COM+, SQL Server, Serializable isolation level and the issues!
This article shows you how to identify SQL Server performance problems and explains how the SERIALIZABLE transaction isolation level effected the performance of an OLTP application.
Is the Schema Still Needed?
Do you know what the schema is? In Relational databases, there is the concept of a database and a table, but the schema sits between them. In SQL Server, this is known as the owner. But do we really need this additional layer? Has it ever caused you problems? Has it outlived its usefulness?
SQL Stripes 0.50 Build 180 Released
SQL Stripes is an application that helps you - the SQL Server DBA, to have complete control over your servers. From the high-level of monitoring essential components to the low-level of analyzing your various databases. SQL Stripes is an intuitive and easy to use application and is intended for SQL Server DBA who want to have an easier life. SQL Stripes is completely free! (Announcement, not reviewed)
Web Application Maker released for SQL Server
New Web interface generator for multi-user SQL Server databases. Makes either complete DB interfaces with a single click, or web form fragments through model-based developer API. Sources available. Online showroom allows use and development; trial version available for download. (Announcement, not reviewed)
Comparison of Business Intelligence Strategies between SQL and Oracle
Dinesh does a good write up on research he did investigating the BI market and doing a feature comparison between Oracle 9i and SQL 2000. Simple bullet point format, worth a look.
SQL Server Security: The db_executor Role
Brian will be writing a monthly column for us on SQL Security, definitely a hot topic these days! He starts off by discussing the need for a built in db_executor role and how to grant permissions manually to achieve the same effect. Terrific concept, as granting table access can lead to bad things! If there is a security topic you'd like to see more info on, post a note to the article or email us at articles@sqlservercentral.com.
A Sneak Peak at Windows 2003
Microsoft has been running 2 day seminars on Windows 2003 across the country as well as at selected Enterprise Partner sites. Steve Jones recently attended one and has a first look at the next generation of Windows Servers.
Webcast: 0 to Cluster in 60 Minutes-Clustering Windows and SQL Server
In this session we’ll rapidly discuss the MSCS clustering architecture and deploying the system into your environment. We’ll then jump into a demo where we actually cluster a Windows and SQL Server system in under 60 minutes. We’ll discuss the administration tools and best practices on clustering and walk you through completing a cluster and fixing problems along the way. After this session, you should have just enough information to build you own SQL Server that is highly available.
SQLInserts 2.0 Released
LockwoodTech has released a new version of SQLInserts with an entirely redesigned interface that supports client-side WHERE clauses, column level scripting, table level row maximums and much more.
Integrating SQL LiteSpeed in your existing Backup Infrastructure
This articles makes the case for using SQL LiteSpeed over other backup solutions and presents some notes about why the DBA should manage backups rather than offloading to network administration.
Blogs
Shifting Mindsets: Why FinOps is Essential for Cloud Efficiency
By HeyMo0sh
As a DevOps practitioner, I’ve always focused on performance, scalability, and automation. But as...
March 2026 SQL Server Security Updates
By Brian Kelley
On Patch Tuesday, in addition to OS and Office security patches, Microsoft also released...
How Fabric Mirroring Transformed with SQL Server 2025
When mirroring was first released for Azure SQL Database, it used Change Data Capture...
Forums
Multiple Deployment Processes
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Multiple Deployment Processes
How to Use sqlpackage to Detect Schema Drift Between Azure SQL Databases
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How to Use sqlpackage to...
Upgrading Admin Queries
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Upgrading Admin Queries
Question of the Day
Upgrading Admin Queries
I have a query from a former DBA that we run on SQL Server 2025 to check on database metadata. This query references sys.sysaltfiles. I want to refactor this code to be more modern. Which DMV should I reference instead?
See possible answers