This white paper describes how to export master data from Microsoft SQL Server Master Data Services (MDS) using a subscription view, and how to import the master data into an external system using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). The white paper provides a step-by-step sample for creating a subscription view and an SSIS package.  Read more...

This is the method that Geoff Albin has used for years to monitor the CPU on his SQL Servers.  Read more...

A helpful guide to writing technical papers by focusing on the non-technical elements.  Read more...

SQL Server's 'Semantic Search' feature seemed an exciting feature when first shown. Was it really true that Microsoft had come up with a system to rival the industry-leaders, one that could extract the contextual meaning of terms in text, or automatically categorise the subject matter of text? On first inspection, it seems unlikely.  Read more...

Charts are one of the commonest ways of visualizing reports from data. Report Builder provides a way of generating charts and reports that will be intuitive to anyone who has done the same in Excel. Robert Sheldon provides a simple explanation of how to get the best from charts using Report Builder.  Read more...

The modify method lets you manipulate XML data using XML DML. It can insert, alter or delete data. In this level, Robert shows how to use the method to insert a node into an XML instance.   Read more...

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October's meeting on Thursday 18th will be a virtual meeting which means anyone in the world can attend if they have access to a PC with an internet connection. We are pleased to announce that Grant Fritchey will be giving us 2 sessions.   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...

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...

The XML exist() method is used, often in a WHERE clause, to check the existence of an element within an XML document or fragment. The nodes() method lets you shred an XML instance and return the information as relational data.   Read more...

Learn about the very basics of what Integration Services is and how it's used in SQL Server.  Read more...

Microsoft IT protects against unplanned Transactional Replication outages and issues by using best practices and proactive monitoring. This results in increased stability, simplified management and improved performance of transactional replication environments.  Read more...