OLAP PivotTable Extensions is a really cool free add-in for Excel that’s been around for quite a while now.  It allows you to have some exposure to what’s going on under the covers (Among many other features) while you browse a cube using an Excel PivotTable. This weekend there has… Read more

When SQL Server 2008 R2 was released several new Reporting Services expressions were made available that would help join multiple datasets together.  Those functions were the Lookup Function, LookupSet Function and the MultiLookup Function.  My general recommendation for these function is not to use them when you have… Read more

With the Office 2013 announcements today I was excited to download and get my hands on the tools.  Because this is still a customer preview we’re bound to find things here and there that aren’t functioning as expected when experimenting with the Office tools.

The things I had on my… Read more

This has been reposted from a guest blog post I wrote on the Microsoft Business Intelligence team blog.

Fulfilling User Needs

Developing a Power View report has been touted as being so simple that within a handful of clicks you can add rather impressive elements, like effective visualizations, to… Read more

Next week I will be speaking on designing your first Power View report for SQL Lunch.  Be sure to join me for the event and as always “No fluff, just stuff”.

Add To Outlook: Add To Calendar

Date and Time: 7/18/2012 11:30:00 AM CST

Topic: #68-Designing Your First Power… Read more

I’m usually pretty hesitant to share scripts I write because inevitably it will get torn to pieces, but in this case I’d actually like some feedback so I can continue to grow this solution.
This script spawned from Jorge Segarra (@SQLChicken) and I working on a project together that had… Read more

Recently while working for a client that was running SQL Server 2008 R2 I was tasked with loading an Excel Macro (.xlsm) enabled workbook. If you have ever tried this yourself you may have tried using the default Excel provider, which does not work. In fact, this is the error… Read more

Today I’m thrilled and humbled to announce that I will be speaking 3 times at PASS Summit in November 6-9!  This is my favorite of all conferences to attend and I hope you can make it too.  Go register now here.

A really fun way you can browse all… Read more

Using Active Directory groups are a great way to manage and maintain security for a solution.  Think about if you had to manually add users to your Analysis Services roles each time someone new wanted access to your cube.  Ideally, you would have an AD group in the SSAS role… Read more

SSIS 2012 has added a few new expression functions and I thought I’d spend a short time detailing each.

LEFT

The LEFT function believe it or not is a new function.  In past versions of SSIS you had a RIGHT function available but no LEFT.  Well SSIS expression haters you… Read more

With the new Project Deployment Model in SSIS developers are gaining the benefit of a new design time only feature called Project Connection Managers.  If you’ve developed in SSIS previously Connection Managers require no further detailing, but for those new this is how SSIS connections to data that’s used as… Read more

The new project deployment model in SSIS 2012 is the new standard for how packages are created, configured and deployed.  Any new packages that are created in SSIS will default to using the new deployment model. 

The most basic way of describing this change is now instead of deploying packages… Read more

Many of you may now or in the future have the need to upgrade your SSIS packages to the new SQL Server 2012 SSIS.  Luckily, upgrading from SSIS 2005 or 2008 isn’t nearly as painful as you may have experienced upgrading old DTS (SQL Server 2000) packages.  If you’re considering… Read more

Another SQL Rally has wrapped up in Dallas, TX and it was great event.  My favorite part about these larger events is being able to meet new people and see old friends that I haven’t seen for months. 

Unfortunately, I did not attend any of the precons this year but… Read more

We’ve completed reviewing the major Microsoft tools and now you have to make “The Decision”.  Which tool(s) is the best fit for the reporting needs?  Remember just picking one tool and using it for all reports may not be the best decision because you are missing out on a lot… Read more

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of speaking in Orlando, FL at the OPASS monthly meeting.  I spoke on Extending SSRS with Custom Code and you can find the presentation material here.

What I’d really like to share with you about the event is what a fantastic group this… Read more

In part five of this on going series about choosing the right reporting tool we will discuss the newest of tools called Power View.  While Power View is part of Reporting Services in SQL Server 2012 I’ve decided to split it as it’s own topic to help understand when you… Read more

In case you didn’t see the email come through for PASS this week the SQL Rally schedule is now available.  The event will be in Dallas May 10-11 with lots of great session so be sure to check it out.  Here’s a link to the PDF or I’ve included screenshots here… Read more

This month I’ll be out and about quite a bit with speaking events.  Thought I’d detail them quickly in case you’re in Florida or interested in attending a free webinar.  Most topics on reporting of some nature this month.

Date: 04/11/2012

Group: Microsoft Webinar Series: Twelve Days of SQL 2012 Read more

SQL Saturday Jacksonville is just under a month away (April 28) and I’m happy to announce the we recently released the schedule for the event. We have a great line up of speakers with a variety of topics for both DBAs and Business Intelligence developers. You can register to attend… Read more