SQL Server Transactional Replication from Always On Availability Groups to Azure SQL Database
Learn how you can add transactional replication to an AG to move data to an Azure SQL Database.
2026-03-20
2,318 reads
Articles
Why disabling the SQL Server sa account still matters in 2026
Every few years, someone asks a familiar question: do we really still need to disable the sa account in SQL Server? After all, it’s 2026. SQL Server has better encryption, better auditing, better defaults, and more security features than ever before. Surely this old guidance belongs in the past?
2026-03-20
Answering Questions On Dropped Columns
Answering a couple of questions from the previous posts about dropping columns.
2026-03-18
1,986 reads
Query Hint Recommendation Tool in SSMS 22
SQL Server Management Studio keeps adding features, but unless you look you probably don’t notice. In this article, we look at the new Query Hint Recommendation Tool in SSMS 2022 and how this can be used.
2026-03-18
Webinar: Compliance Without Compromise: Test Data Management That Finally Fits
You know you shouldn't have production data in test environments. But every time you look at fixing it, the options feel impossible: enterprise tools that cost six figures and take months to implement, or DIY scripts that sort of work until they don't. Join this webinar on Mar 18 to learn more.
2026-03-18 (first published: 2026-03-09)
SQL Art 2: St Patrick’s Day in SSMS (Shamrock + Pint + Pixel Text)
Last time we turned SQL Server into a Christmas tree. Every year around St Patrick's Day I find myself doing something I can't fully justify. This year that thing was using SQL Server's spatial viewer to draw a shamrock and a pint of Guinness. Hope you have a happy St Patrick's Day and a few […]
2026-03-16
2,215 reads
I’m Not Gonna Waste Time Debunking Crap on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is full of absolute trash these days. Just flat out b****** garbage. (Oh yeah, that – this post should probably come with a language disclaimer, because this stuff makes me mad.)
2026-03-16
How to Use sqlpackage to Detect Schema Drift Between Azure SQL Databases
This article explains how I use sqlpackage to detect schema drift and generate a delta script that shows exactly what’s different.
2026-03-13
2,056 reads
What’s New in SSMS 22
SSMS 22 has several new features. Is there a compilation list of the new features? How will these features help me as a SQL Server professional?
2026-03-13
Going Native with Fabric Spark Pools: The Fabric Modern Data Platform
The next installment of the Fabric Modern Data Platform looks at Spark pools for executing code.
2026-03-11
1,623 reads
Blogs
T-SQL Tuesday #198–Change Detection
By Steve Jones
This month we have a new host, Meagan Longoria, who graciously agreed to help...
Redgate and Rome
By Steve Jones
I’m at the UK Redgate office today, meeting with senior leaders in all areas...
Quick Tip: Check Most DTU Expensive Queries in Azure SQL Database
Optimizing Azure SQL Database performance often begins with identifying the most resource-intensive queries. Understanding...
Forums
Permissions Removal When Changing Object Schema
When the schema of an object is changed, SQL Server wipes out the previous...
SSRS Is Dead. Here Are Your Real Options
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SSRS Is Dead. Here Are...
The Distance Metric
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Distance Metric
Question of the Day
The Distance Metric
In the new VECTOR_DISTANCE() function in SQL Server 2025, the first parameter is the distance_metric. What is this?
See possible answers