Why Every SQL Server Installation Should Be a Cluster

In this article, I’ll attempt to “convince” you that every SQL Server you put into production should be a SQL Server Failover Cluster Instance (FCI).

When AUTO_UPDATE_STATISTICS Doesn't Happen

When your SQL Server database is set to have its statistics automatically updated, you will probably conclude that, whenever the distribution statistics are out-of-date, they will be updated before the next query is executed against that index or table. Curiously, this isn't always the case. What actually happens is that the statistics only gets updated if needed by the query optimiser to determine an effective query plan.

Fixing Maintenance Plan Error code 0x534

This article shows you how to resolve SQL Server maintenance plan execution failure error

The One 'Security' Feature in Oracle You Probably Shouldn't Use

Oracle offers a number of security-related settings, but one could definitely create more harm than good. David Fitzjarrell looks at which parameter that is, and why.

Byte Me: Database Migra(ine)tion

Step by Step Installation of SQL Server 2014 on a New Failover Cluster

Manvendra Singh gives a step-by-step guide to installing SQL Server 2014.

Better Ways to Build a Database

The purpose of a database build is simple: prove that what you have in version control can successfully create a working database, and yet many teams struggle with unreliable and untested database build processes that slow down deployments and prevent the delivery of new functionality. Grant Fritchey explains how to achieve an automated and reliable database build that is only as complex as the database system it needs to create.

Do I Want to Design My Own Transaction Log?

The processing of the Transaction Log seems simple to reproduce, but be sure you consider all the possibilities.

SQL Server Integration Services SSIS Package Configuration

As you develop, test and deploy SSIS packages, you need to specify different parameter values for things like database connection strings, file and folder paths, etc. without having to edit the individual SSIS packages to make these changes. Ray Barley looks at how you can accomplish this goal by taking advantage of the configuration capabilities that SSIS provides, in particular the SQL Server package configuration.

Installing tSQLt

Get started testing your database code with the tSQLt framework.