What is a Non-Clustered Columnstore Index?

First introduced in SQL Server 2012, the Columnstore index is a new in-memory feature that allows for the creation of...

The system_health Extended Event Session

When I first started poking around in SQL Server 2012, I noticed an extended event session called “system_health” was created...

How Long is that SQL Command Going to Take?

Have you ever needed to restore a large database while someone is standing over your shoulder asking “How long is...

My Experience Aboard SQL Cruise 2014

Where do I begin? First let me say, WOW what an experience!

How it All Began
When I first heard about SQL...

Collecting Historical IO File Statistics

In a previous post, Collecting Historical Wait Statistics, I discussed how you can easily collect historical wait stats by using...

Collecting Historical Wait Statistics

As a DBA, I'm sure you've heard many times to always check the sys.dm_os_wait_stats DMV to help diagnose performance issues...

In-Memory OLTP and the Identity Column

Over the past month I've been playing around with the new In-Memory OLTP (code name: "Hekaton") features within SQL Server...

TSQL Tuesday #47 - Your Best SQL Server SWAG

The host for T-SQL Tuesday #47 is Kendal Van Dyke (blog|twitter), and his topic of choice is about the best...

One Year Later

Wow!  It’s been one year since I launched my blog, and my how things have changed.

Accomplishments Over the Past...

The Case of the NULL Query_Plan

As a DBA, we're often asked to troubleshoot performance issues for stored procedures.  One of the most common tools at...