XML Indexing In SQL Server 2005
Intrested in how to index XML documents? Here's a 12 page PDF on how this works.
Migrating Database Objects
Not a fun task, although SQL Server 2000 makes the job easier than a few other platforms. Still it's work and it starts to encroach on Jeffrey Yao's two DBA laws having to do with fun at work. Read about his laws and see if you agree and follow along on a real world adventure in migrating hundreds of database objects to a new database.
Reporting Services vs. Crystal Reports
A Feature comparison of Reporting Services for SQL 2000 and Crystal Reports / Crystal Enterprise. PDF file link.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to patch SQL Server, part 2
Welcome to part two of our series on finding and patching SQL Servers in your organization. In part one we discussed how to find all of the SQL Server instances on your network. In this part, we'll discuss patch deployment and the various options available to you.
Using Exotic Joins in SQL Part 1
When most developers think of joins, they think of a.SomethingID = b.SomethingID. This type of join, the equijoin, is vitally important to SQL programming; however, it only scratches the surface of the power of the SQL join. This is the first in a series of articles that will look at several different types of exotic joins in SQL. This article will focus on using the BETWEEN operator in joins when dealing with range-based data.
Introduction to MSSQL Server Analysis Services: Presentation Nuances:
In this article, we will examine a subject that is near and dear to broadly focused report authors - the use of cube structure to create desired cosmetic effects - in the Cube Browser, and more importantly, in a reporting environment. I constantly get e-mails, and see questions in forums and elsewhere, asking how to achieve effects that are not apparently "available" in "intuitive" cube structures, such as any of those that we see in the sample cubes. One of the apparent "shortfalls" that frustrate users is their inability to display the same dimension on both the "x-" and "y-" axes for presentation purposes.
DBxtra Discount
We periodically negotiate a discount withe vendors for the SQLServerCentral.com readers. We've gotten another one from DBxtra for a Professional license if you're interested in this reporting tool.
10 Things You Shouldn't Do with SQL Server
I posted a blog entry and a forum entry in a couple places to ask the question, "What are the things you see developers doing with SQL Server data access that they shouldn't?" The list grew to about 25 or 26 things that were hot topics (so much that the Microsoft SQL Server product team was passing the thread around).
SQL Backup 3.0
SQL Server 2000 has a rock solid backup process and one that many people have relied upon for years. However with the growth in database sizes and the constant load on many database servers, a third party backup utility is almost required in many environments. Kathi Kellenberger takes a look at Red-Gate Software's SQL Backup 3.0 and how it performs in her environment.
The Advent of E3
A few months ago we ran a series of columns dedicated to defining each of the major disciplines of data integration: extract, transformation and load (ETL); enterprise application interchange (EAI); and enterprise information integration (EII). We also asked for input as to which method or methods of integration are in use, or planned to be used, in your organizations.
Blogs
Microsoft announces new cybersecurity AI multi-model
By Brian Kelley
Yesterday, July 27, 2026, Microsoft announced a new cybersecurity effort called Project Perception. Included...
Getting the SQL Server MCP Server Running
By Steve Jones
If you’ve wanted a SQL Server MCP server for your databases, it’s available. The...
Introducing azsql-migration-test: Test and Validate Azure SQL Database Migrations
Introducing azsql-migration-test, a small open-source CLI that validates your Azure SQL Database migrations against...
Forums
Make It Routine
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DBCC CHECKDB Limits III
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CROSS APPLY Fundamentals: Part 1
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Question of the Day
DBCC CHECKDB Limits III
On SQL Server 2025, does DBCC CHECKDB support Memory-Optimized tables?
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