Quality Provides Traction/Velocity
Quality is a driver for productivity. Or so say I. What do you think.
Quick Testing with SQL Clone Images
Steve Jones explains how SQL Clone can be used to create multiple copies of a database for different testing scenarios, while using just a fraction of the disk space. For example for developers to experiment in sandbox environments, with full copies of large databases, without the hassle and delays of restoring backups or copying database files.
The Power of the Data Model
A data model is far more powerful than simply a set of build instructions for DBAs. It can be used to shape business thought and actions for the benefit of all.
Office Hours Webcast 2017/02/01
In this edition of Office Hours, Brent, Erik, and Richie discuss AlwaysOn Availability Groups, execution plans, speeding up log shipping, applying wrong service packs, their favourite high availability solutions, and more.
Azure DWH part 4: How to import data to Azure DWH using SSIS
In this article, we will use SSIS to import a CSV file to Azure SQL Data Warehouse.
Problems With Database Problems
The GitLab crisis has Steve Jones thinking about two things: competence and care.
The Second Career
From a well-built cockney who knew how to avoid wheel clamps, to an ex-member of an elite anti-riot unit, some of the best DBAs have a surprising diversity of skills and experiences, according to Phil Factor.
How to Build Your First SQL Server Virtual Lab in Windows Azure
If you are a DBA who hasn't so far dived in head-first into using Azure, it is worth setting up an Azure 'Virtual Lab' environment the easy way, using a template. This will then allow you to experiment, try things out with SQL Azure, and get familiar with Resource Groups. Joshua shows how to build a virtual lab, from the ground up in the first of a series that aims to give you a grounding in Azure.
Moving Through Five Years
An updated editorial. The five years are almost up for the prediction that IT departments would be eliminated. Read Steve Jones thoughts on where we are today.
Query Performance Tuning – A Methodical Approach
Learn how to approach performance tuning in this piece from SQL Server MCM and MVP, Gail Shaw.
Blogs
I recommend Smart Brevity (book) for communications
By Brian Kelley
Following the advice in Smart Brevity improves communication.
SQL Server 2025 Developer Edition – One size fits all
By John
Microsoft has released SQL Server 2025, bringing big improvements to its main database engine....
Monday Monitor Tips: Learning While Using the Tool
By Steve Jones
A customer was asking about what certain items in Redgate Monitor mean. They have...
Forums
Switch partition: NULL boundary id
I have table: t1 in schema1 with 19 billion records. I have another table...
Minimally Viable Security
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Minimally Viable Security
Encoding NULL
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Encoding NULL
Question of the Day
Encoding NULL
What is returned from this code in SQL Server 2025?
SELECT BASE64_ENCODE(NULL)See possible answers