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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2

• Pros and cons of SQL Server 2012

  Performance and support top the lists of pros for going to SQL Server 2012. But application compatibility and “the unknown” might keep you away for now. Continue Reading

• Speed up execution times in Microsoft SQL Azure

  Compare the time cost of database calls to SQL Azure versus calls to a local server and get recommendations for improving the speed of database calls to SQL Azure. Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server 2012 pricing, licensing packed with changes

  SQL Server 2012 pricing includes some significant adjustments, including a reduction in the number of editions and the change from processor- to core-based licensing. Continue Reading

• SQL Server stored procedures supercharged in recent, upcoming versions

  Microsoft is forever tinkering with SQL Server stored procedures to give queries more thrust. Find out what’s new in SQL Server 2008, 2008 R2 and the next-generation 2012 release. Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 not earth-shaking, but useful

  SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 has a number of new features, including a query hint, new system objects and support for up to 15,000 partitions. Continue Reading

• Parallel Data Warehouse has speed, space, special requirements

  Microsoft Parallel Data Warehouse is not like other software. The appliance for SQL Server 2008 R2 allows for mammoth workloads; it also has some specific data loading procedures.Continue Reading

• Putting SQL Server catalog views to work

  SQL Server catalog views are system views that provide an interface to a wide range of catalog metadata, including information about security objects, full-text search, database mirroring, partitions and more. Read on for an in-depth look at several...Continue Reading

• Top seven things you don’t know about SQL Server 2008 R2

  By now, everyone knows about PowerPivot and MDS. But while high-profile features like those have gotten most of the press, other changes to R2 have fallen under the radar.Continue Reading

• Sysprep utility speeds up SQL Server 2008 R2 deployments

  A Windows staple for years, the Sysprep tool has finally made its way over to the SQL Server world with the release of R2.Continue Reading

• Reporting Services 2008 R2 eases SQL Server report building

  It’s true, Microsoft has put out a number of new BI technologies for SQL Server 2008 R2, but changes to existing tools like Reporting Services may hold the most value initially.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of the DACPAC with SQL Server 2008 R2

  Data-tier applications are among SQL Server 2008 R2’s most talked-about new features, though version-one limitations could minimize their impact in the short term.Continue Reading

• Shining the light on PowerPivot for SQL Server 2008 R2

  With the promise of providing simple, self-service BI analysis for users, the time has come to put Microsoft’s new PowerPivot technology through its paces.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

• 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

• Making sense of Parallel Data Warehouse for SQL Server 2008 R2

  SQL Server 2008 R2 will be released in two new editions, one of which has been dubbed Parallel Data Warehouse. But should organizations care?Continue Reading