As Chris points out, in most applications these days you end up having to go with optimistic locking, which presents a few challenges. Chris works through the list of options. If you're building web/disconnected apps and need anything besides last update wins, this one is for you.   Read more...

Seagate has a white paper out that discusses how faster (15k rpm) drives can lead to lower cost of ownership. Interesting, and worth looking into.   Read more...

This article briefly discusses SQL Server's data and procedure cache and shows you the common Transact-SQL statements/command and system tables that you can use to interact with the cache through Transact-SQL.   Read more...

Lots of people are designing and building Microsoft Windows-based apps with previously unimagined reliability. Starbucks, GMAC, and FreeMarkets.com all have case studies demonstrating five nines. So, how are these companies able to achieve these levels of reliability?This month I am going to show you how to use standard Microsoft Windows technologies to make your Microsoft SQL Server™ app just like Denny's—“always open” and ready for business.   Read more...

A good place to start before clustering. Written by Brad McGhee, the founder of sql-server-performance.com.  Read more...