This article shows how to download sqlserverbuilds.blogspot.com to build your own automated sql patch level check.

Database Build Blockers: Four-part Object References

by Additional Articles

Redgate

Vendors/3rd-party Products

Cross-server references keep cropping up as a problem for development and build. Phil Factor demonstrates how using linked server 'aliases' can get around these issues, even if the individual databases use four-part references within the code rather than synonyms.

Approaching the End of a Dramatic Year

by Nitin Bhojwani

SQLServerCentral

holiday

A positive outlook during a difficult year.

Execute SSIS Package with SQLCMD and Parameters

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MSSQLTips.com

In this article we walk through the steps of how to run an SSIS package using SQLCMD along with passing parameters to the SSIS package.

Free eBook: SQL Server Execution Plans, Third Edition

by Press Release

Redgate

Execution Plans

If a query is performing poorly, and you can't understand why, then that query's execution plan will tell you not only what data set is coming back, but also what SQL Server did, and in what order, to get that data. It will reveal how the data was retrieved, and from which tables and indexes, what types of joins were used, at what point filtering, sorting and aggregation occurred, and a whole lot more. These details will often highlight the likely source of any problem.

Sharing SQL Code Snippets with Coworkers, The World and Yourself

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Redgate

Vendors/3rd-party Products

Louis Davidson explains how he manages and shares several different sources of SQL Prompt code snippets, in a single Snippet library, using Dropbox and source control.