Learn how to invoke SSRS reports from an SSIS package after the data load is completed.  Read more...

Column Store Index, a new feature in SQL Server 2012, improves performance of data warehouse queries several folds. Arshad Ali shows you how to create column store index, and how to use index query hint to include or exclude a column store index.  Read more...

The challenge is to compare the data of the rows and group the input data. The data needs to be grouped based on the Product ID, Date, TotalLines, LinesOutOfService.   Read more...

Recently while working on a project to import data from an Excel worksheet using SSIS, I realized that sometimes the SSIS Package failed even though when there were no changes in the structure/schema of the Excel worksheet. I investigated it and I noticed that the SSIS Package succeeded for some set of files, but for others it failed. I found that the structure/schema of the worksheet from both these sets of Excel files were the same, the data was the only difference. How come just changing the data can make an SSIS Package fail? What actually causes this failure? What can we do to fix it?  Read more...

Jonathan Lewis (Oracle Ace Director, OakTable Network) and Grant Fritchey (Microsoft SQL Server MVP) will host a live discussion on Oracle and SQL Server, this time in relation to temporary tables.  Read more...

You can extract a subset of data from an XML instance by using the query() method, and you can use the value() method to retrieve individual element and attribute values from an XML instance.  Read more...

Changing the structure of a very large table doesn't need to require a maintenance window.  Read more...

Once again Jonathan Lewis (Oracle Ace Director, OakTable Network) and Grant Fritchey (Microsoft SQL Server MVP) will host a live discussion on Oracle and SQL Server, this time in relation to temporary tables. Will they agree on some common ground? Or will it be an out and out argument? Either way, be prepared for a lively exchange that will not only entertain, but will teach you key concepts on Oracle and SQL Server.  Read more...

This guide details high-level performance numbers expected and a set of best practices on getting optimal performance when using Data Quality Services (DQS) in SQL Server 2012 with Cumulative Update 1.  Read more...

Relational Datbases have tables as data structures, not arrays. This makes it tricky and slow to do matrix operations, but it doesn't mean it is impossible to do. Joe gives the Celko Slant on how to go about doing Matrix Math in SQL.  Read more...

This article will demonstrate a method of creating an Excel-based CPU/scheduler performance dashboard for SQL Server 2005+.  Read more...

Most common monitoring metrics are important and useful, especially over time, but they can fall short. How do you gather information to determine, for example, if you have buffer cache pressure? Register now for the free webinar. Wednesday, October 17 2012 4:00pm - 5:00pm BST  Read more...

As the SQL Developer community grows to embrace the benefits of test-driven development for databases, so the importance of learning to do it properly increases. One way of learning effective TDD is by the use of code kata – short practice sessions that encourage test-first development in baby steps. I have a limited number of licences for SQL Test to give away free – just for practicing a bit of TDD and telling me about it.  Read more...

Level 9 of the Stairway to Integration Services looks at control flow tasks and error handling.  Read more...

Start the week in Seattle off with a free day of training on Nov 5, 2012 with SQL in the City. Grant Fritchey, Steve Jones and more will be talking SQL Server in the Pacific Northwest. Join us and debate and discuss SQL Server the Red Gate Way.  Read more...

I want to backup my SQL Server databases to a folder, but I want to minimize who has access to the folder. In other words, I want to make sure that members of the Windows Local Administrators group don't get to the backups without intentionally trying to bypass the security. How do I do that?   Read more...

I need to create views? How many? Today? This article talks about a few issues with using views too extensively in your design.  Read more...