Features

Features

• 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

• 5 trends for SQL Server environments as SQL Server 2019 looms

  SQL Server is undergoing new changes, as Microsoft prepares to release the 2019 version of the database software. Other changes are also on tap for SQL Server users.  Continue Reading

• The most useful new features in Microsoft SQL Server 2019

  SQL Server 2019 includes welcome new features, particularly updates to its indexing and high availability capabilities and added SQL Server on Linux functionality.  Continue Reading

• How Azure SQL DW Gen2 boosts cloud data warehouse's performance

  The Gen2 version of Azure SQL Data Warehouse gives Microsoft's cloud data warehouse a shot in the arm on performance, making it more competitive with rival technologies.  Continue Reading

• Common Data Service for Analytics eases Power BI integration

  Integrating data into Power BI for analysis can be a challenge, but Microsoft's Common Data Service for Analytics technology is designed to simplify the process for users.  Continue Reading

• Power BI Report Server adds new Power BI reporting options

  Updates to Power BI Report Server expand the on-premises platform's reporting functionality and increase the number of data sources users can connect to when building Power BI reports.  Continue Reading

• What the Microsoft GDPR compliance toolkit offers for SQL Server

  The set of GDPR compliance tools that Microsoft offers for SQL Server is designed to make it easier for users of the database software to adhere to the EU's new data rules.  Continue Reading

• How SQL Server containers in Docker can ease database deployment

  Docker containers can make the SQL Server deployment process more efficient and flexible. Here's what they are and how to get started on creating containers for SQL Server databases.  Continue Reading

• Notre Dame seeks SQL Server performance baseline for run to cloud

  Establishing SQL Server performance baselines is a crucial first step for cloud migrations, says a University of Notre Dame DBA, who is using database monitoring software to do so.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server on Linux signals Microsoft's changing development landscape

  Expert Joey D'Antoni explains what SQL Server on Linux and the addition of some Enterprise Edition features to the database's Standard Edition say about the changing face of Microsoft.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server for Linux shows Microsoft changing with the times

  SQL Server on Linux didn't come out of nowhere. The database's roots are in Unix, and Microsoft has been making a concerted effort to be less Windows-centric overall.  Continue Reading

• Database trends to watch after SQL Server 2005 end of life

  Two database industry experts discuss infrastructure and analytics trends to consider for database upgrades following the end of SQL Server 2005 extended support.  Continue Reading

• Why SQL Server 2005 end of life is good news for DBAs

  Two database experts explain how to take advantage of the opportunity created by SQL Server 2005 end of life and how to build a better database.  Continue Reading

• What's new in 2016's SQL Server AlwaysOn Availability Groups

  Microsoft has added Distributed Transaction Coordinator support, optimized log transport and other features to AlwaysOn Availability Groups in SQL Server 2016.  Continue Reading

• DH2i containerization software gets Westminster, Colo., to clustering

  When Microsoft's licensing policy began costing too much, the City of Westminster used DH2i's containerization software to cluster its over 30 servers, standardize them and save money.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2014 features enable hybrid cloud scenarios

  Microsoft continues to improve integration between on-premises data centers with Microsoft Azure. An expert looks at SQL Server 2014 features that enable hybrid cloud scenarios.  Continue Reading

• Testers give an early view of Microsoft SQL Server 2016

  Community Technology Previews show the creation process for Microsoft SQL Server 2016. SQL Server experts Denny Cherry and Joey D'Antoni share what they've learned in beta testing.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server 2016: Previews show promise for next year

  Microsoft SQL Server 2016 will be released next year. But in 2015, we've already had a glimpse into improved in-memory OLTP, security features, analytics and Stretch Database.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2005 end of life is closing in: Are you ready?

  Extended support for SQL Server 2005 ends in April. That's it. It's done. If your organization isn't prepared, your data could be at risk, cautions expert Robert Sheldon.  Continue Reading

• How to get started with PolyBase in SQL Server 2016

  With PolyBase, when you use SQL Server 2016 as your data source, you have easy access to Hadoop and Azure Blob Storage data from whatever environment you're working in.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server gets its first container management software

  DH2i's DxEnterprise is the first application container management software designed for SQL Server. Containerization boosts mobility and reduces downtimes.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2016 preview shows off new features, improvements

  Experts discuss the public preview of SQL Server 2016 and the best new features as early adopters ready themselves to put SQL Server 2016 into production.  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

• SQL Server row-level security: How to implement in Azure SQL databases

  An expert offers an example of how to institute row-level security, a preview feature introduced recently by Microsoft for Azure SQL databases.  Continue Reading

