MSDB is a system database used by SQL Server. MSDB stores all sorts of data, such as backup history, log shipping monitor history, SSIS packages and Service Broker queue data to name a few. Just like user databases, MSDB needs regular maintenance, including index optimizations and, more importantly, regular purging. In this article, Tim Radney looks at how neglecting your MSDB can negatively impact on your environment.
2015-07-28
6,714 reads
Code must be checked, but how? Phil Factor shares his thoughts on automating SQL code reviews.
2015-07-27
5,104 reads
A short explanation and infographic of what SQL is. For the non-SQL people in your life.
2015-07-24
8,743 reads
Although we like to think that our programming techniques are progressive and in tune with the bleeding edge of software development practices, too often they are directly influenced by restrictions faced when computers first became mainstream in the post-war decades. In this article Joe Celko looks at the history of mainframes, FORTRAN I and COBOL.
2015-07-24
5,006 reads
Database Lifecycle Management (DLM) is about enabling rapid, risk-free database development and deployments. However, the most effective DLM processes actually reach beyond the database. Embracing the full scope of it can be daunting, so Grant Fritchey and Matthew Skelton are making it manageable.
2015-07-23 (first published: 2015-07-20)
4,591 reads
For a large SQL Server database on an Azure VM, backing up the data can have some challenges. In this article, Murshed Zaman focuses on the two most common challenges: size and speed.
2015-07-23
5,556 reads
If you need to receive and process a large volume of of packets of data, such as telemetry, or event-log items, it may be worth considering Azure Event hubs. They aren't like traditional messaging but represent more of a stripped down one-way event processing system for large volumes of data. It could represent a good solution to an ever-present problem, but is it ready for production use? Rob Sheldon investigates.
2015-07-22
3,382 reads
Inadequate storage is one of the most common bottlenecks seen in subsystem performance. There are a number of reasons for poor storage performance, but measuring it and understanding what needs to be measured and monitored is always a useful exercise.
2015-07-21
5,049 reads
In this article, Daniel Farina shows how to speed up SSIS package execution by using the Balanced Data Distributor Transformation.
2015-07-20
3,389 reads
The Microsoft Azure platform is evolving fast. Azure SQL Database is riding high on the cloud wave with new features enabled at a fast pace. In this article, Kun Cheng shares a few Azure SQL Database security features that could help developers and DBAs develop and manage a secure SQL Database solution.
2015-07-17
5,994 reads
By Steve Jones
This was Redgate in 2010, spread across the globe. First the EU/US Here’s Asia...
By John
Today is Christmas and while I do not expect anybody to actual be reading...
By Bert Wagner
Until recently, my family's 90,000+ photos have been hidden away in the depths of...
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Happy Holidays, Let's Do Nerdy...
Comments posted to this topic are about the item UNISTR Escape
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Celebrating Tomorrow
In SQL Server 2025, I run this command:
SELECT UNISTR('*3041*308A*304C\3068 and good night', '*') as "A Classic";
What is returned? (assume the database has an appropriate collation)
A: 
B: 
C: 
See possible answers