Tips

Tips

• 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

• Are we there yet? The slow road to SQL Azure

  SQL Azure offers full-blown SQL Server functionality in the cloud and could ease management and development. But whether it’s ready to fully replace SQL Server remains to be seen.  Continue Reading

• Do you need to harden SQL Server 2008 R2?

  Some say systems like R2 come so secure out of the box that traditional hardening need not apply. But when it comes to security, there’s still plenty to do beyond the defaults.  Continue Reading

• BI for SMBs: What's good for the big boys might be bad for you

  Microsoft’s business intelligence stack is just one of the options available for midsized companies looking to implement a customized (and cost-effective) BI strategy.  Continue Reading

• Exploring T-SQL metadata functions in SQL Server 2008

  Metadata functions in T-SQL can help uncover information about database names, objects and more. Learn the basics of metadata functions and how to apply them here.  Continue Reading

• Uncovering database file information with T-SQL metadata functions

  Admins can use metadata functions to reveal detailed information about SQL Server files and filegroups, including file names, IDs and file properties.  Continue Reading

• Inspecting property settings with T-SQL metadata functions

  There are plenty of other uses for SQL Server 2008 metadata functions beyond just the basics. This includes the ability to view object properties, such as columns and data types.  Continue Reading