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.
Log Growing Pains
Understanding the transaction log seems to be a very difficult concept fro mos DBAs to grasp. Jason Brimhall brings us a new article that helps to troubleshoot the cause of log growths.
Separate Styles
Does it make sense to publish multiple articles on the same subject? Steve Jones talks about the reasoning behind how SQLServerCentral chooses content.
Kimball University: Three ETL Compromises to Avoid
Why neglecting slowly changing dimensions, failing to capture metadata and overlooking scope creep can be the undoing of a dimensional data warehousing initiative.
Blogs
Car Update: August 2026
By Steve Jones
It’s been some time since I provided a car update, so I decided to...
Microsoft Fabric OneLake Shortcuts: When to Use Them and When Not To
By James Serra
An architecture scenario Imagine separate Sales, Finance, Shared Data, and Executive Analytics workspaces. Sales...
SQL Server Security Hardening Guide Using the DoD STIG Checklist
Security on your SQL Server is important. That doesn’t need any explaining. But where...
Forums
Backing Up a DMK
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Question of the Day
Backing Up a DMK
In SQL Server 2025, I have a database with a Database Masker Key (DMK). I want to back up this key and keep a copy offline. When do I have to open this key before running the backup?
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