Database Upgrade to SQL Server 2008 Tools and Approaches

Performing an upgrade is a complex and often risky project. A successful upgrade can provide an organization with a modern platform for development and production. An unsuccessful upgrade can cause lost time and money, and it can create a bad perception for the future.

This paper documents approaches and tools that can help DBAs and developers to achieve successful and mostly painless upgrade of SQL Server databases from Microsoft® SQL Server® 2000 or SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 (or SQL Server 2008 R2).

Keeping Fresh

Today Steve Jones talks about how you might be able to help keep your employees excited and happy with their jobs.

Tally Table Uses - Part II

In part II of this series, Sioban Krzywicki shows us another way Tally Tables have helped solve problems - Text Parsing.

Implementing SSIS Package Configurations

Marcin Policht demonstrates how to leverage SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) package variables in order to modify SSIS properties without directly editing package content.

Houston, we have a problem

Phil Factor takes a sideways look at Houston, a new tool for building SQL Azure applications, and is somewhat underwhelmed by what he finds.

Parallelism and Performance: Are You Getting Full Return on Your CPU Investment?

A webinar from the PASS Performance VC on Aug 3, 2010

Snoops

A survey shows the majority of IT administrators have snooped for data on their networks. Steve Jones reminds us to be professionals, each and every day.

Tally Table Uses - Part I

In the first part of a series on Tally Tables, Sioban Krzywicki shows how a Tally Table has helped out with fiscal year calculations.

Making your database changes backward compatible: Changing a relationship

Let's face it: requirements change. There is usually a lot of churn during the design and initial development stages, but changes can happen to mature applications, too. The key is to introduce those changes with the least amount of effort and risk.

Auditing

For this Friday poll, Steve Jones asks about your auditing requirements.