It's been five years since Microsoft released a new DBMS, but both experts and users agree that this one was worth the wait. SQL Server 2005's enhancements and new features have made the system a much more attractive attractive option to both large and small shops. Nonetheless, upgrading to SQL Server 2005 is a serious undertaking, requiring extensive training, planning and testing. In this Learning Guide, you will find news, technical tips and expert advice to help address your questions and concerns regarding SQL Server 2005 and put you on the road to a successful upgrade.

Get Away From Confusing Code

by Sean McCown

SQLServerCentral.com

Advanced Querying

Most time we probably think that lots of our code is confusing, but when working with data values that need or contain quotes, it can get especially confusing. Sean McCown looks at a method for making this code easier to read.

Dynamic Management Views

by Additional Articles

SQLTeam.com

Administration

The dynamic management views (DMVs) in SQL Server 2005 are designed to give you a window into what's going on inside SQL Server. They can provide information on what's currently happening inside the server as well as the objects it's storing. They are designed to be used instead of system tables and the various functions provided in SQL Server 2000. This article provides an introduction to DMVs and covers a few of the basic views and functions.

Small Scale SQL Server Deployment

by Tim Mitchell

SQLServerCentral.com

Miscellaneous

Everyone seems to focus on the large scale, enterprise level installations of SQL Server with not a lot of information on the little guy. To that end, new author Tim Mitchell brings us a great overview on what you should consider when setting up a SQL Server environment for a small scale setting.

Data Rich, Information Poor?

by Additional Articles

TDAN

Miscellaneous

Data, information, and knowledge. They're all different concepts and we sometimes lose sight of the fact that there are differences. This is a good look at the difference.

MDX Essentials : Set Functions: The DRILLDOWNMEMBER() Function

by Additional Articles

Database Journal

Analysis Services (SSAS)

In this article, we will begin an extended examination of the MDX surrounding drilling up and down within our Analysis Services cubes. Comprising an analytical technique by which an information consumer can maneuver between summarized ("drilling up") and detailed ("drilling down") levels of data, drilling up or down occurs along the lines of drilling paths that are defined within the physical structures of our cubes. Often specified by the cube's dimensional hierarchies, these paths can also be based upon alternative relationships that exist within or between dimensions.

SQL Server Spotlight on Kirk Haselden

by Steve Jones

SQLServerCentral.com

Interviews

SQL Server Integration Services is one of the most highly anticipated subsystems of SQL Server 2005 and Kirk Haselden is the guy that got it done. Steve Jones caught up with Kirk at PASS and he agreed to an interview and here it is.

Bogus Resumes and Unblushing Lies

by Additional Articles

Redgate

Miscellaneous

Simple Talk's newest commentator, Phil Factor, reveals the dark side of hiring database specialists: "Soon after he had been shown his desk in our crowded, open-plan IT office, he began laughing out loud, sporadically and inappropriately, while reviewing code. It wasn't my code, so I didn't mind."

Configuring the Pivot Component

by Additional Articles

sqljunkies.com

Integration Services (SSIS)

Sometimes coincidences happen that make you sit back and say Hmm. Couple of days back Ovidiu, one of our senior developers, came by and asked me to blog about the Pivot transform. Then earlier today someone doing a high end POC down south need the same information.

SQL Diagnostic Manager Review

by Kathi Kellenberger

SQLServerCentral.com

Product and Book Reviews

SQL Diagnostic Manager from Idera is a great tool for troubleshooting issues with your SQL Server databases. Kathi Kellenberher puts this tool through it's paces and gives you some insight into how it fits in a busy SQL Server environment.

SQL Server 2005 Learning Guide

Get Away From Confusing Code

Dynamic Management Views

Small Scale SQL Server Deployment

Data Rich, Information Poor?

MDX Essentials : Set Functions: The DRILLDOWNMEMBER() Function

SQL Server Spotlight on Kirk Haselden

Bogus Resumes and Unblushing Lies

Configuring the Pivot Component

SQL Diagnostic Manager Review

Blogs

The Book of Redgate: Do the Right Things

How to Connect to SQL Server When Nothing Else Works – DAC

Get a Range of Sequence Values: #SQLNewBlogger

Forums

Jabatan Imigresen Certified Translators: Trusted Support for Official Documents

Let's Talk Community Events!

that one limitation in replication

Question of the Day

Detecting Deadlocks