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• Using a LEFT OUTER JOIN vs. RIGHT OUTER JOIN in SQL

  In this book excerpt, you'll learn LEFT OUTER JOIN vs. RIGHT OUTER JOIN techniques and find various examples for creating SQL queries that incorporate OUTER JOINs. Continue Reading

• SQL Server vs. MySQL: Learn the differences

  MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server relational databases have their pros and cons. Weigh the differences between SQL Server and MySQL features, costs, functionality and more. Continue Reading

• How to resolve and avoid deadlocks in SQL Server databases

  Deadlocks are a real hindrance to SQL Server users, but database administrators can avoid them by taking steps to limit them and stop them from recurring. Continue Reading

• Using SQL DATEPART, GETDATE, DATENAME functions

  SQL datetime functions DATEPART, GETDATE and DATENAME can retrieve the date and time or other individual parts of a value. Here's how to master these T-SQL tools. Continue Reading

• DATEADD and DATEDIFF SQL functions for datetime values

  DATEADD and DATEDIFF SQL functions allow you to easily perform calculations, like adding a time interval from a datetime value. Here's how to use those functions for that and more. Continue Reading

• Migrating SQL Server to Microsoft Azure SQL Database as a service

  Microsoft Azure SQL Database compatibility problems disappeared in V12, clearing the path for a SQL database migration to the cloud. Here's how to make the move.Continue Reading

• How DH2i container management software can lower licensing fees

  Asante and Eversheds both cut SQL Server licensing costs using the new DH2i container management software, DxEnterprise. DH2i plans to compete with Microsoft.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

• Troubleshoot SQL Server database performance with T-SQL

  Basit Farooq provides eight tips for optimizing T-SQL code to prevent SQL Server database performance bottlenecks and to tune database applications.Continue Reading

• Top four tips for virtualizing your SQL Server instance

  The increasing need for SQL Server instances is raising costs. Basit Farooq shows you how to control the costs through effective virtualization.Continue Reading

• The top three SQL Server third-party tools

  Basit Farooq presents his top three SQL Server third-party tools for identifying and resolving SQL Server bottlenecks.Continue Reading

• Create a user-defined server role in SQL Server 2012 with T-SQL, SSMS

  Ashish Mehta shows two ways – with T-SQL and with SSMS -- to make a user-defined server role in SQL Server 2012.Continue Reading

• Five tips to avoid a performance bottleneck or other SQL Server snares

  Basit Farooq provides five tips for SQL Server users, from avoiding a hardware performance bottleneck to dealing with database design.Continue Reading

• What to consider when deploying In-memory OLTP in SQL Server 2014

  In this expert answer, Michael Steineke from Edgenet talks about what to consider when deploying In-memory OLTP in SQL Server 2014.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

• Managing data with Enterprise Integration Management and SQL Server

  Microsoft tools for SQL Server can help build a comprehensive enterprise integration management platform.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

• Dive deep into SQL Server 2014 in-memory OLTP

  Probably the biggest feature of the upcoming release, SQL Server 2014 in-memory OLTP has benefits that DBAs should know about. Learn how to set it up.Continue Reading

• Five Windows Azure alternatives for SQL Server

  Just because you're an SQL Server shop doesn't mean you can't explore the cloud. Check out these five Azure alternatives to see what's out there.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

• Does SQL Server database size affect performance?

