Regular Columnist: Tony Davis

While backup to the Cloud may be useful in terms of optimizing storage across the enterprise, for DBAs it remains essential that they retain fast, easy, access to the backup files. Azure Explorer is a free tool that might help.  Read more...

Our major goal in terms of log maintenance for all databases under our care is to optimize for write performance, in order to support all activities that require SQL Server to write to the log, including data modifications, data loads, index rebuilds, and so on. However, it's also important to keep an eye on possible log fragmentation, which, as described previously, can affect the performance of processes that need to read the log, such as log backups and the crash recovery process.  Read more...

This level takes a deeper look at how log fragmentation can affect the performance of operations that need to read the log, such as log backups, or the crash recovery process.  Read more...

Is there a sound technical reason why SQL Azure can't support extended properties?   Read more...

It is easy to become overwhelmed by server symptoms (aka metrics), in the forlorn hope that the more we collect, the clearer a picture we'll assemble of what ails the server. We should, of course, be looking at the whole patient.  Read more...

Tony Davis argues that the Standards and best practices exist to avoid being hacked, but implementing them requires time and investment and often there simply doesn't seem to be the will to do it.  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. An effective response to a crisis requires rapid decisions based on understanding its role in ensuring data integrity.  Read more...

This level will examine the most common problems and forms of mismanagement that lead to excessive growth of the transaction log.  Read more...

A DBA may consider switching a database to the BULK_LOGGED recovery model in the short term during, for example, bulk load operations. When a database is operating in the BULK_LOGGED model these, and a few other operations such as index rebuilds, can be minimally logged and will therefore use much less space in the log  Read more...

Index fragmentation can certainly cause performance problems, but should it really dictate the way we design our clustered indexes?  Read more...

Tony Davis argues that the WITH REPLACE option of the RESTORE DATABASE command is a case where the naming of the option masks its true "JFDI" nature…  Read more...

A lot has been written about the potential performance benefits of SQL Server data compression; but hard performance data? Not so much.  Read more...

A lot has been written about the potential performance benefits of SQL Server data compression; but hard performance data? Not so much.  Read more...

Databases are unique in IT that they are singularly resistant to 'best practice' advice. Any such advice can never be anything other than a starting position for tests in your own environment.  Read more...

Tony Davis reflects on the existential angst felt by the DBA separated from his or her hardware.  Read more...

There's more information hidden behind those graphical plans than you might first suspect.  Read more...

Whereas there are plenty of experts prepared to help with the technology, few seem to come forward when the struggle is against the bureaucracy rather than a recalcitrant server. Where are all the SQL MVBs (Masters at Vanquishing Bureaucracy) when you need them!?  Read more...

In order to gain better support for learning and training opportunities, the DBA needs to prove a direct link to productivity and results, in words and numbers the CEO will understand.  Read more...

I'd like to hear the thoughts of DBAs out there on Windows and SQL Azure, and the prospects of moving applications and databases into the clouds. How many DBAs work for companies that have done it or are seriously considering it? What are the deepest concerns?  Read more...

In FULL recovery mode it is possible to do a point-in-time restore of a database. It is thankfully a rare event. Tony explains what's involved  Read more...