Azure SQL database for the on-premises DBA changes patching and backups, while leaving query tuning, access, cost, and recovery checks with your team.
Running SQL Server in a Container for Testing
Create a SQL Server container for testing from Windows PowerShell, keep data in a named volume, and separate disposable runtime from backups.
Puzzle – Usage of New Index Hints – ForceSeek and ForceScan
SQL Server Denali adds the FORCESCAN hint next to FORCESEEK. A weekend puzzle on these Index Hints: write a query where each one improves performance.
SSAS Tabular vs Multidimensional: Choosing for a New Project
Compare Tabular vs Multidimensional for SSAS projects, including storage, relationships, write-back, team skills, and model checks.
Logging ETL Runs in a Table
Logging ETL runs in SQL Server gives each step start and end times, row counts, and errors so the next morning’s investigation has facts.
SQL SERVER 2012 Functions – 14 New Functions – A Quick Guide
All 14 new SQL Server 2012 Functions in one quick guide, from TRY_CONVERT and PARSE to DATEFROMPARTS and CHOOSE, each linked to my post and Books Online.
SQL SERVER – Denali – Date and Time Functions – EOMONTH() – A Quick Introduction
A quick introduction to the EOMONTH function in SQL Server Denali: get the last day of the month for a date, one of seven new date and time functions.