  Of course SQL Server database size matters, but there are steps DBAs and IT managers can take to mitigate growing data and maintain good performance.Continue Reading

• Defining half a dozen daily SQL Server DBA responsibilities

  Being a SQL Server DBA means you have a lot on your plate. Find out six of the most important DBA responsibilities you should be doing every day.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

• Digging through SQL Server OLAP storage models

  Learn how to distinguish among the three SQL Server OLAP storage models and decide which one is best in different use cases.Continue Reading

• Examining SQL Server 2012 data warehouse appliances

  Take a look at some HP and Dell SQL Server 2012 data warehouse appliances to see if any might fit your business needs.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

• Can SQL combine tables like these? Doubtful

  Can SQL combine tables where the values don't relate to one another? One expert says it's difficult unless you redesign the tables.Continue Reading

• SQL PIVOT helps merge results into a single row

  SQL Server expert Denny Cherry shows how code can be used to the same effect as a SQL PIVOT statement.Continue Reading

• A good SQL Server DBA resume includes knowing the language of business

  Learning how technology affects the business will boost any SQL Server DBA resume out there, according to consultant Chris Presley.Continue Reading

• Five steps for a successful backup of a stored procedure in SQL Server

  Follow these steps to use Management Studio for SQL 2005 for a successful SQL Server stored procedure backup.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

• Nine T-SQL best practices

  Choosing the right data type and avoiding dynamic SQL are two of the nine T-SQL best practices that author Basit Farooq explains here.Continue Reading

• SQL Server views: Creating indexes and adding base data

  SQL Server views allow you to give information to users without compromising security. Find out how to create indexes on them and add base data.Continue Reading

• SQL Server views: What they are and how to create them

  SQL Server views can help DBAs provide information to users while still controlling data access. Find out how.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

• SQL CONSTRAINT clauses: PRIMARY KEY and UNIQUE

  In SQL Server, SQL CONSTRAINT clauses let you control the kinds of values that get entered into a column. Learn about two of them here.Continue Reading

• Set database constraints using SQL Server Management Studio Table Designer

  In addition to creating tables and adding columns, SQL Server Management Studio Table Designer can also set constraints.Continue Reading

• How to work around Azure database migration limitations

  Performing a successful Azure database migration is no easy task. There are plenty of limitations and missing features, and this is how you make do.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

• Manage your SQL Server databases with SQL DMVs

  SQL DMVs (dynamic management views) can help simplify administration of SQL Server databases. Find out how with detailed examples.Continue Reading

• Five best practices for SQL Server hosting

  If you decide to run SQL Server in a hosted environment, how can you make sure it will operate smoothly? Read this tip to find out.Continue Reading

• Six SQL Server management tools you can't live without

  Expert Ashish Kumar Mehta lists six important SQL Server management tools, including BIDS, SSMS and SSDT.Continue Reading

• SQL 2014 features: Partitioned indexes and memory-optimized tables

  In this second of a two-part series on SQL 2014 features, Bob Sheldon dives into partitioned indexes and memory-optimized tables.Continue Reading

• SQL 2014 features: Extended buffer pool and columnar indexes

  Two major SQL Server 2014 features are its ability to extend the buffer pool and its implementing of clustered columnar indexes for improved querying.Continue Reading

• Up or out? Deciding on SQL Server scalability

  SQL Server scalability brings with it many questions, but prime among them is this: Should you buy more servers or bulk up the ones you have?Continue Reading

• Configuring and implementing a SQL Server contained database

  Learn how to implement and configure contained databases in SQL Server 2012.Continue Reading

• The ins and outs of the SQL Server 2012 contained database

  Contained databases could be one of the most important features of SQL Server 2012.Continue Reading

• SQL Server upgrade paths: What to do before, during, after upgrading

  Planning your SQL Server upgrade is probably the most important step if you want to avoid problems.Continue Reading

• How to start and set up SQL Server Audit

  Get an overview of the SQL Server Audit process, and check out the details for defining a target, setting up specifications and reading logged events.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

• The lowdown on SQL Server auditing tools

  Learn about the various components of SQL Server auditing tools such as server and database audit specifications as well as action groups.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server security best practices checklist

  Authentication, complex passwords and limiting permissions are three of the top bullet points on this SQL Server security best practices checklist.Continue Reading

• SQL Server high availability: Natural enemy of virtualization?

