ANSI Padding

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Identify database features restricted to a specific edition of SQL Server 2008

Ever wanted to know how he can identify whether a database uses any of the features that are restricted to a specific edition of SQL Server 2008. In this tip we will go through the steps a DBA needs to follow to identify a database which uses edition specific features.

The MERGE Statement in SQL Server 2008

When the SQL MERGE statement was introduced in SQL Server 2008, it allowed database programmers to replace reams of messy code with something quick, simple and maintainable. The MERGE syntax just takes a bit of explaining, and Rob Sheldon is, as always, on hand to explain with plenty of examples.

Inside the Optimizer: Constructing a Plan - Part 1

Part one of a four-part series exploring the internals of query optimization from T-SQL guru, Paul White.

Database Upgrade to SQL Server 2008 Tools and Approaches

Performing an upgrade is a complex and often risky project. A successful upgrade can provide an organization with a modern platform for development and production. An unsuccessful upgrade can cause lost time and money, and it can create a bad perception for the future.

This paper documents approaches and tools that can help DBAs and developers to achieve successful and mostly painless upgrade of SQL Server databases from Microsoft® SQL Server® 2000 or SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 (or SQL Server 2008 R2).

SQL Server 2008 System Functions to Monitor the Instance, Database, Files, etc.

SQL Server provides several system meta data functions which allow users to obtain property values of different SQL Server objects and securables. Although you can also use the SQL Server catalog views or Dynamic Management Views to obtain much of this information, in some circumstances the system meta data functions simplify the process. In this tip I am going to demonstrate some of the available system meta data functions and their usage in different scenarios.

SQL Server 2008 Compression

Testing and analysis of new backup compression and table/index compression features of SQL Server 2008.

Configure Windows Firewall for SQL Server 2008 Database Engine in Windows Server 2008 R2

I have installed SQL Server 2008 Developer Edition on Windows Server 2008 R2 and I am unable to get connect to SQL Server 2008 Instance from SQL Server 2008 Management Studio which is installed on another remote server. As I am new to Windows Server 2008 R2 it would be great if you can let me know the step by step approach to enable the default port of SQL Server 2008 in Windows Firewall for user connectivity.

Professional Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming - Sample Chapter

Professional Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming Master the increasingly complex feature set of the latest release of Microsoft SQL Server with the information in Professional Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming. Review the new features of SQL Server that will be of interest to you as an experienced developer and move on to more detailed, practical […]