Hot Skills
What are the hot skills for 2011? Steve Jones talks about one that you might not have thought about.
Creating User-Defined Functions in Microsoft SQL Server
SQL Server's own list of functions is limited as far as what is available for database developers to use in their applications. Starting with SQL Server 2000, database developers were given the ability to create their own routines that accept parameters, perform custom actions and return results.
Can Wives Shorten Work Hours?
This editorial was originally published on Jun 23, 2005. It is being reprinted today as Steve is on vacation. It talks about the impact of long hours on families.
SQL Server's implementation of Window Functions
Phil factor compares SQL Server 2008's implementation of Window Functions to PostgreSQL and finds SQL Server frustratingly lacking in some of the essentials.
Migrating Your SQL Server Database Applications to SQL Azure
Most business applications you write probably utilize some kind of relational database. And, as a .NET developer, the chances are that database is Microsoft SQL Server. This article walks you through migrating your SQL Server database applications to the cloud with SQL Azure.
Great Service – All About Attitude
today we have a guest editorial from Andy Warren that talks about how attitude can influence the impression you make can have a huge impact on how your service is viewed.
Moving Database Files Detach/Attach or ALTER DATABASE?
Learn why ALTER DATABASE should be preferred over Detach/Attach for moving database files on the same SQL Server from MVP Jonathan Kehayias.
Mission Critical: SQL Server Upgrade
You're faced with the task of doing a SQL Server Upgrade? Do you know all the steps, and the right order to do them? You do? Even with interruptions and distractions? Maybe, but it is wise to be able to refer to the Mission-Critical Task checklist.
Setting up your own free Virtualized test environment
If you need to test new software, configurations, patches or operating systems, a virtual machine saves time, risk and hardware. You can set up a virtual test environment for free with some products such as VMware Server 2. All you need is a simple set of instructions about how to set it up; and here it is, thanks to Sean Duffy.
Community Direction
Steve Jones wishes that Microsoft had a way for the community to give better feedback about what we see as a priority in the next version of SQL Server.
Blogs
ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
By Brian Kelley
If you are considering any of the ISACA AI certs like the Advanced Artificial...
A Fabric solution can be very cost effective
By ChrisJenkins
Are you currently using Microsoft Fabric or considering migrating to it? If so, there...
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log
By SQLPals
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log If you...
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