numerous data types used in SQL Server 2008's Transact-SQL language in this excerpt from "Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide."Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 function types in T-SQL

  Functions in Transact-SQL can be either aggregate functions or scalar functions. This excerpt from "Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide" describes both and details the many numeric functions that can be accessed in SQL Server 2008.Continue Reading

• Basic objects of T-SQL in SQL Server 2008

  Discover the basic objects that drive T-SQL in SQL Server 2008 in this excerpt from "Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide." Author Dusan Petkovic discusses how literal values, delimiters, comments, identifiers and reserved keywords are ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 data types: Datetime, string, user-defined and more

  Find out about data types available in SQL Server 2008 and how to use them, including datetime, string and user-defined data types, in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric...Continue Reading

• Enforcing data integrity in a SQL Server database

  Find out how primary keys, foreign keys and constraints can keep your SQL Server data consistent in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric Johnson and Joshua Jones.Continue Reading

• SQL Server and data manipulation in T-SQL

  Learn about stored procedures, parameters, triggers and how other T-SQL code functions allow for the manipulation of data in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric Johnson ...Continue Reading

• Physical data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008

  Learn the fundamentals of data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008, including tables, views and data types, in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric Johnson and Joshua ...Continue Reading

• Supertype and subtype tables in SQL Server

  Learn how to physically implement supertype and subtype tables and clusters on a SQL Server in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric Johnson and Joshua Jones.Continue Reading

• Monitor database mirroring and replication after a SQL Server upgrade

  Part five in this series describing the case history of a database upgrade to a Windows Server 2003/SQL Server 2005 Active/Active cluster examines how to monitor database mirroring and replication to be sure all data is flowing following setup.Continue Reading

• Translating information requests into SQL SELECT statements

  Learn how to translate information requests into suitable SQL SELECT statements in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll learn techniques to create more complicated ...Continue Reading

• How to use the SELECT statement in SQL

  Learn the basics of the SQL SELECT statement in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll learn how to use SELECT to access almost anything contained in a SQL database, ...Continue Reading

• Manage traces in SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services with XMLA commands

  SQL Profiler is an efficient tool for tuning and troubleshooting Microsoft Analysis Services 2005, that is, unless you're managing numerous instances. In this tip, you'll learn how to use XMLA to automate tracing to monitor MSAS. Here's what you ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server PerfMon counters for access methods and buffer manager 2

  In this episode of the screencast series "PerfMon Counters for the SQL Server DBA," SQL Server MVP Kevin Kline focuses specifically on SQL Server counters. Kline shares best practices for using access method counters to watch for IO intensive ...Continue Reading

• Tips for scheduling and testing SQL Server backups

  Whether you're using SQL Server or SQL Server Express Edition, these tips for scheduling backups will lead you to a successful restore. You'll learn how to schedule backups in SQL Server via the SQL Server Agent and in SQL Server Express using ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server tempdb best practices increase performance

  Take your SQL Server tempdb's performance to new heights by making a few adjustments to the standard database settings. SQL Server expert Denny Cherry shares some best practices for tempdb, including physical file settings, storage array ...Continue Reading

• SQL OUTER JOIN sample statements for queries

  Discover sample SQL OUTER JOIN statements and result sets in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." Using sample databases and complex JOINs, these examples will help you ...Continue Reading

• Using the FULL OUTER JOIN in SQL

  Learn how to utilize a FULL OUTER JOIN, through sample queries, in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition."Continue Reading

• How to construct and use SQL OUTER JOINs optimally

  Learn the basics of a SQL Server OUTER JOIN in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll discover how to construct LEFT, RIGHT and FULL OUTER JOINs with how-to examples ...Continue Reading

• SQL OUTER JOIN sample uses

  Find out how OUTER JOIN is used in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll get samples of SQL requests solved with OUTER JOIN, such as testing for Null.Continue Reading

• Creating a login in SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Manager

  Find how to create a SQL Server 2000 login account and then set user account rights to specific databases with "db_owner."Continue Reading

• Creating SQL Server columns: A best practices guide

  When creating SQL Server columns, improve database performance by following these best practices for defining data types, keys and NULL configurations.Continue Reading

