Using Microsoft DiskSpd to Test Your Storage Subsystem
Glenn Berry gives a thorough guide on using DiskSpd, a command-line tool that measures the performance characteristics of your storage subsystem.
2015-08-20
4,958 reads
Additional Articles
Live Query Statistics in SQL Server 2016
SQL Server 2016, which at the time of writing is in preview release CTP 2.1, has a great new feature called Live Query Statistics. In this article, Koen Verbeeck introduces the new feature which allows you to view a live execution plan of an active query, giving a fantastic opportunity for troubleshooting and debugging.
2015-08-19
3,169 reads
Getting the Measure of Your Application
The idea of ‘instrumenting’ an application often seems to puzzle application developers. Modern IDEs are so full of code-tracers, debuggers and profilers that developers seem to resent the idea that applications should be designed and developed so as to be measurable. Tony Davis looks at the issue.
2015-08-18
4,712 reads
MySQL Error Handling using the Signal and Resignal Statements
MySQL introduced the SIGNAL and RESIGNAL statements in version 5.5 to allow you to raise your own error conditions from stored procedures, triggers, and events. Rob Gravelle demonstrates how to utilize both.
2015-08-17
2,032 reads
What is Database Lifecycle Management (DLM)?
When the different teams that are involved throughout the life of a database fail to reconcile their different roles and priorities, and so fail to cooperate or work adaptively, the result is gridlock: databases defined as though carved in stone rather than by code and data. William Brewer explores how DLM can offer an alternative that allows databases to respond quickly to business change.
2015-08-13
7,221 reads
Proactive SQL Server Health Checks, Part 4 : ERRORLOG
Don't underestimate the ERRORLOG. There is some great information in it for you to use not just when you're troubleshooting performance or investigating errors, but also when you're proactively monitoring an instance. Erin Stellato explains.
2015-08-12
3,517 reads
Creating Dashboards for Mobile Devices with Datazen – Part 1
With the recent acquisition of Datazen by Microsoft, if you have SQL Server 2008 or later Enterprise Edition with Software Assurance, you can leverage (download and use) Datazen to create visually appealing dashboards for mobile devices across all the major platforms at no additional costs. In this article series Arshad Ali will demonstrate how you can use Datazen for creating dashboards and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for mobile devices easily and quickly.
2015-08-11
5,810 reads
The Evolution of SQL Server BI
It is sometimes hard to keep up with Microsoft's direction in Business Intelligence. Robert Sheldon takes stock with the Simple BI Timeline which explains how BI has evolved over the years.
2015-08-10
4,879 reads
Introduction to SQL Server 2016 Temporal Tables
Temporal tables - also known as system-versioned tables, but not to be mistaken with temporary tables - are a new feature of SQL Server 2016 that allow SQL Server to automatically keep a history of the data in the table. This tip from Koen Verbeeck introduces the new feature by explaining how to create a system-versioned table.
2015-08-07
5,485 reads
Microsoft and Database Lifecycle Management (DLM): The DacPac
The Data-Tier Application Package (DacPac), together with the Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFx), provides an alternative way to automate the process of scripting out, or deploying a SQL Server database, reporting on changes, or checking version-drift. As such, it seems to provide an obvious cost-free start for tackling automated Database Delivery as part of Database Lifecycle Management (DLM). We asked Phil Factor if it is ready for Prime-time.
2015-08-05
5,584 reads
Blogs
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...
The DIY Cost of Masking Test Data For Smaller Organizations
By Steve Jones
One of the things I’ve tried hard to do in database development situations if...
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
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A Full Shutdown
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Question of the Day
OPENQUERY Flexibility
Which of these are valid OPENQUERY() uses?
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