  Do SQL Server high availability and virtualization go together or not? Find out if virtualization is a good option for you in this tip by Bob Sheldon.Continue Reading

• SQL Server virtualization: When it's just not a good idea

  Virtualizing SQL Server is a good idea for many IT shops, but it's not for everyone. Robert Sheldon explains when it might not be a good choice.Continue Reading

• Database index design and optimization: Some guidelines

  What are the latest tips and tricks for database design and optimization? Check out this tip from Basit Farooq to learn more.Continue Reading

• SQL Server meets database application security

  Make sure your SQL Server is secure by studying these general guidelines for secure database applications from SQL Server expert Roman Rehak.Continue Reading

• xVelocity Columnstore Indexes in SQL Server 2012

  Curious about how xVelocity can help with your columnstore indexes? Check out this tip from Basit Farooq to find out.Continue Reading

• Useful SQL Server 2012 features to become familiar with

  SQL Server expert Roman Rehak shares his favorite SQL Server 2012 features you might not yet know. Read this tip to learn more.Continue Reading

• Six top SQL Server 2012 management tools you should know about

  Read this tip from Basit Farooq to learn which time-saving and job-improving SQL Server 2012 management tools you need to know about.Continue Reading

• Splitting SQL Server backups to multiple files

  Splitting database backups helps save space and run your SQL Server backups more efficiently. Get tips for executing this from Ashish Kumar Mehta.Continue Reading

• Maximize SQL Server database performance by streamlining your data

  Roman Rehak shows you some quick and easy ways to streamline and improve performance of your SQL Server databases.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of virtualizing SQL Server environments

  What are the pros and cons of virtualizing SQL Server environments? Basit Farooq takes you through the potential good, bad and the ugly.Continue Reading

• SQL Server editions: Is Microsoft SQL Server Express right for you?

  Which SQL Server edition is right for your IT shop? In this article by Bob Sheldon, find out if SQL Server Express is an option.Continue Reading

• Preparing for your SQL Server scale-out

  It's never too early to prepare for a SQL Server scale-out. Read this tip from Roman Rehak to learn three popular ways to scale out SQL Server.Continue Reading

• Essential SQL Server security tools

  Read this tip where writer Ashish Kumar Mehta shares his all-time favorite native and third-party SQL Server security tools.Continue Reading

• Index tuning for the reluctant DBA

  Many reluctant DBAs find index tuning intimidating. Read this article by Don Jones to learn why index tuning is a must for your SQL Server shop.Continue Reading

• Virtualizing SQL Server? What to keep in mind

  Thinking about virtualizing SQL Server? Roman Rehak gives you a rundown about what you should keep in mind when planning your migration.Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2012 security: Changes for the newest version

  SQL Server 2012 is here, and many DBAs wonder what kinds of changes to expect in SQL Server security. Basit Farooq explains what we can anticipate.Continue Reading

• In-memory SQL Server: The implications of integration

  How is in-memory SQL Server different from SQL Server with a bunch of RAM? SQL Server guru Serdar Yegulalp explains what to know before you install.Continue Reading

• BI as a Service: Tips for scaling your BI system...in human terms

  BI systems are great...if you can get your employees to use them. How do you make your system scalable? Read this tip from Don Jones to find out.Continue Reading

• Why SQL Server security matters: A case study

  With a DBA's multiple responsibilities, it's easy to neglect SQL Server security. This case study by Basit Farooq explains why this is so dangerous.Continue Reading

• Scale out with Windows Azure SQL Database

  Scaling out Azure SQL doesn't have to be a painful process. Microsoft Windows expert Bob Sheldon shows you an easier way with Azure SQL federations.Continue Reading

• Three tricky questions BI systems can answer

  Should a small or medium-sized business 'trust its gut' or get a BI system? Don Jones shows three examples of things you can't determine without BI.Continue Reading

• Introduction to SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB

  SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB is a good way for developers to be able to play around with SQL Server 2012. Learn how to install and get started with it.Continue Reading

• Eight ways that SQL Server developers hurt performance

  Application developers who access SQL Server can affect server performance without knowing it. Here are eight things SQL Server developers often do wrong.Continue Reading

• Coding for seamless SQL Server database mirroring

  SQL Server database mirroring can provide high availability to your database. Expert Roman Rehak shares his favorite pieces of code for flawless mirroring.Continue Reading

• SQL Server stored procedures vs. CLR stored procedures: Time to migrate?

