vardecimal, added in SQL Server 2005 SP2, saves space for zero and null values. It is deprecated in SQL Server 2008, where Row Compression covers more datatypes.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – Introduction to New Feature of Backup Compression
SQL Server 2008 adds Backup Compression. I back up AdventureWorks with and without compression, compare file sizes and show how to turn it on at server level.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – Insert Multiple Records Using One Insert Statement – Use of Row Constructor
SQL Server 2008 lets you insert multiple records using one INSERT statement with a row constructor. I compare it with separate INSERTs and the UNION ALL method.
SQLAuthority News – Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Award for SQL Server – MVP
I am very glad to share that Microsoft has given me the Most Valuable Professional Award for SQL Server. Thank you to MVP Lead Abhishek and all my readers.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – High Availability – Hot Add Memory
Hot Add Memory in SQL Server 2008 needs capable hardware, Enterprise or Datacenter Windows, and 64-bit Enterprise Edition or 32-bit with AWE enabled.
Parameterized Queries From Application Code
Use parameterized queries from application code to prevent SQL injection, improve plan reuse, and avoid parameter length mistakes.
COLLATIONPROPERTY CodePage: Identify Text Encoding
COLLATIONPROPERTY CodePage reports varchar encoding metadata. Compare code pages 1252 and 65001 without confusing inspection with text conversion.