Using Column Sets with Sparse Columns
This article provides an overview of the use of Column Sets with Spare Columns in SQL Server 2008
2008-07-30
2,422 reads
Additional Articles
Iterating through tables and databases in SQL Server
This tip presents two very useful stored procedures that live in the master database but are not mentioned in SQL Server Books Online. These system procedures come in very handy for jobs such as determining the space used, the number of rows, the indexes on the user tables, and so on.
2008-07-29
4,102 reads
SQLBits III - Registration Now Open!
Registration for SQLBits III, to be held at Hatfield in the UK on September 13th, is now open! SQLBits is the UK's finest SQL Server technical conference, and it's 100% free to attend!
2008-07-29 (first published: 2008-07-23)
1,837 reads
Loading XML data into SQL Server 2008
This article provides a step by step guide on how to create and configure an SSIS package which can be used to import XML data
2008-07-28
2,854 reads
The Myth of Over-Normalization
Too often, denormalization is suggested as the first thing to consider when tackling query performance problems. It is said to be a necessary compromise to be made when a rigorous logical design hits an inadequate database system. As the saying goes, “Normalize ‘til it hurts, then denormalize ‘til it works”. In reality, Denormalization always leads eventually to tears.
2008-07-28
7,924 reads
How to configure and Use Database Backup Compression in SQL Server 2008
SQL Server 2008 introduces the Database Backup Compression feature. This article describes how to take advantage of this new feature
2008-07-25
2,029 reads
Monitoring Report Execution Performance with Execution Logs
This article presents an excerpt from the book, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services Step by Step, by Stacia Misner and Hitachi Consulting. Learn how to monitor reporting services by implementing an execution logging database and reviewing reports that query that database.
2008-07-25
2,797 reads
Develop Robust and Scalable Apps with SQL Server Data Services
Here the author introduces SQL Server Data Services, which exposes its functionality over standard Web service interfaces.
2008-07-24
2,158 reads
Upgrading live applications to SQL Server 2005
Part 4 in this series on upgrading an Active/Active cluster to SQL Server 2005 details how to push live data from one cluster to another using a conversion DB and replication.
2008-07-24
3,014 reads
Comparing SQL Server constraints and DML triggers
Over the years, I have witnessed many developers being confused about when to use data-manipulation language (DML) triggers vs. when to use constraints.
2008-07-23
2,759 reads
Blogs
Shifting Mindsets: Why FinOps is Essential for Cloud Efficiency
By HeyMo0sh
As a DevOps practitioner, I’ve always focused on performance, scalability, and automation. But as...
March 2026 SQL Server Security Updates
By Brian Kelley
On Patch Tuesday, in addition to OS and Office security patches, Microsoft also released...
How Fabric Mirroring Transformed with SQL Server 2025
When mirroring was first released for Azure SQL Database, it used Change Data Capture...
Forums
XACT_ABORT being set to ON by web services
We have two "identical" instances of an ASP.NET web service (or so I have...
OPENQUERY Flexibility
Comments posted to this topic are about the item OPENQUERY Flexibility
A Full Shutdown
Comments posted to this topic are about the item A Full Shutdown
Question of the Day
OPENQUERY Flexibility
Which of these are valid OPENQUERY() uses?
See possible answers