How to host an AI text embeddings model for SQL Server using Ollama

When we want to use AI-based comparisons of text, via vector search in SQL Server, we need to first generate embeddings for the text. An embedding is a numeric representation of meaning, usually represented by vectors. In this article, I’ll show you how to use Ollama to host a server locally that can be used to generate embeddings.

Pro Encryption in SQL Server 2022: Provide the Highest Level of Protection for Your Data

This in-depth look at the encryption tools available in SQL Server shows you how to protect data by encrypting it at rest with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and in transit with Transport Level Security (TLS). You will know how to add the highest levels of protection for sensitive data using Always Encrypted to encrypt data also in memory and be protected even from users with the highest levels of access to the database. The book demonstrates actions you can take today to start protecting your data without changing any code in your applications, and the steps you can subsequently take to modify your applications to support implementing a gold standard in data protection.

• Printed book:
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How to Deploy SQL Server on Kubernetes running on Windows

Learn how to deploy SQL Server on Kubernetes using Docker Desktop on Windows. Unlock powerful capabilities for your database.

Why even the best teams struggle with cloud migrations

Grant Fritchey explains the concept of ‘unknown unknowns’, points out what to watch out for in a cloud migration, and offers proven strategies to help your migration go as smooth as possible.

The LLM layer you’re probably missing (LLM gateway pattern explained)

The LLM gateway pattern is a thin service layer that sits between your app and large language model (LLM) providers, centralizing every AI call through a single entry point. It gives you immediate control over routing, logging, retries, fallbacks, and cost tracking – preventing the chaos of scattered integrations, unclear billing, and provider lock-in as your system scales. Learn all you need to know about the LLM gateway pattern in this article.

Your Database Just Hit One Terabyte: Now What?

You were minding your own business, and all of a sudden it happened.

Display Active Slicers in Power BI using Dynamic DAX

Learn how to enhance visibility using slicers in Power BI for better report filtering and user experience.

How data scientists work with PostgreSQL from Python (and how to write queries that don’t break at scale)

In this article, learn how PostgreSQL powers data science workflows, including query execution, performance optimization, indexing, data retrieval, and more.

SSMS Copilot is Messing With Your AI Prompts

You might notice that the advice you get from Copilot in SSMS isn’t very good, but it isn’t necessarily AI in general. Part of the problem is something specific about SSMS Copilot and the way it prompts LLMs, and I wish I could tell you exactly what it is, but I can’t because I don’t have access to how SSMS is changing your prompts.

Microsoft are retiring role-based certifications. Here’s why they shouldn’t

In this Simple Talk opinion piece, Microsoft certification veteran Dr Greg Low considers – and shares his thoughts on – the recent announcement that many role-based Microsoft certifications are being retired.