Initialize SQL Server replication using a database backup
You need to configure transactional replication for a very large SQL Server database. Instead of running the snapshot agent to initialize the subscriber, in this tip we look at how you can initialize the subscriber from a SQL Server backup.
The Robot DBA
Steve Jones talks about the idea of an automated DBA and disputes the notion that it will come to pass anytime soon.
SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 Integration Services - Analysis Services Execute DDL Task
The term DDL designates Data Definition Language, which implies an action involving creating data structures. In the context of Analysis Services Execute DDL Task, this is a bit of a misnomer because its capabilities are much more diverse, extending to such areas as backups, restores, deletions, modifications, or processing. This is accomplished by employing Analysis Services Scripting Language (ASSL).
10 Bad Things About Reporting Services 2008 R2
SSRS 2008 R2 introduced lots of exciting new features, reviewed in a sister article to this one. Here we consider what Microsoft didn't do well in this version of Reporting Services.
From Vandalism to Serious Crime
It seems that there are new types of hacker attacks, not looking to steal information for profit, but for disclosure as an embarrassment. Steve Jones talks about the potential downsides for DBAs.
Raw Materials - The Low Bid
When a job is too simple to be done in-house, how far down the phylogenetic tree should you go?
10 Good Things About Reporting Services 2008 R2
The 10 things Microsoft got right about SQL Server Reporting Services 2008 R2 (a sister article shows 10 things which aren't quite so good)
Labor Day 2011
It's a holiday in the US today and Steve Jones provides a little entertainment for those people still at work.
Piracy and Agile
Do Agile IT projects have anything to learn from the organizational structures and laws used by pirates? Phil Factor is not convinced.
Blogs
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ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
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If you are considering any of the ISACA AI certs like the Advanced Artificial...
A Fabric solution can be very cost effective
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Forums
We Are Eating Our Own Seed Corn
Comments posted to this topic are about the item We Are Eating Our Own...
Before Using AI with Business Data, Read This
Artificial intelligence tools are quickly becoming part of daily business operations, from document analysis...
Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines That Don't Break at Scale
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines...
Question of the Day
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
In the Database Engine, when a deadlock is detected, what does the detection interval shrink to (in time)?
See possible answers