• Vendors introduce three new SQL Server appliances

  If SQL Server appliances are on your radar, you have options, but the price tag is high. Do your homework before buying. Here are the current offerings.  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

• SQL Server database recovery tool retrieves by the table

  Kroll Ontrack's new SQL Server database recovery tool was developed from customer feedback. It recovers selected tables instead of the whole database.  Continue Reading

• SIOS SANLess cluster helps keep Epicure websites up and running

  Direct-sales food distributor Epicure deployed a new server cluster to keep its websites from being overwhelmed -- and saved money on SQL Server and storage in the process.  Continue Reading

• Scaling out or scaling up with Microsoft SSRS

  Basit Farooq explains the pros and cons of scaling out and scaling up when increasing the workload on the SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).  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

• Built-in tools troubleshoot SQL Server memory usage

  Having enough memory is critical to SQL Server's performance. To ensure optimum SQL Server performance, you need to monitor SQL Server memory usage regularly. This article describes built-in tools that can make the job easier.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server monitoring tools help DBAs take back nights and weekends

  Many DBAs have to work more and more nights and weekends to fulfill zero-downtime demands. But tools for monitoring and managing SQL Server might free up some of that time.  Continue Reading

• SQL Azure automatic backup keeps it 'business as usual'

  Robert Sheldon explains the business continuity features added to SQL Azure, including automatic backup, self-service restore, manual copy, and export and geo-replication. These features are meant to keep the data available, even when the system ...  Continue Reading

• How to provision a SQL Server virtual machine on Azure

  Basit Farooq provides two different methods for provisioning a SQL Server virtual machine on Windows Azure. He also explains the benefits of the Windows Azure virtual machine and how to migrate from on-premises to Windows Azure.  Continue Reading

• The SQL Server Import and Export Wizard how-to guide

  Basit Farooq provides a step-by-step explanation for using the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard to transfer data between SQL Server databases and Microsoft Excel worksheets.  Continue Reading

• New Azure SQL subscription model has performance levels

  Robert Sheldon explains the new subscription model for Azure SQL Database coming out in 2015. The new model will have three service tiers -- basic, standard and premium. It will also have performance levels for each tier.  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

• In-memory from xVelocity to the memory-optimized columnstore index

  Robert Sheldon explains the history of in-memory technology from the xVelocity in-memory analysis engine to the memory-optimized columnstore index.  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

• SQL Server 2014 columnstore index: the good, the bad and the clustered

  SQL Server 2014 adds options for the clustered and the nonclustered columnstore index. Robert Sheldon shares the good and the bad.  Continue Reading

• Reporting Services architecture: Creating high-quality reports

  In this book excerpt, author and Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services expert Brian Larson introduces features of Reporting Services.  Continue Reading

• Interactive reports highlight Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services

  Author and Reporting Services expert Brian Larson discusses features of SQL Server Reporting Services in this interview.  Continue Reading

• Get going with Microsoft Power View and SharePoint

  In this book excerpt, the authors explain Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services and how to get started with Power View.  Continue Reading

• HIPAA compliance and SQL Server: Tricks and tools of the trade

  Find out which tools help attain HIPAA compliance. Lena Weiner profiles HIPAA pro Brandon Leach, who explains the steps needed to secure SQL Server.  Continue Reading

• Why you should think twice about Windows Azure SQL Database

  Expert Serdar Yegulalp explains why Windows Azure SQL Database may not be such a great fit for your IT shop after all. Learn what to watch out for.  Continue Reading

• When to consider SQL Server Enterprise Edition

  Is SQL Server Enterprise Edition the right choice for you? Expert Robert Sheldon explains the advantages to consider when making your selection.  Continue Reading

• The pros of Windows Azure SQL Database

  What are the pros of choosing Windows Azure SQL Database over more traditional infrastructure? Serdar Yegulalp shares his knowledge on the subject.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server Standard Edition: Why it's worth the cost

  Should your IT shop consider a move to SQL Server Standard Edition? Expert Robert Sheldon explains the pros and cons you should know.  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

• Basic SQL Server security best practices

  Read this article by Ashish Kumar Mehta to learn the basic SQL Server security best practices everyone should know -- but many forget.  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

• 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

• 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

• Excerpt: Planning a Microsoft SQL Server install

  For many DBAs, a SQL Server installation can be tough. Read this excerpt from Dusan Petkovic's book on Microsoft SQL Server 2012.  Continue Reading

• More new features for SSIS 2012: Connection managers and more

  In the second part of this series on new features, by Robert Sheldon, learn more ways the latest version of SSIS will make BI development simpler.  Continue Reading

