Timing is Everything
A phishing attack is directed at engineers, but it could easily be pointed at IT pros.
PolyBase in SQL Server 2019 – The End of ETL?
PolyBase has been around since 2016, but Microsoft is enhancing it in 2019 with the ability to connect to more data sources. You can now use PolyBase to connect to other SQL Server instances, and it’s easy to set up with a wizard. In this article Benjamin Weissman explains what’s new in PolyBase and walks you through setting it up and connecting to an external table.
Problems Caused by Use of the SQL_VARIANT Datatype
Phil Factor illustrates the 'quirks' of the SQL_VARIANT datatype and why it's best to investigate when SQL Prompt alerts you to its use. It is only safe to store data as a SQL_VARIANT, if you explicitly convert it to its true type before you use it.
Stairway to SQL Server Security Level 1: Overview of SQL Server Security
The ubiquity of databases and the potentially valuable information stored in them makes them attractive targets for people who want to steal data or harm its owner by tampering with it. Making sure that your data is secure is a critical part of configuring SQL Server and developing applications that use it to store data.
Data privacy next steps: Compliant Database DevOps
Over the last year we’ve seen a shift in customer concerns around personal data, as well as new legislation. Now is the time to implement a robust process to safeguard your data and your business, without hindering your DevOps journey. Read this blog post to find out the next steps for data privacy
Relational Databases vs Graph Databases
In this tip we will address questions that will help relational database developers understand the various considerations for using a graph database.
SQL Agent in Level 5 of the Stairway of SQL Server on Linux
In this level of the Stairway to SQL Server on Linux, we learn how to set up and use SQL Agent.
Data privacy. Don’t look forward. Look back.
With all the talk about new data privacy legislation, we don’t stop to think about existing laws. Legislation like the GDPR kick-started the way the world views data privacy, and this blog post explores how existing laws are being used in new ways around the globe to enforce similar protection.
Blogs
Lift and shift vs modernizing your data warehouse
By James Serra
If you are migrating a data warehouse, there is a question worth asking before...
Power BI Fun With Travels
By Steve Jones
I’m back from a great vacation. I had the chance to visit two new...
DiskANN Experiment — Exploring Entry Points and Graph Neighborhoods
Introduction I was experimenting with vector search in SQL Server 2025 using approximately 3.8...
Forums
Communication, For Incidents and Life
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Communication, For Incidents and Life
PostgreSQL psql Meta Commands: Tables
Comments posted to this topic are about the item PostgreSQL psql Meta Commands: Tables
Building a Support Ticket Triage Report with IIF() and CHOOSE() in SQL Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Building a Support Ticket Triage...
Question of the Day
PostgreSQL psql Meta Commands: Tables
Which of the following psql meta commands (also called backslash or slash commands) will provide information about tables within a database?
See possible answers