Data Journalism
Data Journalism is a new idea that is bringing us a new way of reporting on the world. Steve Jones thinks this might be useful inside of all kinds of organizations.
Precision Indexing: Basics of Selective XML Indexes in SQL Server 2012
Seldom has a SQL Server Service pack had such an effect on database development as when SQL Server 2012 SP1 introduced selective XML indexes. These transform the practicality of querying large amounts of XML data. Seth Delconte demonstrates how and why this feature makes all the difference.
The Cloud in Large IT Shops
There are a lot of advantages for small companies in using cloud services, but is that the case for large IT groups? Steve Jones has a few thoughts.
T-SQL insert using SSIS Data Pump
This article describes a T-SQL procedure to insert data using the SSIS Data Pump
Partitioning in SQL Server - Part 3
Arshad Ali provides a step-by-step guide to create a partitioned table/index.
SQL Intersection in Las Vegas This Spring
Come join Steve Jones, Grant Fritchey and an amazing lineup of speakers at the spring SQL Intersection conference in Las Vegas, April 8-11, 2013. Register now and you get a Surface RT tablet.
DBA Hypochondria
It is easy to become overwhelmed by server symptoms (aka metrics), in the forlorn hope that the more we collect, the clearer a picture we'll assemble of what ails the server. We should, of course, be looking at the whole patient.
Using the Data Profiling SQL Server Integration Services SSIS task
Have you ever had to write a bunch of TSQL to do some data analysis on the table data in your database. If you have you'll know that this can become a fairly time consuming and tedious task? SQL Server 2012 Integration Services has a feature called the Data Profiling task that can help you perform this analysis much easier and faster (this feature is also available in SQL Server 2008). This task can help you find potential issues with your existing data as well as help you become more familiar with the data in a database that you have just started managing.
Baselines
It can be hard to analyze performance without a baseline. This week, Steve Jones asks how you might use your baseline to better determine what problems you are having with your SQL Server.
Blogs
Moving On-Prem PostgreSQL to the Cloud: Picking the Right Path for Big Tables
Every PostgreSQL migration eventually hits the same fork in the road. The database is...
A Spread of Vacation
By Steve Jones
I’m off on vacation today. Which is a little weird as I just got...
How AgentDBA Identifies Backup Failures
By Arun Sirpal
Every DBA has a box like this. Sitting untouched for months. Nobody’s proud of...
Forums
Have you done a Mid year check in?
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From SQL Server On-Premises to Claude Desktop: How I built a Full MCP Pipeline
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Independence Day 2026
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Independence Day 2026
Question of the Day
Independence Day 2026
In the original Independence Day movie (1996), what type of computer did Jeff Goldblum use to connect to the alien mainframe? Take a guess, don't look it up or ask AI.
See possible answers