The OVER Clause enhancements in SQL Server code named “Denali”, CTP3
A look at how the OVER clause is changing in SQL 11, based on the CTP 3 released to the public.
XML Configuration files in SQL Server Integration Services
Package configuration files are a great way of providing the values of SSIS package properties so that packages can be used in a far more versatile way. They make the deployment of SSIS packages easier and can provide parameters that are based on the server configuration, or which change for each runtime. They're easy to understand, especially when explained by Rob Sheldon.
Filtered Indexes in SQL Server: Stairway to SQL Server Indexes Level 7
A filtered index eliminates unusable entries from the index, producing an index that is as beneficial as, but much smaller than, an unfiltered index. If a certain subset of a table's data is frequently requested, a filtered index can also be a covering index; resulting in a considerable reduction in IO.
Pop Tarts and Hurricanes
Today Steve Jones talks about the relation between hurricanes and poptarts, and why you should be working on your T-SQL skills.
Help Make SQL Server “Denali” The Best Release Yet!
A blog from Dan Jones of Microsoft asks you to test the next release of SQL Server, in CTP3 now, and send your feedback to Microsoft to ensure that the product is well tested.
Understanding the SQL Server NOLOCK hint
It seems that in some SQL Server shops the use of the NOLOCK (aka READUNCOMMITED) hint is used throughout the application. In this tip we take a closer look at how this works and what the issues maybe when using NOLOCK.
A faster DBCC CHECKDB?
This article describes a utility that is able to report the most common DBCC CHECKDB errors significantly faster than DBCC CHECKDB does itself.
The Talent Crunch
There seems to be no shortage of IT jobs in the US, and Steve Jones reminds us that the shortage is for talented workers, not just workers.
Blogs
ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
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A Fabric solution can be very cost effective
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Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log
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Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log If you...
Forums
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...
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
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