Tips

SQL Server command-line utilities: sqlcmd

SQL Server command-line utilities give database administrators a new way to access the database engine and its components. Learn about each utility and its command syntax, starting with the sqlcmd utility. Continue Reading
Warned about table changes in SSMS? Here’s a workaround

Editing tables in SQL Server Management Studio and getting this warning, “Saving changes is not permitted”? It happens when the table needs to be re-created. But don’t fret. This change in SQL Server 2008 R2 can be undone with a simple tweak. 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
Three things every BI implementation must have

Contemplating a BI implementation for your business? Hold on. Three must-haves will help ensure that your company is making powerful decisions based on real data. Continue Reading
Get all the angles on SQL Server database mirroring

Database mirroring is a high-availability option in SQL Server that’s easy to set up, but for seamless failover, you’ll need to become familiar with the three recommended modes for SQL Server database mirroring, as potential pitfalls are numerous. Continue Reading

For better SQL Server security, get Extended Protection

Want to ensure SQL Server security? Well, it just got a little easier. Extended Protection guards against attacks targeting the SQL Server database engine through enhanced security features in the Integrated Windows Authentication process. 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
Working with SQL Server configuration functions

SQL Server configuration functions let you retrieve information such as the current language used, the number of simultaneous user connections permitted or the version of SQL Server instance you’re connected to. 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
SQL Server merge replication using IIS

In older versions of SQL Server, securely replicating data between sites or companies was not easy to do. Microsoft SQL Server merge replication simplifies the process using Internet Information Services (IIS). Continue Reading

Where to look next for BI applications? Try the cloud

PowerPivot, SQL Azure and ‘Dallas’ combine to create BI applications in the cloud. Is that integration seamless and is it even for you? Continue Reading
SQL Azure development, inside and out

Learn the basics of SQL Azure development and how it’s different from regular SQL Server. Here also are guidelines for choosing the cloud as well as some of its limitations. Continue Reading
Q&A: Getting the lowdown on Master Data Services for SQL Server

With Master Data Services, Microsoft says it’s answered the call for a focused way of taking on Master Data Management. A company expert explains how and why it’s done that. Continue Reading
Top 5 things you must do to SQL Server

Want to make your SQL Server installations safer and better-performing? Do these easy things right away. Continue Reading