Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
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