An overview of Master Data Services - MDS in SQL Server 2008 R2
With Master Data Services, IT organizations can centrally manage critical data assets companywide.
Solving All Versus (Select All) SSRS End User Confusion
When developing reports that use Analysis Services as a data source end user can sometimes be confused about some of...
Beginning T-SQL 2008 - Book Review
A book review of a new T-SQL book for SQL Server 2008, written by longtime SQLServerCentral author and MVP, Kathi Kellenburger.
Database Documentation: Joining up the Dots
This week, a guest editorial from Phil Factor on how SQL Server database documentation falls woefully short of what is required and expected by most development teams.
Denormalization Strategies
In building a database, typically we want a well normalized design. However there are cases for considering options for denormalization in complex systems. Timothy Claason gives you some thoughts on the subject.
SQL Server Central launches online training for SQL Server Developers, DBA’s, and Analyst’s
Build your SQL Server skills without leaving your desk.
The Corporate Borg
A new type of application looks to collate and integrate knowledge from workers all around a company. Steve Jones is reminded of the Borg for today's editorial and says it might be good for data professionals.
SQL Server 2008 Audit Change Group
Auditing your SQL Server instances has become more of a concern these days. SQL Server 2008 introduced a new feature named SQL Server Audit. Enabling this feature can be done in just a few simple steps, but so could disabling this feature. And when it comes to audits, many times you are asked to provide proof that the audit itself has not been tampered with.
Friday Afternoon
This Friday's poll asks when types of distractions you might like to have at work that would let you recharge. Answer and let everyone else know what would help you enjoy your job more.
SQL Server 2008 T-SQL Enhancements Part - II
Continuing with his series on changes in SQL Server 2008, Arshad Ali takes a look at table enhancements and new data types.
Blogs
Who Are You Doing It For?
By Brian Kelley
But as I've matured over the years, I came to realize that I needed...
Presenting Twice in May 2026
By alevyinroc
I will be presenting my latest session, Documenting Your Work for Worry-Free Vacations, in-person...
Finding the Next Sequence Value: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I saw a question asking about the next sequence value and decided to try...
Forums
DB Design Methods
I've read a few posts regarding what we use to design DB models and...
Auto Update Statistics not triggering on filtered indexes
I've got a table with 186,703,969 rows, about 300GB of data. There are several...
What is the difference between SQL Server and SQL Database?
I created a SQL Database in Azure Portal but I've just noticed it also...
Question of the Day
An Unusual Identity
What values are returned when I run this code?
CREATE TABLE dbo.IdentityTest2
(
id NUMERIC(10,0) IDENTITY(10,10) PRIMARY KEY,
somevalue VARCHAR(20)
)
GO
INSERT dbo.IdentityTest2
(
somevalue
)
VALUES
( 'Steve')
, ('Bill')
GO
SELECT top 10
id
FROM dbo.IdentityTest2 See possible answers