Compression and its Effects on Performance
Erin Stellato takes a look at the new COMPRESS and DECOMPRESS functions, comparing their impact on space and performance to traditional data compression.
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.
Blogs
Redgate and Rome
By Steve Jones
I’m at the UK Redgate office today, meeting with senior leaders in all areas...
Quick Tip: Check Most DTU Expensive Queries in Azure SQL Database
Optimizing Azure SQL Database performance often begins with identifying the most resource-intensive queries. Understanding...
PowerShell Newbie – Variables
By gbargsley
This is Week 2 of PowerShell Strikes Back – a four-week May series for...
Forums
SSRS Is Dead. Here Are Your Real Options
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SSRS Is Dead. Here Are...
The Distance Metric
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Distance Metric
The New Wave of Security Threats
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The New Wave of Security...
Question of the Day
The Distance Metric
In the new VECTOR_DISTANCE() function in SQL Server 2025, the first parameter is the distance_metric. What is this?
See possible answers