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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
There are unique considerations that apply to virtual machines that run SQL Server workloads in such environments. This document provides insight into considerations and best practices for running SQL Server in Hyper-V Dynamic Memory configurations on Windows Server.
2015-08-04
3,841 reads
By Brian Kelley
During COVID, I attended training on software/enterprise architecture given by Mark Richards. One of...
For me, the objective is straightforward: have a backup strategy that is reliable, understandable,...
By DesertDBA
Note: This post is the invitation for T-SQL Tuesday #204 on November 3rd, 2026....
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The ##MS_DatabaseConnector## User
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Planning for Change
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Importing Excel files into SQL...
On SQL Server 2025, I run this code as a sysadmin:
CREATE LOGIN Demo WITH PASSWORD = 'Demo1234567' GO ALTER SERVER ROLE ##MS_DatabaseConnector## ADD MEMBER Demo GOI then login as Demo and run this:
USE sandbox go SELECT CURRENT_USERWhat is returned? See possible answers