Tips

Tips

• Adding a polygon layer to a map in Report Builder 3.0

  The first step to putting a geospatial map in an SSRS report involves creating what's known as the polygon layer. This tip explains what that means and how to get started.  Continue Reading

• Finalizing maps with Report Builder 3.0

  Like an onion or parfait, maps in SQL Server Report Builder have many layers. Here you'll learn how to finish off a map by adding point and tile layers in your report.  Continue Reading

• Geospatial mapping made simple with Microsoft SQL Server

  The new spatial and analytic mapping functionality in Microsoft Report Builder is a great way to generate more dynamic SSRS reports – once you know how to create them.  Continue Reading

• The ultimate SQL Server security faux pas: Overlooked systems

  Maintaining a secure environment means not only shoring up your highly visible systems, but also staying on top of the smaller installations that tend to slip through the cracks.  Continue Reading

• SQL Profiler: A network trace for SQL Server

  SQL Server newbies should be sure to take advantage of Microsoft's SQL Profiler tool, which can be used as sort of a network monitor for the database.  Continue Reading

• Tweet-SQL: Interacting with Twitter through SQL Server

  Twitter has gotten so popular, even SQL Server is getting in on the act. Confused? Don't be. Check out this new tool for leveraging Twitter in the database.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to XML shredding for SQL Server

  It's critical to understand the effects XML shredding can have on your database environment before selecting a particular shredding approach.  Continue Reading

• Adding charts to reports with Report Builder 3.0

  Charts are one of the best data visualization tools at your disposal. Learn how the chart functionality in Report Builder 3.0 can improve the effectiveness of SSRS reports.  Continue Reading

• Generating column and line charts with Report Builder 3.0

  From a creation standpoint, line and column charts are very similar to bar charts in Report Builder. Still, there are certain nuances that can yield the best results for each type.  Continue Reading

• Creating bar charts with Report Builder 3.0 for SQL Server

  Bar charts are perhaps the most recognizable chart types. Inserting them into SSRS reports is great way to simplify data analysis.  Continue Reading

• Utilizing shape charts with Report Builder 3.0

  Shape charts such as pies of funnels are perhaps the simplest chart types available in Report Builder, so it's important to know when (and when not) to use them.  Continue Reading

• Using range charts for visualization with Report Builder 3.0

  A range chart does just what it sounds like – it presents ranges of data in a meaningful way. Report Builder 3.0 includes new functionality for adding ranges to SQL Server reports.  Continue Reading

• Database encryption in SQL Server 2008: Improvements you finally need

  Is TDE in SQL Server 2008 really the Holy Grail of database encryption features?  Continue Reading

• SQL sprawl: Why is SQL Server Express installed everywhere?

  Too many installations of SQL Server Express can put your data at risk -- especially if admins aren't aware of where those installations live.  Continue Reading

• Configuring pointers, scales and ranges with Report Builder 3.0

  When working with gauges, three key components can influence the overall effectiveness of your reports. Understanding them can help you get the most out of Report Builder 3.0.  Continue Reading