• Take BI up a notch with SQL Azure Reporting

  Microsoft’s cloud-based SQL Azure Reporting lets companies publish and view reports without having to maintain hardware. Get an overview of the service, now in a community technology preview.  Continue Reading

• SQL Azure security terrifies IT, but loss of control might be real fear

  The primary obstacle to SQL Azure security is not specific security gaps, but rather DBAs' reluctance to give up control over SQL Server environments.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server's Data Quality Services makes cleanup a cinch

  SQL Server Data Quality Services is Microsoft’s newest data-cleansing tool. Expert Denny Cherry examines the upcoming SQL Server 2012 feature and delves into its components and processes.  Continue Reading

• The most dangerous game: Hunting down bad SQL query performance

  SQL Server is faster when the queries behind your applications are faster. Learn how to spot bad SQL query performance, and then work with developers so you can improve throughput.  Continue Reading

• SQLSaturdays pack in SQL Server experts and training, camaraderie

  SQL Saturdays are one-day events held throughout the country for SQL Server professionals offering SQL Server training and expert advice.  Continue Reading

• Purchasing hardware for SQL Server: What not to do

  SQL Server performance depends on hardware, and what you buy can have a huge impact. Yet people make mistakes when purchasing hardware for SQL Server. Here are some of the worst.  Continue Reading

• Three data warehouse maintenance tips for DBAs

  Maintaining a data warehouse may be just another thing on a DBA’s to-do list, but there are reasons for doing it right. These data warehouse maintenance tips should help.  Continue Reading

• As Microsoft's SQL Azure gains altitude, industry eyes chances of reign

  As independent software vendors begin to roll out core business systems on Microsoft SQL Azure cloud service, larger enterprises are slower to migrate.  Continue Reading

• Putting the data to work: How to create a chart in PowerPivot

  Importing Microsoft SQL Server data into PowerPivot is the first step; now you’re ready to do some reporting. Get instructions on how to populate and refine charts in PowerPivot.  Continue Reading

• Importing SQL Server data into PowerPivot for Excel

  Microsoft PowerPivot is designed to give BI capabilities to users who lack IT’s technical know-how. The first step is importing SQL Server data, and you have to know your options.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise vs. SMB business intelligence: a look at the differences

  Business intelligence can differ greatly among big enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Here’s an analysis of enterprise and SMB BI systems.  Continue Reading

• Four tips on boosting SQL Server scalability

  SQL Server scalability is high on the list of system properties, and scaling up is easier than scaling out. Follow these four tips and you’ll be on your way to optimum performance.  Continue Reading

• Moving beyond SSIS: 5 third-party SQL Server tools for ETL

  Sometimes an organizations data management needs surpass what SQL Server Integration Services can offer. Read on for an ETL tools comparison and find out which tool is best for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Three third-party tools for SQL Server you need to have

  SQL Server is packaged with an array of management tools, but it’s not complete. Several third-party tools for SQL Server can help with monitoring, backup and capacity management.  Continue Reading

• Q&A;: Microsoft surveys horizon as cloud computing providers mount

  Salesforce.com’s upcoming cloud offering Database.com will widen the pantheon of cloud computing providers, but Microsoft's Mark Kromer says SQL Azure can handle the competition. Read on for Kromer’s thoughts on the expanding market, what makes ...  Continue Reading

• Q&A;: Staying aloft in SQL Azure development

  It’s been an eventful year for SQL Azure. In the wake of big announcements at the recent Professional Developers Conference (PDC) and the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) Summit, Microsoft data platform specialist Mark Kromer discusses...  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

• Evaluating the ROI of a SQL Server 2008 R2 upgrade

  Cool new features may not impress management, but return on investment always will. Speak an executive’s language when making the hard pitch for a SQL Server 2008 R2 upgrade.  Continue Reading

• Is self-service business intelligence the answer?

  While Microsoft’s PowerPivot technology promises to empower users to make decisions based on their own analyses, self-service business intelligence has a dark side as well.  Continue Reading

• An overview of SQL Server Report Builder 2.0

  In this chapter excerpt from "Learning SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services", learn about Report Builder 2.0, including its interface details, and how it can be used to create descriptive reports.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server Consolidation Fast Guide

  This short guide features resources for those looking to learn more about SQL Server consolidation, with details on when (and when not) to consolidate, strategies, best practices and more.  Continue Reading

• DBConvert for MS SQL & PostgreSQL

  DBConvert for MS SQL & PostgreSQL allows for data conversion from SQL Server to PostgreSQL and from PostgreSQL to SQL Server databases.  Continue Reading

• DBSync for MS SQL & MySQL

  DBSync for MS SQL & MySQL performs SQL-to-MySQL and MySQL-to-SQL database conversion and synchronization.  Continue Reading

