The Randomness of Analog
A look back at the random nature of finding information in libraries and bookstores. A feeling Steve Jones misses.
SQL Data Aggregation Aggravation
When we have to deal with and store a lot of data, it makes sense to aggregate it so that we store only the information we actually need. If we get this right, this works well, but the design of the system takes care and thought because the problems can be subtle and various. Joe Celko describes some of the ways that things can go wrong and end up providing incorrect, inaccurate or misleading results.
The struggle to renormalize data
You are given an export of a NoSQL database, in JSON, and asked to import it into a relational database. Sounds easy? It isn't and Phil Factor explain why.
What Mail Items Have Been Sent With Database Mail
Have you ever wondered how much database mail you have sent in the past day or week? What about those database mail items that were not successfully sent. In this tip, Greg Larsen shows you how to review the database mail items that have been processed by SQL Server.
The Control Poll
Do you use version control for your databases? For your application code? Is there a time when you think it's not needed? Steve Jones asks the question today.
Creatures of habit, snowflakes, and integration tax
Why are practices like version control, continuous integration and automated deployment being introduced to application development but left on the shelf when it comes to the database? In search...
Setup and Implement SQL Server 2016 Always On Distributed Availability Groups
SQL Server 2016 introduced a new feature called Distributed Availability Group. A Distributed Availability Group is a special type of Availability Group that spans two separate Availability Groups. Edwin Sarmiento explains.
The Shortcomings of Predictive Accuracy
In prediction, accuracy is key. But it's not all it's cracked up to be as we will explore.
Using Tools that Fit
Equipment can matter for IT professionals. Read a few thoughts from Andy Warren.
Blogs
ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
By Brian Kelley
If you are considering any of the ISACA AI certs like the Advanced Artificial...
A Fabric solution can be very cost effective
By ChrisJenkins
Are you currently using Microsoft Fabric or considering migrating to it? If so, there...
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log
By SQLPals
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log If you...
Forums
We Are Eating Our Own Seed Corn
Comments posted to this topic are about the item We Are Eating Our Own...
Before Using AI with Business Data, Read This
Artificial intelligence tools are quickly becoming part of daily business operations, from document analysis...
Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines That Don't Break at Scale
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines...
Question of the Day
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
In the Database Engine, when a deadlock is detected, what does the detection interval shrink to (in time)?
See possible answers