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Generating Random Numbers in SQL Server Without Collisions

From time to time, I see a requirement to generate random identifiers for things like users or orders. People want to use random numbers so that the "next" identifier is not guessable, or to prevent insight into how many new users or orders are being generated in a given time frame, but they don't want to run into any duplicates. We can trade a bit of disk space and relatively predictable (but not optimal) performance for the guarantee of no collisions, no matter how many random numbers we've already used.

2013-09-27

3,852 reads

External Article

SSIS 2012 - Introduction to Windows Azure SQL Databases

When discussing SQL Server 2012 Integration Services, we have been dealing mainly with the traditional data management model, where the entire SQL Server environment resides on-premise. This once predominant paradigm is obviously changing, with hosted solutions (in the form of both private and public clouds) becoming increasingly common. In order to properly account for this trend, we turn our attention to the role that SSIS can serve in a mixed environment, where a part of the SQL Server estate is located in Windows Azure.

2013-09-25

2,973 reads

External Article

Manage SQL Server Reporting Services in Management Studio

Most maintenance for SSRS is performed either in Report Manager online or within the Report Services Configuration Manager from the desktop. The SSRS Management Studio connection is certainly no replacement for either of these tools, however, several benefits can be obtained using SSMS. First, you are able to connect to the SSRS even if you are having browser issues; second, it is often quicker to just switch from using Management Studio for the Database Engine.

2013-09-24

4,676 reads

External Article

The PoSh DBA – Getting to know PowerShell

Although it was primarily designed for System Administrators, PowerShell is now extending its use to Database, SharePoint, Exchange and all Microsoft products. In this article Laerte Junior offers an introduction to PowerShell and describes how DBAs can use PowerShell to automate repetitive tasks. He also explains when to use PowerShell instead of, or in addition to, T-SQL and SSIS.

2013-09-23

3,686 reads

External Article

Databases and Dominoes

A Dominoes game of Texas 42 inspires Joe Celko to explore unusual uses for check constraints and views. Sometimes, the best way of discovering useful SQL techniques is to tackle the more unusual problems.

2013-09-19

2,976 reads

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UNISTR Escape

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Question of the Day

UNISTR Escape

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