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Part 2 of a series on how to automate partition management. In this article learn how easy managing and maintaining a sliding window partition scheme can be with PowerShell.  Read more...

HDFS is one of the core components of the Hadoop framework and is responsible for the storage aspect. Unlike the usual storage available on our computers, HDFS is a Distributed File System and parts of a single large file can be stored on different nodes across the cluster. Here are some of the key concepts related to HDFS.  Read more...

SQL Saturday #292 in Detroit, MI, is looking for speakers. The event is May 17, 2014, and there are still some speaking slots available.  Read more...

SQL Server Integration Services does not provide native SFTP, encryption or archiving task components. This article presents a set of open source custom task components that provides these functions.  Read more...

SQL Saturday is coming to Madison on March 29, 2014. This is a free training event for SQL Server professionals and those wanting to learn about SQL Server. Steve Jones and many others will be presenting, so make sure you register early to secure your place.  Read more...

There are many useful command-line applications that are either associated with, or are distributed with, SQL Server. They all have their uses and several become important as part of script-based automation of tasks. It is definitely worth knowing what is lurking in your tools\binn directory.  Read more...

In this next stage of the Stairway to Integration Services, Andy Leonard looks at how you can manage multiple source locations in a flexible way.  Read more...

Survey - The DBA-Team wants to hear about your worst day as a DBA. Did a database restore fail due to corruption? Did you accidentally connect to Prod instead of Dev and truncate a table? Anonymity available. The best story will win a $50 Amazon voucher.   Read more...

When a SQL Server database is operating smoothly and performing well, there is no need to be particularly aware of the transaction log, beyond ensuring that every database has an appropriate backup regime and restore plan in place. When things go wrong, however, a DBA's reputation depends on a deeper understanding of the transaction log, both what it does, and how it works.  Read more...

The Change Data Capture feature of SQL Server captures DML changes happening on a tracked table. Arshad Ali demonstrates how this feature can be leveraged.  Read more...

Few blog posts ago, I decided to build a virtual environment for a personal SQL Server sandbox. So, the Virtual...  Read more...