Equal-width key ranges fail when ids have gaps. NTILE cuts by row count instead, so every worker gets a fair share of the table.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – Introduction to SPARSE Columns – Part 2
Part 2 on SPARSE Columns in SQL Server 2008: how they are stored as one XML column, plus the main advantages and the limits you should know about.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – Introduction to SPARSE Columns
A quick introduction to SPARSE Columns in SQL Server 2008, which take almost no space for NULL and zero values. Learn the basics and the 100,000 column limit.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – Introduction to Row Compression
Row Compression in SQL Server 2008 stores zero and null values without using disk space. Check the savings first with sp_estimate_data_compression_savings.
Trigger Overhead: Measuring the Hidden Cost of DML Triggers
Measure trigger overhead with controlled inserts, execution plans, and cached trigger statistics before moving slow work into a queue.
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.
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.