Getting Started with Master Data Services (MDS) In SQL Server 2012

MDS allows you to create a centralized hub for creating and managing enterprise master data. Arshad Ali discusses how to install and configure Master Data Services in SQL Server 2012, and a method to deploy sample models.

Utilize SQL Server Storage Effectively

With the increased use of databases and the need to have more and more data online, database storage is an area DBAs need to manage effectively. If you plan your database and data management correctly you can build and manage a cost effective, high performing SQL Server solution. If not, you risk potential storage issues as well as performance degradation. This session will cover best practices and options focused on helping you manage your SQL Server storage. We will dive into the tools you can use to manage database storage, some of the latest trends, database design implications, data archiving and alternatives such as compression, BLOB data storage, filtered indexes and more. We’ll also introduce a tool that allows you to reduce the storage footprint of your live SQL Server databases.

Join us for this free event and learn how to utilize your SQL Server storage effectively.

No Limits

Google recently promised no limits to their computing engine online. Is that going to change how we use cloud computing? Read Steve Jones' thoughts and give us your opinion.

Using DELETE CASCADE Option for Foreign Keys

Referential integrity is a very important thing to consider when designing a database. In my years as a DBA I've seen database designs that sit on both ends of the spectrum, none at all and cases where every table is linked to multiple tables. While the later certainly can be a little more difficult to work with it ensures the integrity of your data stays intact. The other end provides much more flexibility when it comes to updating and deleting data from your database, whether it's being done through the application or directly on the backend, but has the issue of possible orphan records if things are not done properly. This tip will look at the DELETE CASCADE option when creating foreign key constraints and how it helps keep the referential integrity of your database intact.

TDE Setup and Administration Scripts

A comprehensive set of scripts to setup and operate TDE for a SQL Server.

Regular Expression Transformation

The regular expression transformation exposes the power of regular expression matching within the pipeline. One or more columns can be selected, and for each column an individual expression can be applied. The way multiple columns are handled can be set on the options page.

A Data Hub

The idea of a data hub in your company is interesting to Steve Jones. He talks about this concept, and how it might help you increase data quality, and perhaps get closed to a single view of the truth.

SQL Server 2012’s Information on Parallel Thread Usage

In the SQL Server 2012 execution plan we can see better the true thread reservations for a query and not just information on the maximum degree of parallelism and row distribution across parallel threads; thanks to the new parallel thread usage information.

Removing the SQL Server Management Data Warehouse

SQL Server 2008 introduced a new feature, Management Data Warehouse (MDW), which allows users to collect metrics on their servers over time to aid in performance troubleshooting. A lot of people try this feature out, because it is easy to set up, and then find that it is not so easy to remove. In fact, removing MDW is not supported; in SQL Server 2012, though, a new system stored procedure was added to make this process easier. The problem is that this stored procedure (as well as several of the workarounds I've seen published) can leave several objects behind.

Wiggle Room

Consultants sometimes don't live up to their hype. To what extent should we expect them to know exactly what they're doing? This editorial was originally published on Nov 9, 2007. It is being republished as Steve is on vacation.