• Creating SQL Server tables: A best practices guide

  Tips for Creating SQLServer TablesContinue Reading

• Best practices for SQL Server backup maintenance

  Improve SQL Server performance by removing backup history from the msdb database and reducing its size. Database architect Denny Cherry shares some backup commands for optimal SQL Server maintenance.Continue Reading

• Managing permissions in SQL Server Reporting Services

  SQL Server Reporting Services offers ease when creating and deploying SQL Server reports for your entire organization. But when it comes to SSRS security, there's some work to be done on your part.Continue Reading

• Managing identity columns with replication in SQL Server

  Managing identity columns with replicated tables in your SQL Server 2005 database requires some TLC. In these scenarios, see how to replicate tables with identity columns and also get options to manage identity seeds for replicated tables. You'll ...Continue Reading

• Building a data warehouse in SQL Server: Eight tips to get started

  When building a data warehouse using SQL Server technologies, there are some challenges you may face. SQL Server database expert Baya Pavliashvili addresses some of the most common issues.Continue Reading

• Top 10 T-SQL tips for improved SQL Server development

  Learn to script SQL Server backups, why T-SQL in SSIS has pros and cons and workarounds for T-SQL code causing SQL Server performance problems.Continue Reading

• Mimic SQL Server Management Studio reports for Reporting Services

  SQL Server Management Studio has standard reports that can be mimicked to appear in Reporting Services. Find out how to get the reports' source code to do so, and also how to add custom reports to Management Studio.Continue Reading

• Basic Transact-SQL programming constructs: 15 tips, 15 minutes

  The programming language used in Microsoft SQL Server is called Transact-SQL (T-SQL). It complies with the ANSI SQL-92 standard, and you can use this ANSI SQL-compliant language to select, update, insert and delete records from tables.Continue Reading

• Understanding database requirements for report server

  Disk space requirements can vary due to many variables. Learn to understand your disk space by ,over time and during high-use periods, monitoring the size of your report server database .Continue Reading

• Using the Mining Accuracy Chart

  Once data models are processed, you need to be able to explore, query and compare them. Learn how to use Analysis Services to understand your data mining efforts.Continue Reading

• Working with named calculations

  SQL Server named calculations allow you to mine derived information in your data without having to change your source data. Get an overview of named calculations.Continue Reading

• Creating SQL Server data mining reports

  SQL Server Reporting Services allows you to create custom data mining reports containing text and graphics that can be distributed via HTML, email or in print or Microsoft Office documents.Continue Reading

• Working with named queries

  A named query is a virtual view on your data source that allows you to change the data you are mining in SQL Server without making changes to your original data.Continue Reading

• Using SQL Server Management Studio for data mining

  SQL Server 2005 Management Studio replaces Enterprise Manager and Query Analyzer. Find out what tasks can be performed in Management Studio with regards to SQL Server data mining.Continue Reading

• IIS tips to secure SQL Server

  IIS security measures can be implemented outside SQL Server to protect databases from malicious attacks. CISSP Kevin Beaver offers 10 Internet Information Server tips to harden SQL Server security.Continue Reading

• Sample T-SQL stored procedure: P_DisplayProductDetails

  This sample T-SQL stored procedure to be debugged displays product details from the AdventureWorks database using a function to rank the unit price for each product subcategory.Continue Reading

• Visual Studio debug windows

  Visual Studio provides you with many informative debug windows, which you can review in this T-SQL stored procedure debugging feature.Continue Reading

• SQL Server clustering best practices

  SQL Server clustering provides high availability to clients by sharing server resources over several nodes, but only when all of its dependencies are addressed. Contributor Hilary Cotter identifies clustering topologies, dependencies and best ...Continue Reading

• Equipment weight and tile strength

  The process of building a data-center facility appears to be simple on the inception but has several aspects that must be done correctly. In this book excerpt, find out how to get it done right the first time.Continue Reading

• Characteristics of an outstanding data center design

  The process of building a data-center facility appears to be simple on the inception but has several aspects that must be done correctly. In this book excerpt, find out how to get it done right the first time.Continue Reading