Would You Move to Linux for Price?
There's a sale on the price of SQL Server for Linux and Steve wonders if people will move.
Preventing Invalid Data Early In An ETL Flow
In this post, Tim Smith will look at some of the considerations for both data rules and logic to prevent invalid data early in the ETRL process.
Auto-Deleting Data
Steve likes that idea of auto deleting data, especially with legislation increasing.
Random Word Generation for Data Scrubbing
With HIPAA and GDPR requiring your careful scrubbing of data for lower environments, random word generation promises to be a huge helper. Read here how to do it.
Introduction to Azure SQL Managed Instance
Microsoft currently offers two built-in methods of running production SQL Server databases in Azure. The first relies on the ability of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) Azure virtual machines to host a variety of on-premises workloads, including SQL Server instances. The second one leverages Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)-based Azure SQL Database. With the introduction of the Azure SQL Managed Instance service, you have a third option, which combines the benefits of its two predecessors.
Self SQL Injection
Based on a real fact, this article demonstrates how a bad use of sp_executesql can lead to unpleasant surprises
Taking Shortcuts
We don't mean to introduce security issues, but sometimes we do because we give in to pressure.
Execution Plans and Data Protection
One of the most important tools for query tuning is ability to view execution plans. They are even portable; you can send an execution plan to get advice from someone who doesn't have access to the underlying data. Have you even considered that sensitive information might travel along with the plans? Hugo Kornelis explains how execution plans affect data protection.
The CDO
Does your company have a Chief Data Officer? Steve Jones doesn't think you need one to use data wisely.
Blogs
Advice I Like: Pyramid Schemes
By Steve Jones
If someone is trying to convince you it’s not a pyramid scheme, it’s a...
Using Prompt AI for a Travel Data Analysis
By Steve Jones
I was looking back at my year and decided to see if SQL Prompt...
FinOps for Kubernetes: Leveraging OpenCost, KubeGreen, and Kubecost for Cost Efficiency
In the era of cloud-native applications, Kubernetes has become the default standard platform for...
Forums
Database file shrink issue.
Hi experts, I have a 3+ TB database on a 2019 sql server which...
The North Star for the Year
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The North Star for the...
Multiple Escape Characters
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Multiple Escape Characters
Question of the Day
Multiple Escape Characters
In SQL Server 2025, I run this code (in a database with the appropriate collation):
SELECT UNISTR('%*3041%*308A%*304C%*3068 and good night', '%*') AS 'A Classic';
What is returned? See possible answers