• DBSync for MS Access & MS SQL

  DBSync for MS Access & MS SQL performs Microsoft Access to SQL Server and SQL Server to Microsoft Access database conversions and synchronization.  Continue Reading

• A short history of SQL Server Integration Services

  In this chapter excerpt from "SQL Server 2008 Integration Services Unleashed", learn more about how SQL Server Integration Services evolved from Data Transformation Services into a fully functional data warehousing tool.  Continue Reading

• SQL Sentry Performance Advisor

  SQL Sentry Performance Advisor is a performance monitoring and tuning solution that offers information on SQL Server and Windows performance.  Continue Reading

• Spotlight on SQL Server Xpert Edition

  Spotlight on SQL Server Xpert Edition detects and diagnoses performance issues across your SQL Server environment by providing an overview of enterprise performance  Continue Reading

• SQL Server Reporting Services Fast Guide

  Check out this collection of best practices, troubleshooting advice and perfomance tips for working with SSRS in SQL Server 2005.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Troubleshooting SQL Server Reporting Services

  Troubleshoot SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) issues with these FAQs. If you're having trouble exporting and importing report data, or if you have general configuration issues with SSRS and its reports, find expert advice here.  Continue Reading

• Using T-SQL data types in SQL Server 2008

  Learn the numerous data types used in SQL Server 2008's Transact-SQL language in this excerpt from "Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide."  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 function types in T-SQL

  Functions in Transact-SQL can be either aggregate functions or scalar functions. This excerpt from "Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide" describes both and details the many numeric functions that can be accessed in SQL Server 2008.  Continue Reading

• Basic objects of T-SQL in SQL Server 2008

  Discover the basic objects that drive T-SQL in SQL Server 2008 in this excerpt from "Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide." Author Dusan Petkovic discusses how literal values, delimiters, comments, identifiers and reserved keywords are ...  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 data types: Datetime, string, user-defined and more

  Find out about data types available in SQL Server 2008 and how to use them, including datetime, string and user-defined data types, in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric...  Continue Reading

• Enforcing data integrity in a SQL Server database

  Find out how primary keys, foreign keys and constraints can keep your SQL Server data consistent in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric Johnson and Joshua Jones.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server and data manipulation in T-SQL

  Learn about stored procedures, parameters, triggers and how other T-SQL code functions allow for the manipulation of data in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric Johnson ...  Continue Reading

• Physical data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008

  Learn the fundamentals of data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008, including tables, views and data types, in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric Johnson and Joshua ...  Continue Reading

• Supertype and subtype tables in SQL Server

  Learn how to physically implement supertype and subtype tables and clusters on a SQL Server in this excerpt from "A Developer's Guide to Data Modeling for SQL Server, Covering SQL Server 2005 and 2008" by Eric Johnson and Joshua Jones.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: How to troubleshoot and grant SQL Server permissions

  Problems with permissions will affect your users, their login abilities and their access to certain aspects of your SQL Server. Troubleshoot all of your SQL Server permissions issues with these FAQs.  Continue Reading

• SQL SELECT statement and SELECT query samples

  Discover sample SQL SELECT statements and result sets in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." These sample databases and SQL statements will help you understand the many ...  Continue Reading

• Translating information requests into SQL SELECT statements

  Learn how to translate information requests into suitable SQL SELECT statements in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll learn techniques to create more complicated ...  Continue Reading

• Using DISTINCT in SQL to eliminate duplicate rows

  Learn how to use the DISTINCT keyword to eliminate duplicate rows in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll learn how to use DISTINCT on either single or multiple ...  Continue Reading

• Using the SQL ORDER BY clause, SELECT QUERY for alphabetical order sorting

  These tips will demonstrate how you can use the SQL ORDER BY clause of the SELECT query to specify the sequence of rows and properly sort your results in alphabetical order.  Continue Reading

• How to use the SELECT statement in SQL

  Learn the basics of the SQL SELECT statement in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll learn how to use SELECT to access almost anything contained in a SQL database, ...  Continue Reading

• SQL Server PerfMon counters for access methods and buffer manager 2

  In this episode of the screencast series "PerfMon Counters for the SQL Server DBA," SQL Server MVP Kevin Kline focuses specifically on SQL Server counters. Kline shares best practices for using access method counters to watch for IO intensive ...  Continue Reading

• Monitor SQL Server disk I/O with PerfMon counters

  As a DBA, you need to understand the I/O of your SQL Server disk subsystem. In part 3 of this screencast series, "PerfMon counters for the SQL Server DBA," SQL Server MVP Kevin Kline explains how to track I/O in your direct-attached storage disks (...  Continue Reading