  Should you use SQL Server stored procedures or CLR stored procedures? Expert Serdar Yegulalp helps you decide which is more appropriate for you.Continue Reading

• Making sense of SQL Server 2012 virtual environment licensing

  SQL Server 2012 licensing is complicated enough. Now add in SQL Server virtual environments and try not to let your head spin.Continue Reading

• Top 5 SQL Server DBA tasks that are a waste of time

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• Data collection the automated way in SQL Server 2008

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• 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

• T-SQL analytic functions in SQL Server can help solve problems quickly

  With the help of T-SQL analytic functions, we can quickly solve complex analytical tasks. Learn more from SQL Server expert Basit Farooq.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

• SQL Server security: The implications of user-defined roles

  SQL Server security is a topic on many DBAs' minds. But what are the implications of user-defined roles? Expert Serdar Yegulalp explains.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

• BI for the SMB: Don't give away business intelligence

  With the various challenges SMBs face, securing their business intelligence efforts may seem unimportant. Not so, says expert Don Jones. Find out why.Continue Reading

• SQL Server management trick: Connecting when admins are locked out

  How do you connect to SQL Server when all admins have been locked out? Read this tip from Ashish Mehta and learn a new SQL Server management trick.Continue Reading

• Great new SSIS features for BI developers

  SQL Server 2012 has many features, but a few make SSIS much easier for BI developers. Check out this tip by expert Robert Sheldon to learn more.Continue Reading

• SQL Server DBA training and resources for the reluctant DBA

  As a reluctant DBA, you may not know where to look for SQL Server DBA resources. This tip by SQL Server expert Don Jones points you in the right direction.Continue Reading

• Different ways to audit SQL Server security

  Strong SQL Server security has become a more important part of a robust defense. But what are your options for security auditing?Continue Reading

• T-SQL tricks for SQL Server 2012: T-SQL statements

  In the final part of Robert Sheldon's series on features and tricks in T-SQL, learn about important T-SQL statements like LAG, LEAD and more.Continue Reading

• T-SQL tricks for SQL Server 2012: T-SQL formatting

  Learn the advantages of new T-SQL formatting tools in this third part of expert Robert Sheldon's series on new T-SQL tricks for 2012.Continue Reading

• Ramp up your SMB's BI skills

  The next frontier of BI skills is undoubtedly the SMB. Read this tip from expert Don Jones to start preparing now.Continue Reading

• SQL Server training benefits for non-DBAs

  DBAs know the value of SQL Server training. But what are the benefits for non-DBAs? This tip by Serdar Yegulalp examines who should learn more about SQL Server.Continue Reading

• T-SQL tricks for SQL Server 2012: T-SQL functions

  In this second in a series of tips about new T-SQL features in SQL Server 2012, expert Robert Sheldon explores more tricks for getting the most out of T-SQL functions.Continue Reading

• Compare and synchronize databases with SQL Compare

  Do you frequently need to compare or synchronize your databases? Read this tip by SQL Server expert Roman Rehak to learn the secrets of effective database synchronization using SQL Compare.Continue Reading

• T-SQL tricks for SQL Server 2012: The joy of data values

  In the first article in a series by about changes and new features in T-SQL in SQL Server 2012, expert Robert Sheldon explores the PARSE and TRY_PARSE functions.Continue Reading

• Fault tolerance and backups and snapshots, oh, yes

  They are vital tools all DBAs depend on. But what are the best products on the market these days? Expert Don Jones lets us know some of his favorites.Continue Reading