If you have a requirement to install multiple SQL Server instances with the same settings, you most likely want to do it without following the numerous manual installation steps. The below tip will guide you through how to install a SQL Server instance with less effort.  Read more...

This article describes a way using SSIS to shred a XML column from a source table into its respective columns in the destination table.  Read more...

A free day of training in Richmond, VA. Come along and see Steve Jones, Grant Fritchey and more.  Read more...

The popular UK conference heads to Nottingham from May 2-4, 2013. Both Grant Fritchey and Steve Jones will be speaking, along with lots of talented SQL Server professionals. Register today.  Read more...

Come and join SQL Saturday Tampa in their new venue (HCC) now that they've outgrown K-Force!  Read more...

SQL Server's FileTable technology is an intriguing way of accomodating file-based text data in a database, and allowing for complex searches. As with most technologies, the best way of learning them is to try it out and experiment. Feodor shows how to set it up, add some sample data and set up full-text search.  Read more...

Bill Pearson, Business Intelligence architect and author, exposes the DAX DISTINCT() function, and then provides some hands-on exposure to its use in generating distinct counts. Moreover, he further explores working with measures in the PivotTable in this, the third Level of our new Stairway to PowerPivot and DAX series.  Read more...

SQL Server developers and database administrators have the chance to attend a free half-day event, in Richmond, VA - hosted by SQL Server experts Steve Jones and Grant Fritchey.   Read more...

So I am using this new technology called Availability Groups that was introduced in SQL Server 2012. I have heard I can offload my backups to a secondary replica, but I am not sure how that works or how to configure those backups. Are there any limitations? Check out this tip to learn more.  Read more...

Need to understand new data? This article explains why - and how you can profile it efficiently  Read more...

In this session, Louis Davidson, Microsoft MVP, will discuss how being observant of the environment you work in can help you make sure that you are aware of the health of your database systems, as well as your career.  Read more...

The buzz around NoSQL solutions has reached stratospheric heights. This buzz has led many Microsoft SQL Server development shops to start looking at how and where a NoSQL solution can fit into their business.  Read more...

Powershell. I have seen the word but what is it? This article gives you a basic introduction to what PowerShell is and how you might use it.  Read more...

SQL Server 2012 delivers enhancements to the Resource Governor that reflect a growing need for centrally managed database services to provide multitenancy to customers who require isolated workloads. This document describes the enhancements and why they were added. It includes a self-contained walk through that you can try in order to gain familiarity with the new features.  Read more...

This article discusses using Filtered Indexes as a simple partitioning strategy in SQL Server Standard Edition  Read more...

Working with SSAS time related accounting functions can be tricky. SQL Server 2012 now offers Lag and Lead functions. Are these functions available in SSAS? What other related functions are available?  Read more...

This article shows how to group information, adjust for dynamic column and row groups, and generally use the tablix in Reporting Services.  Read more...